Can’t decide between chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry? Why choose when you can have all three? A Neapolitan cake combines these classic flavors into one stunning, layered dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Inspired by the beloved Neapolitan ice cream, this cake is a must-try for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you crave something special.

Despite its elegant appearance, making a Neapolitan cake at home is easier than you think! With the right ingredients and simple techniques, you’ll achieve moist, fluffy layers and a bakery-quality finish. Whether you prefer a classic buttercream frosting or a fun twist with fresh fruit, this recipe offers plenty of ways to customize.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from baking the perfect layers to pro decorating tips. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible homemade treat! (Want to learn more about the origins of Neapolitan desserts? Check out this history of Neapolitan flavors).

Key Benefits of Neapolitan Cake

Why Neapolitan Cake is a favorite

Neapolitan cake is loved for its delicious trio of flavors, stunning presentation, and nostalgic charm. Combining chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in one dessert makes it a perfect crowd-pleaser, ensuring everyone gets a taste they enjoy.

Beyond flavor, this cake stands out visually. Its distinct layers create an eye-catching dessert, whether for birthdays, holidays, or special gatherings. The classic Neapolitan ice cream inspires its design, bringing a touch of nostalgia with every bite.

Another reason for its popularity? Endless customization! Bakers can experiment with different cake bases, fillings, and frostings to match personal preferences. Whether making a gluten-free, vegan, or marbled version, the possibilities are endless.

Perfect flavor balance & visual appeal

One of the most appealing aspects of Neapolitan cake is its perfect balance of flavors. The rich, indulgent chocolate layer, the creamy and smooth vanilla layer, and the fresh, fruity strawberry layer create a harmonious dessert that caters to every taste preference. Each layer complements the others, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, vanilla fan, or berry enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in this iconic cake.

Visually, Neapolitan cake is nothing short of stunning. The vibrant, layered design of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry makes it a showstopper on any dessert table. It’s not just a cake; it’s a centerpiece! This beautiful contrast of colors and textures makes it as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds, ensuring that your guests will be just as wowed by its appearance as they are by its flavor.

Ingredients Needed

Cake layer ingredients: chocolate, vanilla, strawberry

To make a Neapolitan cake, the key to success lies in the quality and balance of the ingredients. The cake layers—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—form the foundation of this classic dessert.

• Chocolate Layer: This layer brings richness and depth. Use high-quality cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate for a rich, deep flavor that complements the other two layers perfectly.
• Vanilla Layer: A classic vanilla layer adds a smooth, creamy taste that serves as a neutral base to balance the intense flavors of chocolate and strawberry. Using pure vanilla extract ensures the best flavor.
• Strawberry Layer: The fruity strawberry layer brings a light, refreshing sweetness. You can use fresh strawberry puree, strawberry jam, or freeze-dried strawberry powder for a more intense flavor.

Buttercream frosting ingredients

For a Neapolitan cake, a smooth and flavorful buttercream frosting ties all the layers together. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Unsalted Butter: The base of any buttercream. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
• Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the frosting and gives it the right consistency. Sift it to avoid any lumps.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds flavor and depth to the frosting. You can use it in all three colors of frosting for a uniform taste or create different variations by adding different extracts.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: A splash of heavy cream or milk is essential for achieving the right consistency and smoothness. Adjust as needed to get a spreadable, creamy texture.
• Cocoa Powder: For the chocolate buttercream, use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder to give it a rich, deep flavor.
• Strawberry Puree or Extract: For the strawberry frosting, use either fresh strawberry puree for a natural, fruity taste or strawberry extract for a more concentrated flavor.

Instructions to Make Neapolitan Cake

Baking the three layers

Baking the three layers of your Neapolitan cake is key to creating a perfect, evenly baked dessert. Here’s how to get those beautiful chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry layers:

1. Prepare Your Cake Pans
   Start by greasing and lining three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. This ensures that the cakes won’t stick and will come out cleanly after baking.
2. Chocolate Layer
   For the chocolate layer, prepare the batter by mixing together dry ingredients like flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Then, add the wet ingredients—such as eggs, sugar, milk, and melted butter. Pour the batter into one of the cake pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
3. Vanilla Layer
   For the vanilla layer, the process is similar. Mix your dry ingredients, including flour and baking powder. In a separate bowl, whisk together wet ingredients like eggs, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Combine and pour the batter into the second cake pan. Bake at the same temperature for 25-30 minutes. Again, use a toothpick to check for doneness.
4. Strawberry Layer
   For the strawberry layer, you can either use fresh strawberry puree or freeze-dried strawberry powder mixed into your dry ingredients. The rest of the procedure is the same as the chocolate and vanilla layers. Pour the batter into the third pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
5. Cooling
   Once all three layers are baked, let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the layers from becoming too fragile when you frost them.

Assembling & frosting

Now that your Neapolitan cake layers are baked and cooled, it’s time to assemble and frost! Here’s how to create a beautiful and delicious cake:

1. Level the Cake Layers
   If needed, level the tops of each cake layer with a serrated knife to create an even surface for stacking. This helps the layers stack neatly and ensures the frosting is evenly distributed.
2. Frosting Preparation
   Divide your buttercream frosting into three equal portions. You will be coloring and flavoring each portion to match the three layers:
   • For the chocolate frosting, add cocoa powder to one portion.
   • For the vanilla frosting, leave it as is or add a touch of vanilla extract.
   • For the strawberry frosting, add fresh strawberry puree or strawberry extract to the third portion.

Make sure the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If needed, adjust the consistency with a little bit of milk or heavy cream.

3. Assemble the Cake
   Start by placing the chocolate layer on the cake stand or serving plate. Use a spatula to spread an even layer of chocolate buttercream on top.

Next, add the vanilla layer on top of the chocolate layer. Spread a generous layer of vanilla frosting over the vanilla cake.

Finally, top with the strawberry layer and cover with strawberry frosting.

4. Frost the Sides
   Once the cake is stacked and frosted on top, carefully spread frosting over the sides of the cake to cover the layers. Smooth it out with a bench scraper or offset spatula for a clean, professional finish.
5. Decorating
   You can get creative with decorations! Consider piping extra frosting around the edges or top of the cake, or adding fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles for an extra touch. This adds visual appeal and enhances the flavors.
6. Chill Before Serving
   To set the frosting, place the cake in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This ensures the layers stay together and the frosting hardens slightly.

Pro Tips and Variations

Baking tips for a moist cake

Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the ingredients combine more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a more even texture.

Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense, dry cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, and stop as soon as you see no more streaks of flour. This helps preserve the light, airy texture.

Measure Ingredients Accurately
Accurate measurements are crucial for the perfect texture. Use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients like flour and sugar, or spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for a more accurate result. Too much flour can make your cake dry.

Add Sour Cream or Yogurt
To enhance moisture, you can add sour cream or yogurt to the batter. These ingredients add both richness and moisture to the cake, creating a tender crumb. Try replacing a portion of the milk with sour cream for extra moisture.

Use Buttermilk
Substitute buttermilk for regular milk. The acidity in buttermilk helps tenderize the cake, resulting in a softer texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk.

Don’t Overbake
Overbaking is one of the quickest ways to dry out a cake. Keep an eye on the oven and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not clean.

Brush with Simple Syrup
For an extra layer of moisture, you can brush the cake layers with simple syrup before frosting. Simply make a syrup by boiling equal parts water and sugar, then brush it over the cake layers once they’ve cooled. This will keep your cake moist for longer.

Cool the Cake Correctly
Allow your cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them retain moisture by avoiding any condensation that can happen if they’re left in the pan too long.

Vegan, gluten-free, and keto variations

1. Vegan Neapolitan Cake

• Replace Eggs: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water = 1 egg) or chia eggs as a binding agent.
• Dairy-Free Substitutes: Use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk instead of dairy milk. Replace butter with coconut oil, vegetable oil, or dairy-free margarine.
• Vegan Frosting: Opt for a plant-based butter (like Earth Balance) and non-dairy milk for the frosting.

2. Gluten-Free Neapolitan Cake

• Flour Substitute: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ideally with xanthan gum or guar gum included, or mix your own gluten-free flour (rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour).
• Binding Agent: Ensure the recipe uses a good egg substitute, like flax eggs, or consider adding a little extra baking powder for lift.
• Check Frosting Ingredients: Most frosting ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but be sure your vanilla extract is gluten-free.

3. Keto Neapolitan Cake

• Low-Carb Flour: Replace regular flour with almond flour or coconut flour. These are low-carb and will still give the cake structure.
• Sweetener: Use a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit instead of sugar.
• Low-Carb Frosting: Sweeten the frosting with powdered erythritol, and use a low-carb dairy substitute for the base (like heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk).

Serving Suggestions

Best drinks & desserts to pair with

Drinks:

1. Coffee
   A rich, bold cup of coffee—whether it’s espresso, cappuccino, or black coffee—pairs perfectly with the sweet layers of Neapolitan cake. The coffee’s bitterness balances the sweetness of the cake and enhances the chocolate layer.
2. Milk
   The classic pairing with any cake, especially Neapolitan. A cold glass of milk complements the creamy frosting and moist layers, creating a comforting, nostalgic combination.
3. Red Wine (Sweet or Semi-Sweet)
   A semi-sweet red wine, like a Lambrusco or Zinfandel, works wonderfully with the richness of the chocolate and strawberry layers. The fruity notes of the wine complement the flavors without overpowering them.
4. Iced Tea
   Light and refreshing, an unsweetened iced tea or a lightly sweetened lemon iced tea balances the richness of the cake while providing a fresh contrast.
5. Sparkling Water
   If you prefer something simple yet refreshing, sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime cuts through the cake’s sweetness, leaving your palate refreshed between bites.

Desserts:

1. Chocolate Mousse
   If you’re craving more chocolate, a creamy chocolate mousse would be a luxurious addition that complements the Neapolitan cake’s chocolate layer. Its smooth texture pairs well with the moistness of the cake.
2. Strawberry Sorbet
   For a refreshing and fruity option, strawberry sorbet offers a cool contrast to the rich and creamy layers of Neapolitan cake. The tartness of the sorbet complements the sweetness of the strawberry layer.
3. Vanilla Panna Cotta
   A smooth, creamy vanilla panna cotta can pair beautifully with the vanilla flavor of the cake, providing a creamy and delicate addition to the meal.
4. Fruit Salad
   A light and refreshing fruit salad, especially one with berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, can provide a fruity and fresh contrast to the richness of the cake.
5. Ice Cream
   A scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry ice cream—or even a combination of all three—adds a cool, creamy element that perfectly complements the Neapolitan theme and makes for a fun pairing.

Occasions to serve Neapolitan Cake

1. Birthday Parties
Neapolitan cake is a classic choice for birthday celebrations. Its vibrant layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry make it visually appealing, and the combination of flavors is a crowd-pleaser for guests of all ages. Whether it’s for a child’s birthday or an adult gathering, it’s sure to be a hit.

2. Holiday Celebrations
This cake is perfect for Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving celebrations, as it adds a festive and colorful touch to the dessert table. The richness of the flavors can complement holiday meals, and the cake’s layers symbolize the joyful variety of the season.

3. Summer Gatherings
Serve Neapolitan cake at a summer barbecue, picnic, or garden party. The fresh strawberry flavor and the indulgent chocolate layer make it ideal for warm-weather events. It’s a light yet satisfying dessert that pairs well with refreshing drinks.

4. Weddings & Anniversaries
With its elegant look and universal appeal, Neapolitan cake can be a stunning dessert choice for a wedding or anniversary celebration. You can customize the cake’s size and decoration to suit the event’s theme, creating a beautiful centerpiece for the dessert table.

5. Baby Showers
Its soft, pastel-like layers make it an excellent choice for baby showers. Whether it’s a gender-neutral celebration or a pink-and-blue theme, Neapolitan cake’s colors and flavors will fit right in.

6. Family Gatherings
Neapolitan cake is ideal for family get-togethers or casual weekend parties. It’s simple to make in large quantities, ensuring everyone gets a slice of the delicious, nostalgic flavors.

7. Special Anniversaries or Milestones
Neapolitan cake is a wonderful way to mark a significant anniversary, whether it’s a work milestone or a personal achievement. Its layers of flavor and texture add a celebratory feel to any important event.

8. Dinner Parties
For an elegant yet approachable dessert at a dinner party, Neapolitan cake offers a sophisticated look and a flavor combination that’s sure to impress guests. It’s versatile enough to pair with a variety of dishes, making it the perfect ending to any meal.

Neapolitan Cake

This homemade Neapolitan cake is a delightful blend of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors in one beautiful layered dessert. Each bite offers a perfect balance of richness, creaminess, and fruity freshness, topped with a luscious buttercream frosting. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a special occasion, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this show-stopping cake is sure to impress. Plus, I’ll share some pro tips on how to make it vegan, gluten-free, or keto-friendly!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour – Sifted for a lighter cake.
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder – Helps the cake rise.
• ½ tsp salt – Enhances flavor.
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened – Room temperature for easier mixing.
• 1 ¾ cup (350g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs – Room temperature for even mixing.
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk – Can substitute with almond or oat milk.
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Layer:

• ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp (30ml) milk

For the Strawberry Layer:

• ¼ cup (60ml) strawberry puree – Fresh or frozen.
• Few drops pink or red food coloring (optional) – For a more vibrant color.

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cup (480g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp (30ml) heavy cream – Adds creaminess.
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

 

• Step 1:

  Preheat and PreparePreheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
• Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

  In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.Set aside.

  In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

  Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

  Stir in vanilla extract.

  Gradually mix in dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until fully combined.
• Step 3: Divide and Flavor the Batters

  Divide the batter evenly into three bowls.

  Chocolate Layer: Mix in cocoa powder and additional milk

  For the Strawberry Layer: Mix in the strawberry puree and food coloring.

  Leave the vanilla batter as is.
• Bake the Layers:

  Pour each flavored batter into its respective prepared pan.

  Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Prepare the Buttercream Frosting:

  In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.

  Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until the frosting is smooth and light.
• Assemble the Cake:

  Place the chocolate layer on your cake board.

  Spread a thin layer of buttercream over the top.

  Add the vanilla layer and repeat the frosting process.

  Top with the strawberry layer.

  Apply a final crumb coat, chill for 15-30 minutes, then finish with a smooth layer of frosting over the top and sides.
• Serve:

  Garnish with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

  Slice and serve, enjoying every multi-flavored bite!

Notes

• Tips: Brush each cooled layer with simple syrup for extra moisture.
• Substitutions: Use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives for a vegan version.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow to come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

FAQ

1. What makes Neapolitan Cake different from other cakes?
Neapolitan cake is unique due to its combination of three flavors—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—layered together, offering a diverse taste experience in each bite.

2. Can Neapolitan Cake be made in advance?
Yes, Neapolitan cake can be made in advance by baking the layers ahead of time and storing them. You can also prepare the frosting in advance and assemble the cake just before serving.