Back-to-School Neopolitan Cake Bites

As the summer days fade and the school year approaches, parents and kids alike gear up for new beginnings, fresh challenges, and, of course, a return to the hustle and bustle of school life. One of the best ways to ease the transition is through thoughtful treats that bring joy and excitement to lunchboxes. Back-to-school treats can be more than just sweet snacks; they can be a source of comfort and cheer during busy days. Among these delightful options, Neapolitan Cake Bites stand out as a playful and delicious choice, perfect for both kids and adults.

Back-to-School Neopolitan Cake Bites

As the back-to-school season approaches, bring joy to lunchboxes with homemade Neapolitan Cake Bites. These delightful treats feature three layers of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla, capturing the essence of your favorite ice cream. Not only are they delicious, but they can also be made with healthier ingredients, allowing for customizations to suit your taste. Perfect for school snacks or celebrations, these cake bites are a fun and nostalgic way to ease the transition into the school year while creating lasting family memories in the kitchen.

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Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup hot water

For the Strawberry Cake:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup pureed strawberries (fresh or frozen)

For the Vanilla Cake:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk

Food coloring (pink, brown, and white) for each flavor

For Coating (optional):

1 cup chocolate melts or candy coating

Sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.

Make the Chocolate Cake: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and hot water until thoroughly mixed. Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined; be careful not to over-mix. Pour the batter into one of the prepared pans and smooth the surface. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Prepare the Strawberry Cake: Using the same method as the chocolate cake, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in one bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and pureed strawberries. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, pour into the second prepared pan, and bake for the same duration. Cool completely.

Make the Vanilla Cake: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter until fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Pour the batter into the third prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until combined. Stir in vanilla extract and enough heavy cream or milk to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. Divide the frosting equally into three separate bowls, tint with pink for strawberry, brown for chocolate, and leave one white for vanilla.

Assemble the Cakes: Once all cakes are cool, level the tops if necessary. Cut each cake into 1-inch squares to create cake bites.

Layer the Flavors: Start with a chocolate square, spread chocolate frosting over it, and then place a strawberry square on top. Add a layer of strawberry frosting, followed by a vanilla square topped with vanilla frosting. Carefully repeat this layering process to create a second stack.

Coat the Bites: Dip each assembled layer of cake bites into melted chocolate melts (if desired), then set them on a parchment-lined tray. Immediately top with colorful sprinkles before the chocolate hardens.

Chill and Serve: Allow the bites to cool in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the chocolate set firmly. Enjoy these delicious cake bites as a delightful addition to lunch boxes or as a tasty after-school snack!

Prep Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 2 hours | Servings: 24 bites