If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert that delights every sense, look no further than the Neapolitan Layer Cake. This cake beautifully marries the classic trio of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors into one irresistible treat layered with rich, creamy frosting. When you cut into this cake, you’re greeted with vibrant pink, creamy white, and deep chocolate layers that not only taste divine but also create a feast for the eyes. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a sweet indulgence, this Neapolitan Layer Cake is the perfect way to wow your guests and satisfy every craving in one slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking a perfect Neapolitan Layer Cake. These are simple, everyday ingredients, yet each plays a crucial role in building delightful flavors, textures, and the signature tri-color look of this cake.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your cake, providing structure while keeping it tender; gluten-free flour works well too.
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate depth to the chocolate layer without overpowering sweetness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter evenly; coconut sugar is a lovely substitute for a slightly caramel note.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: The secret to a light and fluffy cake rise, so make sure it’s fresh for best results.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors—never skip it even if it’s just a tiny amount.
- 3 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to a moist crumb; flax eggs can be used for a vegan twist.
- 1 cup milk: Keeps the cake moist; almond or oat milk works great for dairy-free needs.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Elevates the vanilla layer with warm, aromatic sweetness; real vanilla beans add an extra touch of luxury.
- 8 oz melted chocolate: Adds a luscious, velvety texture and intense chocolate flavor to one of the layers.
- 1 cup strawberry puree: The fresh or frozen strawberries give a natural fruity brightness and gorgeous pink hue.
- 8 oz cream cheese: For that tangy, creamy frosting that balances the sweetness perfectly; vegan cream cheese works beautifully too.
- 1/2 cup butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, spreadable frosting; vegan butter is a good alternative here as well.
How to Make Neapolitan Layer Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure your cake layers come out perfect and easy to remove. This step makes baking smoother and cleanup simpler.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Taking the time to combine these dry ingredients thoroughly will help your cake layers bake evenly with a consistent texture and flavor.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creates a creamy base that will blend beautifully with the dry mix, ensuring a batter that’s both moist and tender.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined—overmixing can make the cake dense, so keep it light and airy. Then, divide the batter evenly into three bowls.
Step 5: Flavor and Color Your Layers
Here’s the fun part that gives the Neapolitan Layer Cake its signature look: add melted chocolate to one bowl, strawberry puree to the second, and leave the third bowl plain for the vanilla layer. Stir each gently until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Bake the Layers
Pour each flavored batter into its prepared cake pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool completely to make frosting a breeze.
Step 7: Frost and Assemble
After your layers have cooled, spread a generous amount of creamy cream cheese frosting between each layer, stacking them carefully. Finish by coating the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out for a polished finish.
Step 8: Optional Decoration
Feel free to top your Neapolitan Layer Cake with fresh strawberries or delicate chocolate shavings for an extra special touch. These not only add to the visual appeal but also bring complementary textures and flavors.
How to Serve Neapolitan Layer Cake
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries sliced artfully on top or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings can add elegance and a burst of freshness that enhances the three flavors in the cake. Touches like mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar also work beautifully to elevate your presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with a light cup of espresso or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The coffee cuts through the sweetness while the ice cream adds a creamy contrast, making every bite more indulgent without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Neapolitan Layer Cake in elegant individual slices with a drizzle of homemade berry coulis on the side. For a more casual gathering, stack smaller mini versions to create a Neapolitan tower that’s fun to eat and delightful to behold.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. This keeps the frosting fresh and preserves the moist texture of the cake layers for up to four days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving to bring back the full flavor and softness.
Freezing
You can freeze the Neapolitan Layer Cake by cutting it into slices and wrapping each slice securely. Frozen slices keep well for up to two months; just thaw them overnight in the fridge to enjoy later without losing any of the magic.
Reheating
Since this cake tastes best cool or at room temperature, it’s best to simply thaw the frozen cake slices in the fridge or at room temperature. Avoid microwaving as it can affect frosting texture and melt the cream cheese frosting.
FAQs
Can I make this cake vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and vegan cream cheese and butter for the frosting. The cake layers will stay moist and flavorful with these swaps.
What kind of chocolate is best for the melted chocolate layer?
Dark or milk chocolate both work wonderfully depending on your preference—dark chocolate creates a richer, slightly bitter edge while milk chocolate offers a creamy sweetness.
How do I avoid the layers mixing together when baking?
Make sure each batter is evenly divided into separate pans and baked individually so the colors stay distinct. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting and assembling.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the puree?
Yes, frozen strawberries work great! Just thaw them fully and puree well for a smooth texture in your strawberry layer.
How many servings does this cake make?
This Neapolitan Layer Cake yields about 12 generous slices, perfect for sharing with friends and family at any celebration or cozy gathering.
Final Thoughts
Baking a Neapolitan Layer Cake is like creating a little edible masterpiece that’s bound to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. It’s a beautiful blend of flavors and colors that’s surprisingly easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just a sweet treat to brighten your day, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. There’s something so joyful about slicing into this vibrant cake and sharing it with loved ones—trust me, it’ll be a dessert that everyone will remember and ask for again!
PrintNeapolitan Layer Cake
This irresistible Neapolitan Cake combines luscious layers of rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, and fresh strawberry for a decadent dessert that will impress your guests. With a moist texture and harmonious flavors, it’s perfect for special occasions and celebrations.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
For the Cake Layers
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour)
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar (can use coconut sugar)
- 2 tsps baking powder (ensure fresh)
- 1 tsp salt (optional but recommended)
- 3 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
- 1 cup milk (almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
- 2 tsps vanilla extract (real vanilla beans can be used)
- 8 oz melted chocolate (dark or milk based on preference)
- 1 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries)
For the Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese (can substitute with vegan cream cheese)
- 1/2 cup butter (use vegan butter as a substitute)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three round cake pans thoroughly to prevent sticking, and line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and cocoa for consistent flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated, preparing the wet base for the cake batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake.
- Divide and Flavor the Batter: Divide the batter evenly into three portions. Add the melted chocolate to one portion, stir in the strawberry puree to the second, and keep the third plain for the vanilla layer.
- Bake the Layers: Pour each flavored batter into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool the Cakes: Remove the pans from the oven and allow the cake layers to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely to room temperature, which is essential before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. This frosting adds delicious richness and helps hold the layers together.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting over it. Repeat with the remaining layers, stacking them carefully. Finally, frost the top and sides of the entire cake smoothly.
- Optional Garnish: For an attractive finish, decorate the cake with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings on top. Chill the cake slightly for better slicing, then serve and enjoy.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs, milk with almond or oat milk, cream cheese with vegan cream cheese, and butter with vegan butter.
- You can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour to make this cake gluten-free.
- Ensure your baking powder is fresh for proper rising of the cake layers.
- Strawberry puree can be made by blending fresh or thawed frozen strawberries until smooth.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting or sliding.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.