Neapolitan Cake

This Neapolitan Cake is super soft, super moist, and totally delicious! It’s packed with the best combo of strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla flavors. Every bite is a treat you’re gonna love it!

I have a confession which is that Neapolitan ice cream was my childhood favorite because it’s the one with chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry all lined up in one tub however here’s the thing I always scooped out the flavors separately rather than mixing them since for some reason it just felt… wrong?

Moving on to the present, I figured why not turn that nostalgic treat into a cake especially since it’s a real showstopper in addition to that it has three distinct layers with each one bursting with flavor to begin with chocolate rich and indulgent after that vanilla classic and buttery finally strawberry light, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet above all you don’t have to pick just one.

I must admit that the first time I tried making this my layers were a little… let’s just say “artistic” even so that’s what frosting is for which means that you can cover up the imperfections so that it looks like you totally meant for it to be that way.

How to do you make Neapolitan Cake

Step One : Prepare the Cake Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pans with parchment paper. No one likes a cake stuck to the pan—trust me.
For each cake layer:

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
5. (For the chocolate layer, mix in cocoa powder. For the strawberry layer, fold in strawberry purée and food coloring.)
6. Pour each batter into separate cake pans.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let cakes cool completely before frosting. Seriously, don’t rush this step, or you’ll have a melty mess!

Step Two : Make the Strawberry Buttercream

1. Beat butter until creamy and smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and freeze-dried strawberry powder.
3. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract.
4. Beat until fluffy and spreadable. If it’s too thick, add a splash more cream.

Step Three : Assemble the Cake

1. Place the chocolate cake layer on your serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top.
2. Add the vanilla cake layer and frost again.
3. Top it off with the strawberry cake layer and frost the entire cake.
4. Smooth out the sides and top, then decorate with chocolate shavings and fresh strawberries.

Step Four : Serve and Enjoy!

1. Slice it up and watch the smiles appear. This Neapolitan Cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or, let’s be honest, just because you want cake. No judgment here!
   Ways to Serve
   • Pair with a scoop of Neapolitan ice cream for the ultimate triple-threat dessert.
   • Serve with a drizzle of chocolate or strawberry sauce.
   • Add extra fresh berries on the side for a fruity touch.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Cake pans (three 8-inch round pans)
• Oven
• Knife for slicing
• Wire rack
• Parchment paper

Tips For Making the Best Neapolitan Cake

Chilling the cake layers before assembling makes frosting way easier.

Use an offset spatula for a smooth, bakery-style finish.

If you’re short on time, use store-bought strawberry purée instead of making your own.

Want a more intense strawberry flavor? Add a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the batter.

What to Eat with Neapolitan Cake

Neapolitan Cake pairs well with a variety of treats. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert. Fresh strawberries or raspberries on the side add a refreshing touch. You can also enjoy it with a warm cup of coffee, milk, or hot chocolate.

FAQ

Can I use a cake mix instead of making it from scratch?

Yes, you can use three different cake mixes vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry if you’re short on time.

How do I make the cake gluten-free?

Use a gluten free all purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten free.

Can I use whipped cream instead of buttercream frosting?

Yes, but whipped cream is lighter and won’t hold its shape as well as buttercream.

How do I keep the cake from drying out?

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to retain moisture.

Encouragement and Suggestions

Even if you’re a beginner, you’ve totally got this! This cake is all about fun, and the layered flavors make every bite a surprise. Try different frosting flavors or swap the chocolate layer for a coffee flavored one if you’re feeling adventurous.
Give it a shot and let me know how it turns out! Share your creations in the comments or tag me on Instagram I’d love to see your version! Pin your version on Pinterest