Back-to-School Neopolitan Cake Bites

As summer draws to a close and the school year approaches, parents and caregivers often seek out special treats to ease the transition for children. Back-to-school snacks not only provide a delicious pick-me-up but also serve as a way to create lasting memories around the kitchen table. One charming option that brings a sense of nostalgia and delight is Neapolitan Cake Bites. These bite-sized desserts capture the essence of the classic Neapolitan ice cream with its harmonious blend of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors, making them a treat that appeals to both children and adults alike.

Back-to-School Neopolitan Cake Bites

Get ready for a delightful back-to-school treat with Neapolitan Cake Bites! These charming bite-sized desserts blend classic chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors, making them perfect for kids and adults alike. Easy to make and visually appealing, they’re a fun way to celebrate the new school year. Packed with nostalgia and sweetness, these cake bites are great for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or parties. Enjoy creating memories in the kitchen while whipping up these colorful, flavorful delights!

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Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1/2 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

For the Neapolitan Layers:

1/3 cup cocoa powder (for chocolate layer)

1/3 cup strawberry puree (for strawberry layer)

1/3 cup additional batter (vanilla layer)

For the Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

2 tbsp milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

Food coloring (red and brown, if desired)

For Garnish:

Chocolate sprinkles (for chocolate layer)

Fresh strawberries (for strawberry layer)

Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.

Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.

Divide the Batter: Divide the batter equally into three bowls. In the first bowl, mix in the cocoa powder for the chocolate layer. In the second bowl, add the strawberry puree for the strawberry layer. Keep the third bowl as plain vanilla.

Layer the Batter: Pour the vanilla layer into the prepared pan first. Gently add the chocolate layer on top and then the strawberry layer. Use a knife to swirl the layers together gently for a marbled effect if desired.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely in the pan.

Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Add the milk and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If you want to color the frosting, divide it into three smaller bowls. Add red food coloring to one for the strawberry frosting, and brown to the other for the chocolate frosting.

Cut the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, carefully remove it from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Cut into bite-sized squares (about 1-2 inches each).

Frost the Bites: Dip the top of each bite into the corresponding frosting: half into the red strawberry frosting, half into the brown chocolate frosting, and leave some plain for the vanilla layer.

Garnish: Top the chocolate bites with chocolate sprinkles, and the strawberry bites with fresh strawberries. Optional: add a dollop of whipped cream on the side.

Serve and Enjoy: Plate the Neapolitan Cake Bites and enjoy them as a sweet after-school treat!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 1 hr | 24 cake bites