Neapolitan Cake

When it comes to indulgent, yet balanced cakes, nothing beats the colorful, delicious layers of a Neapolitan Cake. This classic cake brings together the best of three worlds: rich vanilla, decadent chocolate, and sweet strawberry flavors. If you’re a fan of Neapolitan ice cream, you’re going to love this cake! It’s the perfect treat for any occasion — birthdays, parties, or just a weekend indulgence.

What makes this cake stand out is not just the flavors, but the striking appearance of the three separate layers. Each bite offers a different flavor experience, which is both refreshing and comforting. Plus, the creamy vanilla buttercream frosting ties everything together, making it an unforgettable dessert.

About The Recipe

Creating a Neapolitan Cake is like assembling a masterpiece. The cake layers are soft, fluffy, and full of flavor, while the frosting adds a rich texture that complements each layer perfectly. I wanted to make sure each flavor stood out on its own, yet harmonized with the others. The result? A beautiful cake that delivers on both taste and visual appeal.

While the recipe does require a little extra effort to create three different flavored layers, the end result is totally worth it. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make once you’ve got the steps down!

In this recipe, I’ll guide you through the entire process—from making the cake layers to the frosting and decorating the cake. Trust me, this Neapolitan Cake is not just a feast for your tastebuds but for the eyes too.

Why You’ll Love This Neapolitan Cake

Three distinct yet complementary flavors in every bite.
Layers of light, fluffy cake with rich, creamy buttercream frosting.
The perfect cake for celebrations or as a special treat.
Visually stunning with the vibrant layers of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.
A delicious way to bring a classic ice cream flavor combo to life!

Equipment Needed

3 x 6-inch round cake pans
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or stand mixer
Whisk
Spatula
Cake scraper (optional)
Serrated knife or cake trimmer

Ingredients for Neapolitan Cake

Now that you’re all set to create your beautiful Neapolitan Cake, let’s talk about the ingredients. This cake is made up of three distinct layers — vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry — each requiring its own unique ingredients. The key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor is using high-quality ingredients and following the steps closely. Here’s what you’ll need:

For The Vanilla Cake Layer:

230 grams (1 cup or 2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
200 grams (1 cup) caster sugar or granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs, room temperature
315 grams (2 and 1/4 cups) plain flour or all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
240 ml (1 cup) full-fat or whole milk
2 tablespoons full-fat sour cream

For The Strawberry Cake Layer:

1 teaspoon strawberry extract
Pink food gel or food coloring (for the vibrant pink layer)

For The Chocolate Cake Layer:

1 tablespoon cocoa powder, sifted
1 tablespoon milk

For The Buttercream Frosting:

230 grams (1 cup or 2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
625 grams (5 cups) icing sugar or powdered sugar
3–4 tablespoons full-fat or whole milk, room temperature

For Decoration:

Assorted candy and chocolate (optional, for decoration)

Ingredient Notes:

Butter: Always use unsalted butter for baking so you can control the level of salt in your cake.
Milk: Full-fat milk gives the cake a soft, tender texture. If you only have 2% or skim milk, you can still use it, but the cake will be a little less moist.
Sour Cream: This adds richness and tenderness to the cake layers.
Strawberry Extract: This provides an authentic strawberry flavor, but if you prefer, you can use real strawberry puree or strawberry syrup.
Cocoa Powder: I recommend using Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a smoother, more intense chocolate flavor.

How to Make Neapolitan Cake Layers

Creating each individual layer of the Neapolitan Cake is a fun and rewarding process, but it’s important to follow the steps carefully. Each layer — vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry — comes together in its own unique way. Let’s dive into how you’ll make these beautiful layers.

1. Make the Vanilla Cake Layer:

Prepare the Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line three 6-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to prevent the cakes from sticking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the plain flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take around 3-4 minutes.
Add the Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
Add Dry Ingredients and Wet Ingredients Alternately: Slowly add the dry ingredients alternately with the whole milk and sour cream. Start and end with the flour mixture, and mix on low speed to avoid overmixing.
Bake the Vanilla Layer: Pour the batter evenly into one of the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.

2. Make the Strawberry Cake Layer:

Prepare the Strawberry Cake Batter: In the same way you made the vanilla layer, follow the same process but with strawberry extract and a few drops of pink food gel or food coloring. Stir until the batter turns a vibrant pink color.
Bake the Strawberry Layer: Pour the strawberry batter into another greased and lined 6-inch round cake pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool completely.

3. Make the Chocolate Cake Layer:

Prepare the Chocolate Cake Batter: In a bowl, combine the sifted cocoa powder with the milk to form a smooth paste. Add this to the remaining cake batter, mixing gently. The batter will turn into a rich, chocolatey color.
Bake the Chocolate Layer: Pour the chocolate batter into the third greased and lined cake pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Cake Layer Tips:

Don’t Overmix: When you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense.
Cooling the Layers: Always let the cake layers cool completely before frosting. This ensures the frosting doesn’t melt off the cake and gives you the best texture.
Check for Doneness: To ensure the cakes are done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cakes. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready!

How to Make the Buttercream Frosting and Assemble the Cake

Now that you’ve made the three beautiful layers of cake, it’s time to create a silky smooth frosting and assemble the Neapolitan Cake. The frosting is key to making this cake irresistibly delicious. We’ll be using a simple vanilla buttercream, but feel free to add a little flair by using additional flavorings or coloring. Let’s get started!

1. Make the Buttercream Frosting:

Beat the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter on medium speed using an electric mixer until it becomes light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the icing sugar (powdered sugar), one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid the sugar flying out of the bowl. Once all the sugar is incorporated, increase the speed to medium-high and beat until smooth and creamy.
Add the Vanilla Extract and Milk: Stir in vanilla extract and milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker frosting, add less milk; for a thinner, spreadable consistency, add a little more.
Adjust the Texture: If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until you achieve the perfect consistency for spreading and piping.

2. Assemble the Neapolitan Cake:

Now that we have our frosting ready, it’s time to start stacking the cake layers and building our Neapolitan Cake.

Level the Cake Layers: Using a serrated knife or cake leveler, carefully trim the tops of each cake layer to make them flat. This ensures that the cake layers stack neatly and evenly.
Place the First Layer on the Cake Board: Place the vanilla cake layer on a small cake board or a serving plate. This will be the base of your cake.
Frost the First Layer: Spread a generous amount of buttercream frosting on top of the vanilla layer. Use an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly, smoothing it out as you go.
Add the Second Layer: Place the strawberry cake layer on top of the frosted vanilla layer. Press down gently to ensure it sticks.
Frost the Second Layer: Spread more buttercream frosting on top of the strawberry layer, smoothing it out evenly.
Add the Third Layer: Place the chocolate cake layer on top of the frosted strawberry layer. Gently press down again.
Cover the Entire Cake: Spread a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake, known as the crumb coat. This layer will lock in the crumbs and create a smooth base for the final coat of frosting.
Chill the Cake: Place the cake in the fridge for 20 minutes to allow the crumb coat to set. This makes it easier to apply the final layer of frosting.
Final Frosting Layer: Once the crumb coat is set, apply the final layer of frosting. Use an offset spatula to smooth the sides and top of the cake, making it as smooth as possible. You can also pipe decorative swirls or patterns if desired.

Decorate the Cake:

Now comes the fun part — decorating! Here are a few ideas for decorating your Neapolitan Cake:

Candy or Chocolate Garnish: Decorate the top with your favorite candies, chocolate chips, or chocolate curls for a fun and playful touch.
Sprinkles: Add sprinkles to the top and sides of the cake for a colorful, celebratory look.
Fresh Fruit: Top the cake with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or even small cubes of mango to complement the flavors.
Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of chocolate or strawberry sauce over the top would make the cake extra indulgent.

Cake Decorating Tips:

Smooth Buttercream: To get a smooth finish on the frosting, dip your offset spatula in hot water and gently run it over the surface of the cake to smooth it out.
Pipe with Precision: If you’re adding piped decorations, use a piping bag with a large star tip to create beautiful rosettes or borders around the cake.
Keep it Cool: After frosting the cake, keep it refrigerated to maintain its shape and freshness, especially if you’re using whipped cream or fresh fruits.

Once your cake is beautifully decorated, it’s time to slice and serve! This Neapolitan Cake is perfect for any celebration or just as a treat to enjoy with friends and family.

Serving and Storing Your Neapolitan Cake

After all your hard work in baking, frosting, and decorating, it’s finally time to enjoy your Neapolitan Cake. But before you serve it, here are a few tips on how to store it and keep it fresh for longer.

1. Serving the Cake:

Slice it Neatly: To serve, use a sharp serrated knife to carefully cut through the layers. The cake will have a soft, tender crumb, so go slowly to ensure you get clean slices.
Pair it with a Beverage: This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a cold glass of milk. The creamy frosting and light layers make it a perfect dessert for afternoon gatherings or after-dinner treats.
Portioning: Since this is a rich and indulgent cake, you can cut it into smaller portions, especially if you have a lot of guests. Each bite packs a lot of flavor, and smaller pieces will go a long way.

2. Storing the Cake:

If you happen to have any leftover cake, don’t worry — this Neapolitan Cake stores wonderfully for a few days. Here’s how you can keep it fresh:

At Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the cake within a couple of days, store it at room temperature in an airtight container. The frosting will stay firm, and the cake will remain fresh for up to 2-3 days. Just make sure it’s not exposed to heat or humidity.
In the Refrigerator: If you want to keep the cake fresh for longer (3-5 days), it’s best to store it in the refrigerator. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Keep in mind that refrigerating the cake will make the frosting slightly firmer, but it will still be delicious.
Freezing the Cake: If you’ve made extra or simply want to save some for later, freezing the cake is a great option. Here’s how:
- First, let the cake cool completely if it hasn’t already.
- Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or freezer bag for extra protection.
- Frozen cake can be kept for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, simply place the cake in the fridge overnight or leave it at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Final Thoughts:

This Neapolitan Cake is the perfect treat to wow your guests with its stunning layers of vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate flavors. It’s a classic dessert with a twist that works for any occasion, from birthdays to casual get-togethers or just a weekend indulgence.

With a light and fluffy cake, rich buttercream, and fun decorative elements, this cake brings both visual appeal and incredible taste to the table. Whether you serve it right away or store it for later, it’s a dessert that will stay fresh and delicious.

Enjoy your cake-making adventure and remember, the best part is always the first slice. Happy baking!