Neapolitan Hi-Hat Cake from Surprise-Inside Cakes
Ummm, WHAT. Can you believe this? This insane mountain of chocolate? Hi-hat cupcakes are adorable and all, but a cake version! I never would have thought of that. Thankfully, I am Baker did!
This Neapolitan Hi-Hat Cake is from Amanda Rettke’s new cookbook, Surprise-Inside Cakes. I was extremely excited when I got the opportunity to interview Amanda for work. (Isn’t it fun when work + blog worlds collide?) Once I saw all of the magical cakes in her cookbook, I couldn’t wait to make one! We were sent a recipe from the book to post along with the interview, so I thought I’d give it a shot and link back to that post. So you can all make it too! Even though you should definitely get a copy of the entire book as well. It’s gorgeous.
In the book, Amanda says this is probably the easiest cake of all of them. Because I’ve never tried to make anything like her incredible Surprise-Inside Cakes, this was clearly the best option for me! Although there is an Oreo Cake in there that is currently calling my name. 😉
All of the cakes in Amanda’s book have step-by-step photos and very detailed instructions. The cakes are rated by difficulty, so if you’re a Surprise-Inside Cake novice like myself, you can start with one that’s more your speed. Some cakes have layers of colorful frosting, and some have colorful layers of cake. Some have amazing designs on the inside, and some have amazing designs on the outside. They’re all so bright, colorful, and creative, I just want to try them all!
This cake starts with a brownie layer, the recipe for which is called “Decadent Brownies.” And oh man, are they decadent. That layer is topped with a strawberry cake layer, and then there’s all that Cool Whip. I was a little afraid of pouring melted chocolate over all of it, but that was mainly because usually I find a way to mess up things like that. Whenever I make ganache, I never put enough cream in it so it’s much stiffer than I think it’s going to be, or it’s the perfect consistency when it’s melted and I don’t think about what it’s going to be like when it cools. But this chocolate is melted with some canola oil, so it stays smooth and pourable even after it has cooled. I was afraid for nothing!
After I cut into this cake, I gave some to my parents and they completely freak out. My mom said it was one of the best things I’ve ever made, and I wish you could have seen my dad’s expression when I set a slice down in front of him. There is something so wonderful about anything Neapolitan flavored. Such a perfect combination. I totally get why Amanda loves it so much! She definitely nailed it with this cake. The dense brownies, moist strawberry cake, and fluffy whipped topping…plus more chocolate. Y’all.
If you’d like to make this crazy-awesome cake, you can view the recipes and instructions here. If you’d like to buy Amanda’s cookbook, you can order it at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and Amazon. DO IT!
What a gorgeous, impressive cake! I can’t get over how light and fluffy the layer of Cool-Whip looks. And that brownie layer looks like pure fudge — YUM!
Thanks so much, Jamie! Piling all the Cool Whip on top was definitely the best part. 🙂
This is AMAZING! What a gorgeous cake inside and outside. You rocked it Beth! I need to get that cookbook, I love when there are fun surprises inside cakes! So fun you got to meet her and interview her for your job!
Thanks so much, Chelsea! I didn’t actually meet her, but it was super fun to interview her! You should really check out the book. 🙂
I am in the guest bedroom doing some intense computer work when Beth walks in and places a slice of this cake in front of me. So yes the look on my face was one of surprise. This is a tall cake; not as tall as the Irish Car Bomb cake she recently made, but it is just as impressive to view. Oh, and it tastes fabulous. 🙂
Thanks, glad you liked it! haha 🙂
This not only looked beautiful but is one of the BEST tasting cakes I’ve tasted! The combination of flavors was wonderful!
I agree, I love the combination of these flavors! So glad you liked it! 🙂
Its GORGEOUS! You totally rocked it! Thank you so so much for the kind words. I am so thrilled you enjoyed the cake!
Thanks so much, Amanda! I’m so glad you approve, haha. We did enjoy the cake, so so much! It’s so fun to make, too. 🙂
This looks amazing! I am so excited to try the recipes in her book!
Meriem, you really should! They’re incredible. Thanks! 🙂
Can’t even deal with how adorable this is!! LOVE. Pinned 🙂
Haha, thanks for pinning, Rachel!!
Wow, that cake is so cool! It’s definitely very unique, from the style, to the colours, to the shape. What a great cake to surprise a crowd. I’ll be sure to take a look at her book.
Thanks, Katy! It is pretty cool, haha. I had to make it as soon as I saw it. You should definitely check out her book! 🙂
What an AMAZING cake! It looks like a beehive … in a good way haha! Definitely going to check out the recipe … and pinning!
Thanks for pinning, Helen! 🙂
Can I just say how much I wish I had your job?! UGH THAT SOUNDS LIKE SO MUCH FUNNN. Also, this cake. My god. As if I needed a reason to go out and buy that cookbook. <3 It's gorgeous, Beth!
Haha, thanks, Jess! It’s a pretty fun job. 🙂
This cake is gorgeous Beth! I love all the pretty layers and the fun shape – so impressed with how high you stacked the Cool Whip too! How cool you got to interview Amanda too 🙂 Love everything about this cake – pinning 🙂
Thanks, Kelly! Stacking the Cool Whip was definitely the fun part. Thanks for pinning!
This cake is certainly a show-stopper! I am a huge Neapolitan fan…love the flavors and the colors. I think I need to get Amanda’s book. I love the idea of surprises inside cakes. Fun!
Oh, it’s definitely a show-stopper! And you should totally get her book! Thanks, Ashley! 🙂
Beth, wow. This just looks amazing. The layers, that swirl of goodness that seems to tower to the sky. I mean so good on so many levels! Pinning this for sure. Thanks for sharing. You are doing such a great job with your blog, never disappoints!
Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Kelly! 🙂
Wow this is so beautiful, Beth! I almost can’t believe how easy it is! I’ll be sharing this on my Facebook page later tonight 😉
Thanks, Allie! And thanks for sharing! It really is super easy. 🙂
This cake is SOOO awesome! Seriously, I am in awe – gorgeous and delicious!
Thanks, Cate!
Wow! This is absolutely amazing! It is so perfect and beautiful! I am sure you family adored it.
Thanks, Kloe! My family really did love it. So tasty!
WOW, this looks like one amazing cake! I need to get this cookbook asap, and that is so awesome you got to meet her. 🙂 I love how fun this cake it, pinned 🙂
Thanks, Jenn! I didn’t meet her in person, but it was fun to interview her and see her answers! Thanks for pinning. 🙂
Did you add food coloring? My strawberry cake turned out pinkish brown and all my diced strawberry sunk to the bottom.
Other than that it tastes pretty darn good. I’d probably use a box-mix for the strawberry layer next time
Oh this cake looks DELICIOUS!! Love how creative it is. I really need to get this book; I love Amanda’s blog!!
OMG. This… this is genius! I love it.
This cake is insanely good looking! You did an awesome job on it, girl! Now I just want to dive right in….mmmm!