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As the summer sun begins to fade and the school year approaches, many families find themselves searching for ways to celebrate the return to routine. One delightful way to do this is through baking, a cherished activity that brings families together in the kitchen. Creating treats that can be enjoyed during lunch breaks or after school is not only practical but also adds a touch of joy to the day. Among the myriad of options available, Neapolitan Cake Bites stand out as a fun and flavorful choice that captures the essence of nostalgia while offering a modern twist.

Back-to-School Neopolitan Cake Bites

Celebrate the return to school with delightful Back-to-School Neapolitan Cake Bites! These treats blend classic vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavors into bite-sized joys that are perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks. Simple to bake and visually stunning, these cake bites evoke sweet memories and create new family traditions in the kitchen. With a rich chocolate ganache coating and endless possibilities for garnishing, these bites are sure to please both kids and adults alike. Dive into baking and enjoy the process of creating memories as delicious as the treats!
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Ingredients
  

For the Vanilla Layer:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1/2 cup milk

1 tbsp baking powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp salt

For the Chocolate Layer:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tbsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

For the Strawberry Layer:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup pureed strawberries (fresh or thawed from frozen)

1 tbsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

For the Chocolate Ganache Coating:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup heavy cream

For Garnish:

Sprinkles or chopped nuts (optional)

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Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.

    Make Vanilla Cake Layer: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the milk, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt until smooth. Gradually mix in the flour until just combined. Pour the batter into one of the prepared cake pans.

      Make Chocolate Cake Layer: In a separate mixing bowl, repeat the creaming process with the butter and sugar. Add the eggs, milk, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder, then mix in the flour until smooth. Pour this batter into the second prepared cake pan.

        Make Strawberry Cake Layer: For the final layer, cream the butter and sugar, then add the eggs, mixing well. Pour in the milk and add the strawberry puree, mixing until combined. Finally, fold in the flour and baking powder. Pour into the last prepared cake pan.

          Bake the Cakes: Bake all three layers in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing from pans and placing on wire racks to cool completely.

            Prepare the Ganache: In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the heavy cream until it's just about to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips, stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

              Assemble the Cake Bites: Once cooled, cut each cake layer into small squares (about 1 inch). Stack each square by layering a vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry square together.

                Coat in Ganache: Dip each stacked cake bite into the warm chocolate ganache, letting the excess drip off. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

                  Garnish: While the ganache is still warm, sprinkle with optional toppings like colorful sprinkles or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.

                    Set: Let the ganache set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until hardened slightly.

                      Serve: Carefully transfer the Neapolitan cake bites to a serving platter and enjoy these delightful treats perfect for back-to-school snacking!

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                          Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours | Servings: About 24 bites