Layered Neapolitan Delight Cake
Indulge in the harmonious blend of strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla flavors with this beautifully layered Neapolitan Delight Cake. This moist and festive sheet cake is perfect for any celebration. The vibrant colors are visually stunning, making it an eye-catching addition to your dessert table. Best of all, it's easy to prepare and can be stored in the freezer, allowing you to enjoy a slice of summer sweetness anytime. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of rich chocolate cake infused with strawberry gelatin and topped with a fluffy vanilla pudding frosting.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Strawberry Jell-O gelatin dessert
1 (3 ounce) package (dissolved in water)
Fudge marble cake mix
1 (18 1/4 ounce) package (prepared according to package directions)
Eggs
as directed by cake mix (as part of the cake mix)
Oil
as directed by cake mix (as part of the cake mix)
Frozen whipped topping
2-2 1/2 cups (thawed)
Instant vanilla pudding mix
1 (3 ounce) package (to be mixed with whipped topping)
Milk
1 1/2 cups (used for mixing with pudding)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (to be mixed with pudding)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix package.
2
In a small bowl, dissolve the strawberry Jell-O by stirring it into 3/4 cup of boiling water. Once dissolved, add 1/2 cup of cold water and set it aside to cool to room temperature.
3
Prepare the fudge marble cake mix according to the package directions using the required eggs and oil. Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.
4
Bake the cake as instructed on the package until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the baked cake to cool in the pan for 30 minutes.
5
Using a meat fork or chopstick, poke deep holes about 1 inch apart across the surface of the cooled cake. Slowly pour the cooled Jell-O mixture into the holes, ensuring it seeps into the cake.
6
Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the Jell-O to set into the cake.
7
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed whipped topping, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
8
Once the Jell-O has set, frost the cake with the vanilla pudding mixture, evenly covering the top.
9
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze it at this stage.
10
Serve chilled and enjoy each delicious layer of flavor!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Layered Neapolitan Delight Cake?
It is a festive sheet cake that combines strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla flavors using a fudge marble cake base, strawberry gelatin, and a vanilla pudding frosting.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: strawberry Jell-O, fudge marble cake mix, eggs, oil, frozen whipped topping, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract.
What size baking pan should I use?
You should use a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.
What kind of cake mix is required?
The recipe calls for one 18 1/4 ounce package of fudge marble cake mix.
How do I prepare the strawberry gelatin?
Dissolve a 3-ounce package of strawberry Jell-O in 3/4 cup of boiling water, then stir in 1/2 cup of cold water and let it cool to room temperature.
How long should the cake cool after baking?
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 30 minutes before poking holes in it.
What tools can I use to poke holes in the cake?
A meat fork or a chopstick works best for poking deep holes into the cake.
How far apart should the holes be poked?
The holes should be poked about 1 inch apart across the entire surface of the cake.
When do I add the strawberry Jell-O to the cake?
Pour the cooled Jell-O mixture into the holes after the cake has cooled for 30 minutes.
How long does the cake need to refrigerate before frosting?
The cake must be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the Jell-O to set into the cake.
What are the ingredients for the frosting?
The frosting is made from thawed whipped topping, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract.
What type of pudding mix is used for the topping?
Use one 3-ounce package of instant vanilla pudding mix.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of frozen topping?
While the recipe specifies frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip) for its stability, you can use stabilized homemade whipped cream as a substitute.
How much milk is needed for the vanilla frosting?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of milk.
How much vanilla extract should I add to the frosting?
Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the pudding and whipped topping mixture.
Does the cake need to be stored in the refrigerator?
Yes, the cake should be covered with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator.
Can this cake be frozen?
Yes, this cake is freezer-friendly and can be stored in the freezer for a refreshing frozen treat.
How should I serve the Neapolitan Delight Cake?
It should be served chilled to maintain the texture of the gelatin and the fluffy frosting.
Is this recipe suitable for a party?
Yes, its vibrant layers and sheet cake format make it perfect for celebrations and large gatherings.
Can I use a different Jell-O flavor?
While strawberry creates the classic Neapolitan profile, you could experiment with raspberry or cherry for different flavor variations.
What makes this cake 'Neapolitan'?
The combination of the chocolate and vanilla marble cake with the strawberry gelatin and vanilla frosting mimics the traditional Neapolitan trio.
How do I know when the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Do I need to mix the pudding with milk before adding the whipped topping?
You combine the pudding mix, milk, vanilla, and whipped topping all together in one bowl and mix until thick.
Should the whipped topping be frozen or thawed when mixing?
The whipped topping should be thawed before you fold it into the frosting mixture.
How much whipped topping is required?
The recipe calls for 2 to 2 1/2 cups of thawed whipped topping.
Can I use a yellow cake mix instead?
You can, but you will lose the 'fudge marble' chocolate element that is part of the Neapolitan flavor profile.
Is the frosting supposed to be thick?
Yes, mixing the instant pudding with milk and whipped topping creates a thick, creamy, and stable frosting.
How do I prevent the Jell-O from just sitting on top of the cake?
By poking deep holes and pouring the Jell-O slowly, you ensure it seeps down into the cake layers.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
You should preheat the oven to the temperature specified on your specific fudge marble cake mix package.
How long does the Jell-O take to set?
The Jell-O sets within the cake during the 2-hour refrigeration period.