Neapolitan Cupcakes

Introduction & Inspiration

This recipe, “Neapolitan Cupcakes,” is inspired by the classic Neapolitan ice cream flavor combination: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

I wanted to translate those distinct yet complementary flavors into a fun and delicious cupcake form.

These cupcakes feature a layered design, with a brownie base and a vanilla cake top, all crowned with a vibrant strawberry buttercream frosting.

It’s a recipe that’s perfect for birthday parties, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a visually appealing and flavorful treat.

Nostalgic Appeal

These cupcakes tap into the nostalgic appeal of Neapolitan ice cream, a beloved treat for many.

The combination of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry is a classic for a reason, appealing to a wide range of tastes.

The cupcake format adds a fun and portable twist, making them even more enjoyable.

The layered design is reminiscent of Neapolitan ice cream sandwiches or layered cakes, evoking a sense of childhood wonder.

Semi-Homemade Convenience

This recipe utilizes a clever shortcut: boxed cake mix and brownie mix for the cupcake layers.

This “semi-homemade” approach saves time and effort without sacrificing flavor, especially when paired with a homemade strawberry buttercream.

It’s a perfect example of how you can create a seemingly complex dessert with minimal fuss.

The use of store-bought mixes makes this recipe accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

Flavor Goal

The primary flavor goal is a harmonious blend of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, with a variety of textures.

The brownie base provides a rich, fudgy, and intensely chocolatey foundation.

The vanilla cake layer adds a contrasting lightness and a classic vanilla flavor.

The strawberry buttercream frosting contributes a creamy, sweet, and fruity element, tying everything together.

It’s a multi-layered flavor experience that’s both comforting and exciting, perfect for satisfying any sweet craving.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s break down each ingredient:

For the Cupcakes:

• Box White Cake Mix (plus ingredients called for on box): This provides the base for the vanilla layer of the cupcakes, offering convenience and consistency.
• Box Brownie Mix (plus ingredients called for on box): This forms the fudgy chocolate base of the cupcakes.

For the Strawberry Buttercream:

• Chopped Strawberries: These provide the fresh, fruity flavor and natural color for the frosting.
• Cream Cheese (softened): This adds a tangy, creamy element to the frosting, balancing the sweetness of the powdered sugar.
• Butter (softened): This forms the base of the buttercream, providing richness and a smooth texture.
• Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the frosting and helps to create a fluffy consistency.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: This enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a warm, aromatic note.
• Red Food Coloring (optional): This can be used to enhance the pink color of the frosting, if desired.

The combination of these ingredients creates a cupcake that’s both flavorful and visually appealing.

Essential Equipment

Here’s the equipment you’ll need:

• Muffin pans (2 standard 12-cup): For baking the cupcakes.
• Cupcake liners: To line the muffin tins and prevent sticking.
• Large mixing bowls (multiple): For preparing the cake batter, brownie batter, and frosting.
• Hand mixer (or stand mixer): For mixing the batters and making the frosting.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
• Food processor: For pureeing the strawberries for the frosting.
• Spatula

That’s a pretty standard list of baking equipment!

List of Ingredients with Measurements

Here’s the ingredient list with precise measurements:

Cupcakes:

• 1 box white cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box
• 1 box brownie mix, plus ingredients called for on box

Strawberry Buttercream:

• ½ cup chopped strawberries
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract
• Red food coloring (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through the process:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two muffin pans with cupcake liners.
2. Prepare Batters: Make the cake mix and brownie batter according to the package instructions.
3. Layer Batter: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of brownie batter into the bottom of each cupcake liner. Fill the rest of the cup with vanilla cake batter.
4. Bake: Bake until a toothpick inserted into the middle of a cupcake comes out clean, about 20 minutes.
5. Cool: Let the cupcakes cool completely in the muffin tins. Repeat with the remaining batter to make 30 cupcakes total.
6. Make Frosting: While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. Add the chopped strawberries to a food processor and blend until the strawberries are mashed and almost completely pureed.
7. Cream Butter and Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter and beat with a hand mixer until smooth.
8. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and the strawberry puree and mix until evenly incorporated.
9. Add Colour: Stir in food coloring, if desired, for a pinker color.
10. Frost Cupcakes: Frost the cooled cupcakes with the strawberry frosting.

Troubleshooting

Here are a few potential issues and solutions:

• Cupcakes Sinking in the Middle: This can happen if the oven temperature is too low or if the batter is overmixed. Make sure your oven is properly preheated and mix the batter until just combined.
• Cupcakes Too Dry: This can happen if you overbake them. Watch the cupcakes carefully while they bake and check for doneness with a toothpick.
• Frosting Too Stiff: Add a tablespoon of milk or cream at a time until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
• Frosting Too Runny: Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.
• Batter overflowing: Do not overfill liners.

Tips and Variations

Here are some ways to customize this recipe:

• Different Cake Mix Flavors: Use a different flavor of cake mix, such as chocolate or yellow, for the top layer.
• Different Frosting Flavors: Use a different flavor of frosting, such as chocolate, vanilla, or cream cheese.
• Extracts: Add different extracts to change up the flavors.
• Add a Filling: Before frosting the cupcakes, use a small spoon or a piping bag to create a small well in the center of each cupcake and fill it with jam, lemon curd, or chocolate ganache.
• Make Mini Cupcakes: Use mini muffin tins and adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Decorate: Get creative with decorations.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Neapolitan Cupcakes are perfect for:

• Birthday Parties: Their fun, layered design and classic flavors make them a perfect birthday treat.
• Potlucks and Gatherings: They’re easy to transport and serve a crowd.
• Dessert Buffets: They add a colorful and delicious element to any dessert spread.
• Everyday Treats: They’re a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth any day of the week.

They pair well with milk, coffee, tea, or a scoop of ice cream.

Nutritional Information

These cupcakes are a treat, so they contain sugar and fat from the cake mix, brownie mix, butter, and frosting.

The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use.

It’s best to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Recipe Summary: Neapolitan Cupcakes feature a layered design with a brownie base and a vanilla cake top, all crowned with a vibrant strawberry buttercream frosting. They’re a fun and delicious treat inspired by the classic Neapolitan ice cream flavors.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: Yes, you can bake the cupcakes and make the frosting a day or two in advance. Store the components separately and assemble the cupcakes just before serving.

Q: How long do they last? A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they should stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.

Q: Can I freeze them? A: You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or container. Frost them after thawing.

Q: Can I use homemade cake and brownie recipes? A: Absolutely! Use your favorite recipes.

Q: Can I use a different type of berry for the frosting? A: Yes, you can use raspberries, blueberries, or other berries instead of strawberries