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As the school year approaches, parents and kids alike are gearing up for a new season of learning, activities, and, of course, tasty treats. One of the most delightful trends in the world of desserts is the emergence of cake bites—small, portable, and perfect for satisfying sweet cravings. These bite-sized morsels are not only fun to eat but also incredibly versatile, making them an ideal treat to pack in lunch boxes or serve as after-school snacks.

Back-to-School Neopolitan Cake Bites

Get ready for back-to-school season with these fun and delicious Neapolitan cake bites! This recipe combines the classic flavors of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla in bite-sized treats that are perfect for lunch boxes or after-school snacks. Each layered cake bite is visually appealing and easy to make, making them a hit for kids and adults alike. Bring some joy and sweetness to your child's day with this delightful recipe that’s sure to impress!
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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 to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

    Make the chocolate cake: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix oil, eggs, vanilla, buttermilk, and hot water until well combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Pour the batter into one of the prepared pans and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.

      Prepare the strawberry cake: Repeat the same steps as the previous cake for the strawberry cake, but replace the cocoa powder with pureed strawberries in the wet ingredients. Pour into the second prepared pan and bake as directed. Let cool completely.

        Make the vanilla cake: In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream the softened butter until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and buttermilk. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Bake in the third prepared pan for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely.

          Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until combined. Add vanilla extract and enough heavy cream to reach spreading consistency. Divide the frosting into three bowls and color them with pink (for strawberry), brown (for chocolate), and left white (for vanilla).

            Assemble the cakes: Once cooled, level the tops of all three cakes if necessary. Cut each cake into 1-inch squares to make cake bites.

              Layer the flavors: Take a chocolate square, spread a layer of chocolate frosting on top, then add a strawberry square, then another layer of strawberry frosting, followed by a vanilla square topped with vanilla frosting. Repeat the process to stack another layer on top.

                Coat the bites: Once you have your layered square, dip each bite into melted chocolate melts (if using) and place it on a parchment-lined tray. Sprinkle with colorful sprinkles immediately before the chocolate sets.

                  Chill and serve: Let the bites cool in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the chocolate set. Serve chilled in lunch boxes or as an after-school snack!

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