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To achieve the iconic Neapolitan look, layering the batters correctly in the baking pan is essential. Here’s how to do it:

Back-to-School Neopolitan Cake Bites

As summer fades and back-to-school season begins, brighten up your kids' lunchbox with delightful Neapolitan Cake Bites! This fun treat combines rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, and sweet strawberry flavors in adorable bite-sized squares. Perfect for easing the transition into the new school year, these treats are not only tasty but visually appealing as well. Discover how to make them with essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions, ensuring your family enjoys every colorful bite!
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Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup milk

For the Neapolitan Layers:

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

½ cup strawberry puree (fresh strawberries blended until smooth)

½ teaspoon pink food coloring (optional, for the strawberry layer)

For the Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

4 cups powdered sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2-4 tablespoons heavy cream

Flavoring extracts: chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla

For Decorating:

Assorted sprinkles of your choice

Hershey’s chocolate syrup, for drizzling

Fresh strawberries, halved for garnish

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Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it with butter and sprinkling it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.

    Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until well incorporated.

      Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

        Divide the Batter: Split the batter into three equal portions. Stir the cocoa powder into one of the portions to create the chocolate layer. Mix the strawberry puree and pink food coloring into another portion for the strawberry layer. Leave the final portion as plain vanilla.

          Layer the Batter: Carefully pour the chocolate batter into one side of the prepared baking pan. Next, pour the vanilla batter next to it, followed by the strawberry batter. Use a spatula to gently swirl the layers together for a marbled appearance, creating beautiful streaks of color.

            Bake the Cake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

              Prepare the Frosting: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing on low, then add the vanilla extract. Incorporate 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, beating the mixture until fluffy. Adjust the frosting's consistency by adding more cream if necessary.

                Cut the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, remove it from the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Cut the cake into bite-sized squares, approximately 1 inch each.

                  Frost the Cake Bites: Dip half of each cake bite into the frosting, ensuring an even coating. Place the dipped cake bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

                    Decorate: Drizzle chocolate syrup over each frosted cake bite, then add sprinkles or a half of a fresh strawberry on top for an eye-catching finish.

                      Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the decorated cake bites for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set. Serve chilled and delight in the wonderful layers of Neapolitan flavor!

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                          Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 24 cake bites