Name: Neapolitan Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 4 large eggs (room temperature); 1 cup whole milk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup softened butter; 4 cups powdered sugar; 8 oz cream cheese (softened)

If you’re craving a dessert that captures the classic beauty and flavor of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry all in one, the Neapolitan Cake is your perfect go-to. This luscious cake is a vibrant celebration of three beloved flavors layered seamlessly for a colorful and indulgent treat. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to brighten up your day, the Neapolitan Cake combines simple ingredients into an unforgettable experience that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a key role in crafting the perfect Neapolitan Cake—simple pantry staples joined to bring you moist layers, rich frosting, and a balanced flavor profile so satisfying it’ll quickly become a favorite.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundational dry ingredient that ensures tender, fluffy cake layers.
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep, rich chocolate flavor with an intense color.
2 cups granulated sugar: The essential sweetener that balances bitterness and enhances overall taste.
1 tbsp baking powder: A leavening agent that helps your cake rise beautifully and stay light.
1/2 tsp salt: Amplifies flavors by cutting through sweetness and rounding out the taste.
4 large eggs (room temperature): Provide moisture and structure for a sturdy yet tender crumb.
1 cup whole milk: Adds richness and keeps the cake moist and soft.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Delivers the classic sweet aroma that ties the flavors together perfectly.
1 cup softened butter (for frosting): For a smooth, creamy frosting base with luxurious texture.
4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
8 oz cream cheese (softened, for frosting): Brings tangy richness to the frosting balancing the sweet cake layers.

How to Make Neapolitan Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Batter

Start by sifting together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy, then add milk and vanilla extract gradually. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing just until combined—overmixing can make the cake tough.

Step 2: Divide and Color the Batter

Separate the batter into three equal parts. Leave one as is for vanilla, mix cocoa powder into the second for the classic chocolate layer, and add a few drops of strawberry or pink food coloring to the third for that nostalgic strawberry hue that completes the Neapolitan trio perfectly.

Step 3: Bake the Layers

Pour each differently colored batter into separate greased cake pans, smoothing the tops for even layers. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool the cakes completely before assembling to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue whipping until the frosting is light and fluffy. This frosting perfectly complements the sweet cake layers by adding a slight tang and creamy texture that’s hard to resist.

Step 5: Assemble the Neapolitan Cake

Start with the vanilla layer as the base, spread a thick layer of frosting, add the strawberry layer next, and frost again. Top with the chocolate layer and coat the whole cake with the remaining frosting evenly for a polished and enticing finish.

How to Serve Neapolitan Cake

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped nuts or colorful sprinkles adds fun texture and visual appeal, while fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings bring an elegant touch that beautifully complements the flavor profile of the Neapolitan Cake.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of rich espresso. The cool creaminess of ice cream contrasts the moist cake layers nicely, while coffee’s boldness cuts through the sweetness, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into neat squares and serving on pastel plates to highlight the colors. Alternatively, add alternating layers of fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extravagant look that will impress guests and make every bite feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Neapolitan Cake tightly in plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy again without any loss in quality.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake in airtight containers for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze it unfrosted and add fresh frosting after thawing to keep the texture light and creamy.

Reheating

For a freshly baked taste, remove the cake from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving. If desired, warm a slice for 10-15 seconds in the microwave to revive that just-baked softness, especially when enjoying it alongside a warm drink.

FAQs

Can I use artificial strawberry flavor instead of food coloring?

Absolutely! Adding a few drops of strawberry extract will boost the flavor while keeping the beautiful pink color achieved with a bit of food coloring.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Definitely! The Neapolitan Cake recipe uses straightforward ingredients and steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels eager to impress with a colorful and delicious cake.

Can I substitute cream cheese frosting with buttercream?

You can, but cream cheese frosting brings a special tang that balances the sweetness beautifully, creating the authentic Neapolitan Cake taste many love.

What should I do if my cake layers crack?

Cracking is often due to overbaking or oven temperature that’s too high. Lower your temperature slightly and check doneness earlier to keep layers smooth and even.

How do I keep the layers from sliding when assembling?

Chilling the cake layers before frosting and using a firm layer of frosting between each helps hold the cake securely together for a neat presentation.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Neapolitan Cake that brings together nostalgia, flavor, and simple joy in one slice. Whether you’re making it to celebrate or just to indulge, this cake promises bright colors, delightful textures, and a taste that never fails to make people smile. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and share this sweet treat with those you love—because some cakes are just meant to be savored together.

Neapolitan Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 7 reviews

This classic Neapolitan Cake is a delightful marriage of three flavors—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—layered into a rich, moist cake with creamy frosting. Perfect for celebrations, this cake features a fluffy texture enhanced by cocoa and a smooth cream cheese frosting that complements each bite.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 1 9-inch round cake, servings 10-12 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
4 large eggs (room temperature)
1 cup whole milk
2 tsp vanilla extract

Frosting

1 cup softened butter
4 cups powdered sugar
8 oz cream cheese (softened)

Instructions

Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt until fully combined.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly, then add the whole milk and vanilla extract, mixing well to blend.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until smooth and fully incorporated without overmixing.
Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a suitable cake pan. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then beat in the softened cream cheese until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Assemble and Frost: Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface and sides of the cake. Optionally, decorate with fresh strawberries or other toppings to enhance the Neapolitan theme.

Notes

For a classic Neapolitan effect, consider dividing the batter and flavoring into three parts: one plain vanilla, one with cocoa powder for chocolate, and one with strawberry flavor or puree.
Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
You can substitute whole milk with buttermilk for a tangier flavor and softer crumb.
Chilling the cream cheese and butter before frosting helps the frosting hold its shape better.
This recipe yields one 9-inch round cake; you can double the recipe for multiple layers.
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh for up to 4 days.