Nothing says celebration like a stunning three-layer Neapolitan Cake! Inspired by the classic ice cream flavors—creamy vanilla, rich chocolate, and sweet strawberry—this cake delivers in both beauty and taste. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a family gathering, or just because, this 3-layer cake is as fun to make as it is satisfying to eat. With perfectly balanced layers, luscious frosting, and endless opportunities for creative decoration, this cake will steal the spotlight at any event!
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Bake Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 10–12 slices
- Skill Level: Intermediate (but super fun and manageable with this guide!)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines three favorite flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—all in one cake!
- Perfect for Neapolitan cake decorating ideas, from simple frosting to intricate striped cake designs.
- Makes a show-stopping centerpiece for birthdays, dinner parties, or special occasions.
- The flexibility of flavors: make it a Neapolitan Pound Cake or experiment with fillings like strawberry and white chocolate!
- Pairs beautifully with tea, coffee, or a festive toast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe requires pantry basics plus a few extras for that iconic Neapolitan flavor. Here’s a breakdown:
For the Cake Layers
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for that rich chocolate layer 🍫)
- Strawberry purée or extract (for a sweet and fruity twist 🍓)
- Vanilla extract
- Baking powder and baking soda
- Butter and sugar
- Milk (versatile enough to swap for non-dairy alternatives!)
- Eggs
For the Frosting and Filling
- Buttercream frosting (add food coloring to match the layers: pink for strawberry, white for vanilla, and light brown for chocolate).
- Strawberry jam (optional: use as a filling between layers!)
For Decoration
- Chocolate shavings, fresh strawberries, or a striped piping design!
- Cookies or sprinkles to top it off for a playful finish.
👉 Head down to the recipe card for detailed measurements and instructions.
How to Make Neapolitan Cake
Let’s make magic! Each layer comes together easily, and the final assembly is a breeze thanks to this step-by-step guide.
1. Preheat and Prep the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans (or reuse one if you don’t mind baking in batches) and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Make the Vanilla Base Batter
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract. Alternate adding dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and baking soda) with milk until smooth. Divide into three equal portions—one for each flavor!
3. Flavor the Layers
- Chocolate Layer: Mix unsweetened cocoa powder into one portion of batter until fully combined.
- Strawberry Layer: Stir in strawberry purée or food coloring into another portion until it has a soft pink hue. Add a touch more for a bold strawberry pop!
- Vanilla Layer: Leave the last portion as it is—simple, creamy vanilla goodness.
4. Bake the Layers
- Pour each batter portion into a prepared pan and bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before removing them from the pans.
5. Frosting and Assembly
- Level each cake layer with a serrated knife for even stacking. Begin with the chocolate layer at the bottom, spread a thin layer of frosting or strawberry filling, and then stack the vanilla layer. Repeat with the strawberry layer on top.
- Ice the entire cake with buttercream frosting, smoothing it out with a bench scraper or spatula.
👉 Need help perfecting the frosting technique? Watch this step-by-step Neapolitan cake frosting tutorial!
Pro Tips for Perfect Cake Layers
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a fluffy and cohesive batter.
- Don’t Skip Parchment Paper: It ensures your cake layers won’t stick to the pans!
- Chill for Clean Slices: Chill the assembled cake for 30 minutes to make neat slices that show off those gorgeous layers.
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your Neapolitan Cake experience with these lovely pairings:
- A scoop of Neapolitan Ice Cream on the side (double the flavors, double the fun!).
- Garnish slices with fresh fruit: strawberries, raspberries, or a sprinkle of crumbled cookies.
- Pair with a pot of tea, latte, or cold brew for a sublime dessert experience.
Creative Variations and Decorating Ideas
Take your cake to the next level with these inspiring ideas:
- Layered Cake Ideas: Pipe alternating stripes of pink, white, and chocolate frosting along the sides for a playful design.
- Neapolitan Pound Cake: Transform this recipe into a denser loaf format for a classic tea-time treat.
- Strawberry and White Chocolate Cake: Add white chocolate chips to your strawberry layer for extra creaminess.
- Cookies & Cream Fusion: Sprinkle crushed cookies between frosting layers for a delightful crunch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and enjoy!
Recommended Kitchen Tools
- Offset Spatula: For smooth frosting and neat finishing touches.
- Cake Turntable: Simplifies frosting and decorating.
- Mesh Sifter: Ensures clump-free cocoa powder and perfectly smooth flour for mixing.
Neapolitan Cake Recipe
Video
Printable Recipe Card
Neapolitan Cake Recipe: Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry Layers
Ingredients:
For the cake layers:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder (for chocolate layer)
- 1 cup strawberry purée or extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp baking powder
For the frosting:
- Buttercream frosting (divided for flavor variations)
- Optional strawberry jam for filling
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line pans.
- Prepare batter, divide into three portions, and flavor accordingly.
- Bake each layer for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
- Level and assemble layers with frosting. Decorate as desired.
There you have it! A stunning centerpiece that combines chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry perfection. Your Neapolitan Cake will turn any dessert table into a showstopper. I’d love to see your creations—share your designs with me! Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later. 🍓🍫🍰
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