Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A Classic Neapolitan Cake brings together three beloved flavors—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—into one showstopping dessert that feels both nostalgic and elegant. Each layer offers its own charm, from the rich cocoa notes to the soft vanilla crumb and the fruity sweetness of strawberry. When stacked and frosted, the cake becomes a beautiful striped centerpiece perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or weekend baking projects. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable each layer can be; I once added a touch of strawberry purée to boost the berry flavor, and it worked great, adding freshness and color. Whether you serve it with a light buttercream or a whipped frosting, this Neapolitan Cake delivers a perfect balance of flavors that complement one another without overwhelming the palate.
Indulge in a Classic Neapolitan Cake: A Stunning Trio of Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry
- Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
- Yield: 12 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A nostalgic tri-layer cake featuring chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry layers stacked together and frosted with creamy vanilla buttercream for the ultimate Neapolitan treat.
Ingredients
- Cake Batter (base for all layers):
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- Chocolate Layer Add-In:
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp milk
- Strawberry Layer Add-In:
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree
- 2–3 drops red or pink food coloring (optional)
- Vanilla Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy; blend in eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients alternately with milk, mixing just until combined.
- Divide batter evenly into three bowls.
- For the chocolate layer: mix cocoa powder with 2 tbsp milk into one bowl of batter.
- For the strawberry layer: fold strawberry puree and food coloring into another bowl.
- Leave the third bowl plain for the vanilla layer.
- Pour each batter into its prepared pan and bake 20–24 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes completely before assembling.
- Make the frosting: beat butter until creamy, add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla, cream, and salt until fluffy.
- Stack vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate layers with buttercream between each.
- Frost the outside of the cake with remaining buttercream and chill before slicing.
Notes
- Use freeze-dried strawberry powder for an extra punch of strawberry flavor.
- Level each cake layer with a serrated knife for a clean, even stack.
- Chill layers before assembly to reduce crumbs.
- Decorate with chocolate shavings, fresh strawberries, or a tri-color swirl.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 24 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-Purpose Flour
Provides structure to all three cake layers, ensuring each one has a soft, tender crumb.
Sugar
Sweetens the cakes evenly and helps create a light, moist texture.
Butter
Adds rich flavor and tenderness. Using softened butter helps the batter blend smoothly.
Eggs
Offer structure and moisture, helping the cakes rise beautifully.
Milk
Moistens the batter and keeps each layer soft. Whole milk yields the richest texture.
Baking Powder
Helps the cakes rise and ensures they bake with a consistent crumb.
Salt
Balances sweetness and enhances each flavor profile.
Vanilla Extract
Used in the vanilla layer and enhances the chocolate and strawberry layers too.
Cocoa Powder
Creates the chocolate layer, adding depth and rich cocoa flavor.
Strawberry Purée or Jam
Gives the strawberry layer its signature fruity flavor and pink hue.
Food Coloring (Optional)
A small amount of pink coloring can brighten the strawberry layer for a more vivid appearance.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and line three cake pans of the same size. Prepare a basic vanilla cake batter by creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then incorporate the milk, vanilla, flour, baking powder, and salt until smooth.
Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Leave one portion plain for the vanilla layer.
For the chocolate layer, mix cocoa powder into one portion until fully combined and uniform in color.
For the strawberry layer, fold in strawberry purée or jam. Add a drop of pink food coloring if you want a brighter shade.
Pour each batter into its own cake pan. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool fully before stacking.
To assemble, place the strawberry layer on the bottom, vanilla in the middle, and chocolate on top, or arrange them however you like. Frost with buttercream or whipped frosting, smoothing the sides for a clean finish. Chill slightly before slicing to help the layers set.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 10–12
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Cooling and assembly: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring slices to room temperature before serving for the softest texture. The cake layers freeze well—wrap each layer individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting. Once frosted, the whole cake can also be frozen, though buttercream may soften slightly after thawing.
Variations and Customizations
Neapolitan Sheet Cake
Bake the three batters side-by-side in a sheet pan for a simpler, slice-and-serve effect.
Ombre Strawberry Layer
Add increasing amounts of strawberry purée to the strawberry layer for a gradient color.
Chocolate Ganache Drip
Finish the cake with a glossy chocolate ganache drip for extra drama.
Whipped Cream Frosting
Use a stabilized whipped cream instead of buttercream for a lighter, airier finish.
Fresh Strawberry Filling
Add a layer of sliced strawberries between the cake layers for extra fruitiness.
Extra-Chocolate Version
Add chocolate chips to the chocolate layer for richer texture.
Almond Extract Twist
Add a touch of almond extract to the vanilla layer for enhanced fragrance.
Gluten-Free Version
Use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for all layers.
Ice Cream Inspired
Serve slices with actual Neapolitan ice cream for a nostalgic experience.
Berry Swirl Frosting
Mix strawberry jam into part of the frosting for a beautiful pink swirl.
FAQs
Can I make the layers ahead of time?
Yes, bake and cool them, then wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for longer.
Do I need food coloring for the strawberry layer?
No, it’s optional; the purée adds natural color.
Can I use boxed cake mix?
Yes—make three mixes or divide one large mix into thirds and flavor each.
Why did my cake layers turn dense?
Overmixing or measuring too much flour can cause density; mix just until combined.
Can I use fresh strawberries?
Yes, blend them into a purée for the strawberry layer.
What frosting works best?
Buttercream is classic, but whipped cream or cream cheese frosting also work well.
How do I keep layers from sliding?
Chill the cake briefly after adding each layer of frosting.
Can I assemble without leveling the cakes?
Leveling helps with stability, but slight domes are fine.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, in the chocolate layer for added richness.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep the cake covered in the fridge and bring slices to room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
This Classic Neapolitan Cake blends three timeless flavors into a single, elegant dessert that is as beautiful as it is delicious. With its distinct layers, creamy frosting, and nostalgic charm, it’s the perfect centerpiece for celebrations or weekend baking projects. Whether you stick to the traditional trio or experiment with fun variations, this cake promises sweetness, color, and joy in every slice. Enjoy creating—and indulging in—this beloved classic.
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