Rustic Neapolitan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

       
In honor of National Chocolate Cake Day (yeah, that's a thing), I decided to try out a new recipe I'd been dreaming of. I love cake in all flavors, so I though a Neapolitan cake with strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate flavors all in one would be perfect! By using one batter, dividing it into three, and flavoring it with cocoa and strawberry preserves, this recipe couldn't be simpler! 

Flour, sugar, baking soda, eggs, oil, milk and flavorings... So easy!

 Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine.

Divide into three...

And then add one flavor to each bowl. 

Stir in that cocoa...

And the strawberry preserves...

 Prepare your pans with butter, flour, and parchment paper.

 Fill each tin and spread each batter evenly over the bottom of the pan so it bakes evenly.

Be sure to make the biggest mess you can!

While your cakes are baking, whip up that frosting.

 After 15-17 minutes in the oven, let them completely cool before you frost them.

 Stack them up with layers of yummy cream cheese frosting.

         Cake

• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2  eggs
• 1 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup strawberry preserves
• 1/4 cup dutch process cocoa
  
  Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 stick of butter
• 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
• 2 table spoons milk

 1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Prepare your tins. Butter and flour them, and line with a round of parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Mix flour, sugar, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, mix oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and mix until combined.
3. Divide the batter into three parts. You'll have about 4 cups of batter, so you should get about 1 1/3 cups in each bowl. Add the cocoa to one bowl, the strawberry preserves to another, and leave one bowl just vanilla.
4. Pour each mixture into its own prepared tin. Bake at 350 for 15-17 minutes.
5. While your cakes are baking, prepare the frosting by whipping the butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar and mix well. Thin with milk, if necessary.
6. Remove your cakes from the oven and allow them to completely cool before you remove them from the pans and frost them.
7. Admire your handiwork and enjoy!