Indulge in a Classic Neapolitan Cake Delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Neapolitan cake is the ultimate celebration of flavors, combining chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry into one stunning dessert. Each layer brings its own personality: rich chocolate for depth, creamy vanilla for balance, and fruity strawberry for a sweet, vibrant finish. This cake not only tastes incredible but also looks beautiful when sliced, with its tri-color presentation. I once made this cake for a birthday party, and it was the first dessert to disappear — guests loved the nostalgic flavors that reminded them of the classic ice cream. The recipe is straightforward yet impressive, making it a fantastic choice for gatherings, special occasions, or simply when you want to indulge in something playful and elegant. Whether enjoyed with coffee or as a show-stopping centerpiece, Neapolitan cake never disappoints.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour — Provides structure to each cake layer, ensuring softness and stability.

Baking powder — Gives the cake a light, fluffy rise.

Salt — Enhances flavor and balances sweetness across all layers.

Butter — Unsalted butter adds richness and helps achieve a tender crumb.

Granulated sugar — Sweetens the batter and contributes to the cake’s light texture.

Eggs — Bind ingredients and create structure while keeping the cake moist.

Milk — Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter consistency.

Vanilla extract — Provides warmth and rounds out the flavor, especially in the vanilla layer.

Cocoa powder — Infuses deep, rich chocolate flavor into one layer.

Strawberry puree or extract — Brings fruity sweetness and a natural pink hue to the strawberry layer.

Food coloring (optional) — Enhances the strawberry and chocolate layers for visual contrast.

Buttercream frosting — Smooth and creamy, it ties the three layers together.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add eggs one at a time. Gradually mix in dry ingredients alternately with milk until you achieve a smooth batter.

Divide the batter evenly into three portions. For the vanilla layer, leave one portion plain and add vanilla extract. For the chocolate layer, fold in cocoa powder. For the strawberry layer, blend in strawberry puree or extract and add food coloring if desired. Pour each portion into a separate prepared pan and smooth the tops.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool cakes completely on wire racks. Once cooled, frost with buttercream between each layer, stacking chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in your preferred order. Cover the entire cake with frosting and decorate with sprinkles, fresh strawberries, or chocolate shavings if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 slices. Preparation time is 30 minutes, with 25 minutes of baking, and additional time for cooling and decorating. Total time: about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor. Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Variations and Customizations

Whipped Cream Frosting — Use stabilized whipped cream instead of buttercream for a lighter finish.

Marble Neapolitan Cake — Swirl the batters together in one pan for a marbled effect.

Gluten-Free — Substitute flour with a gluten-free blend to suit dietary needs.

Vegan Version — Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and egg substitutes.

Extra Fruity — Add sliced strawberries between the layers along with frosting.

Chocolate Ganache Finish — Drizzle chocolate ganache over the top for elegance.

Cupcake Style — Bake the batter in cupcake tins for individual servings.

Ice Cream Layer Cake — Alternate cake layers with softened ice cream for a frozen treat.

Low-Sugar — Use a sugar substitute to reduce sweetness without losing structure.

Nutty Touch — Add chopped almonds or hazelnuts between layers for crunch.

FAQs

Is Neapolitan cake the same as Neapolitan ice cream?

No, but it’s inspired by the same three flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

Can I bake all layers in one pan?

Yes, but bake longer and check doneness carefully — layering batters in one pan creates a marbled effect.

Can I use strawberry jam instead of puree?

Yes, just reduce the sugar slightly as jam is already sweet.

What frosting works best?

Buttercream is classic, but whipped cream or cream cheese frosting also works beautifully.

How do I keep the layers even?

Weigh the batter portions before dividing to ensure equal layers.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, bake and freeze the layers, then frost and assemble the day you plan to serve.

Do I need food coloring?

No, the cake will taste the same without it; coloring is only for appearance.

Can I substitute cocoa powder with melted chocolate?

Yes, but adjust for texture — reduce butter slightly to balance.

What’s the best way to cut neat slices?

Chill the cake slightly, use a sharp serrated knife, and wipe clean between cuts.

Can I add fillings between layers?

Yes, jam, ganache, or fruit slices work beautifully between the frosting.

Conclusion

A classic Neapolitan cake brings together three timeless flavors in one beautiful dessert. With its striking layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, it not only looks spectacular but also satisfies a range of tastes in every slice. Flexible and fun to customize, this cake works for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you want to indulge in a nostalgic yet elegant treat. Once you serve it, this delightful cake is sure to win hearts and become a go-to favorite for special occasions.