Neapolitan Cake Recipe That Brings Back Sweet Childhood Memories

Last Updated on November 11, 2025 by Souhail

Neapolitan cake is one of those nostalgic desserts that immediately takes me back to childhood birthday parties, melting ice cream cups, and pastel-colored paper plates. If you grew up loving Neapolitan ice cream—the chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry trio—then this cake is basically your childhood dream in baked form. It’s got everything: soft, fluffy layers in three distinct flavors, silky buttercream in between, and a presentation so pretty it deserves its own Instagram reel.

I love making this cake for weekend gatherings or as a fun surprise for friends who think I just made “a regular chocolate cake” until I slice it open. It’s festive without being fussy and playful while still feeling like a grown-up dessert. Plus, the flavor combo is classic for a reason. The rich cocoa layer, the comforting vanilla middle, and that fresh, fruity strawberry top—every bite is balanced, beautiful, and just sweet enough.

Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a holiday dessert table, or a random Tuesday night that needs a little sparkle, this cake is pure joy in slice form.

Here’s Why This Neapolitan Cake Is So Worth Baking

Okay, let me gush a little: this Neapolitan cake is more than just a pretty dessert. It’s a total flavor experience. Three cakes, three flavors, one dreamy bite. And surprisingly? It’s not as hard as it looks. You’re basically making one cake batter and flavoring each third differently. Boom. Instant variety with minimal extra effort.

Here’s why this recipe works so beautifully:

• One Batter, Three Flavors: Instead of making three separate cake recipes, you start with one fluffy vanilla cake batter and split it into three bowls. Chocolate gets cocoa powder, strawberry gets puree (or flavoring), and vanilla stays classic. It’s efficient and tasty.
• Perfectly Balanced Layers: Each flavor layer complements the others. Chocolate is rich and deep, vanilla is warm and sweet, and strawberry adds fruity brightness. It’s a well-rounded flavor ride in every forkful.
• Customizable for All Diets: Want to make this dairy-free or gluten-free? Totally doable. Use your go-to plant-based milk and butter swaps. Almond flour blends and 1-to-1 gluten-free flour work like a charm.
• It’s Gorgeous (Even If You’re Not a Pro Baker): Because of the bold color contrasts, this cake looks like you spent hours. But the truth is, once you get the hang of stacking and frosting, you’ll look like a pro without breaking a sweat.
• It Plays Well with Others: The flavors are classic and versatile. That means you can pair this cake with all kinds of frostings (chocolate ganache, cream cheese, strawberry buttercream) or even a scoop of ice cream for a throwback sundae feel.

Pro tip? If you love chocolate-forward desserts like this, you’ll probably be obsessed with Texas chocolate pecan pie too. It’s another over-the-top-but-worth-it recipe I recommend bookmarking.

How To Make it

Neapolitan Cake Recipe

Recipe by Kenza

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

480

kcal

A triple-flavored delight featuring chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry layers — this nostalgic Neapolitan cake is as fun to make as it is to eat.

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Ingredients

• For the Cake:

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour

• 2.5 tsp baking powder

• 0.5 tsp salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup whole milk

• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder + 1 tbsp milk

• 0.3 cup strawberry puree or 1½ tsp strawberry extract

• Pink food coloring (optional)

• For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1.5 cups unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 2 –3 tbsp milk or heavy cream

• 1.5 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch salt

• Food coloring (optional)

Directions

• First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans. If you only have two pans, no worries — you can bake in batches. Just don’t forget to line the bottoms with parchment paper so your cake layers release like a dream.
• We’ll start by making one base batter. In a large mixing bowl, cream together your butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes, and you want it to look almost whipped. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by your vanilla extract.
• Next, mix your dry ingredients in a separate bowl — that’s flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly alternate adding the dry mix and the milk into your creamed butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry. Once it’s all combined, stop mixing. Overmixing can make the cake dense, and we want it light and tender.
• Now the fun part — flavoring the layers! Divide your batter evenly into three bowls. In the first bowl, stir in your cocoa powder and a splash of milk to make the chocolate layer nice and rich. In the second, leave it plain for that classic vanilla base. And in the third, add your strawberry flavoring or puree. You can also mix in a drop or two of pink food coloring to really make it pop.
• Pour each batter into its own prepared cake pan, smooth the tops, and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
• While your cakes are cooling, make your buttercream. Beat your butter until creamy, then slowly add in the powdered sugar. Add vanilla and a splash of milk or cream to get it to a spreadable consistency. You can tint the frosting or keep it classic white — totally up to you!
• To assemble, start with the chocolate layer on the bottom, spread a layer of frosting, then stack vanilla, more frosting, and finally strawberry on top. Finish with a smooth coat all over the cake, and decorate however you like. Sprinkles, chocolate curls, strawberries — make it yours.

Notes

• Use a kitchen scale to evenly divide the batter for perfectly uniform layers.
• If using strawberry puree, make sure it’s thick (not too watery) to avoid thinning the batter.
• You can use boxed cake mix as a shortcut and flavor each mix separately — just adjust for texture.
• Chill the cake for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner layers.
• Leftover frosting can be piped into rosettes or borders for extra flair.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 480kcal
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Carbohydrates: 63g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 47g
• Protein: 5g

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Let’s Talk Tips: How to Nail This Neapolitan Cake Every Time

Whether this is your first layer cake or your 40th, these simple tips will take your Neapolitan cake from good to bakery-worthy.

• Start with Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can mess with your batter’s texture. Let everything come to room temp so it blends smoothly.
• Use a Scale If You Can: Dividing the batter into thirds is way easier and more accurate with a kitchen scale. This keeps your layers even and ensures a beautiful, uniform slice.
• Don’t Overmix After Adding Cocoa or Strawberry: Once you flavor the batters, gently mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough or unevenly baked.
• Bake the Layers Separately If You Can: If you only have two pans, bake in batches. The layers bake quickly and will come out lighter and fluffier than trying to stack multiple batters in one go.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: I know, it’s hard to wait. But warm cake + buttercream = melty mess. Be patient—it’s worth it.
• Try a Crumb Coat: This thin layer of frosting seals in crumbs and makes your final layer super smooth. Chill the cake for 10 minutes after the crumb coat before the final frosting layer.

And if this is your kind of flavor combo, don’t miss the cozy banana pumpkin bread or these dreamy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies for your next baking day.

Fun Ways to Switch Up Your Neapolitan Cake

One of the best things about Neapolitan cake is how playful it is. It’s the kind of recipe that invites creativity. Don’t be afraid to mix things up, especially if you want to cater to dietary needs or just explore new flavors.

Strawberry Shortcake-Inspired Neapolitan Cake

Swap the strawberry layer’s puree with fresh diced strawberries folded in for a rustic, juicy twist. Pair it with whipped cream frosting instead of buttercream for a lighter finish.

Chocolate-Lovers Neapolitan Cake

Double down on the chocolate by replacing the vanilla layer with milk chocolate and adding mini chocolate chips into the batter. Top it with a rich ganache for ultimate indulgence.

Vegan Neapolitan Cake

Use flax eggs, plant-based butter, and your favorite non-dairy milk (I love almond or oat here). Sub coconut cream for the buttercream frosting. The flavor is still amazing, with a slightly nuttier vibe.

Gluten-Free Neapolitan Cake

Just use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve tested it with almond flour + GF all-purpose and it works beautifully. The texture stays soft, and no one even notices it’s gluten-free!

Neapolitan Cupcakes

Pour the three flavored batters into cupcake liners, one spoonful at a time. It creates a beautiful tri-color effect in each little bite. Perfect for parties or kids’ birthdays!

If you’re a fan of quick, cute single-serves, you might also love this Oreo mug cake. It’s the low-effort cousin to this cake when you want dessert now.

Serving Ideas to Make This Cake a Star

This cake already brings the wow-factor, but a few thoughtful serving touches can take it from great to unforgettable.

• Frost with a swirl of all three flavors: Use chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry buttercream swirled together in one piping bag for a super cool tie-dye effect on top.
• Top with chocolate curls and fresh berries: It’s a classy touch that also hints at what’s inside.
• Serve with a scoop of Neapolitan ice cream: Because why not double down on the theme? It turns a slice into a full-on dessert experience.
• Drizzle with strawberry or chocolate sauce: Warm ganache or a quick strawberry reduction makes every bite feel extra luxurious.
• Mini layer slices on dessert boards: Cut the cake into small rectangles and serve with other sweet bites like cookies or fruit. It’s eye candy and crowd-pleasing.

How to Store & Reheat Neapolitan Cake

This cake stores surprisingly well! It keeps its moisture and flavor for days when properly wrapped.

• Refrigerator: Store the cake (whole or sliced) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temp before serving so the frosting softens.
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge or 1 hour on the counter.
• Reheating Tip: Want that just-baked softness? Microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds to gently warm it without melting the frosting too much.

Creative Ways to Reuse Leftover Cake

If you somehow don’t eat it all (I won’t judge… much), here are a few delicious ways to use leftover Neapolitan cake:

• Cake Trifles: Layer crumbled cake with whipped cream and berries in jars or glasses. Instant mini desserts.
• Cake Pops: Crumble the cake, mix with a little frosting, roll into balls, and dip in chocolate. Kids love this.
• Ice Cream Topping: Cube up slices and toss them into bowls of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a sundae that feels straight out of a retro diner.
• Layer in a Milkshake: Blend a slice with vanilla ice cream and a splash of milk for a decadent Neapolitan milkshake.
• Holiday Cake Croutons: Bake cubed cake pieces until crisp and sprinkle them on hot chocolate or pudding. It’s a whimsical garnish everyone talks about.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: A Slice of Sweet Nostalgia

Neapolitan cake is one of those desserts that feels like a celebration in every bite. It’s playful, colorful, and packed with the classic trio of flavors we all know and love. Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, bringing it to a potluck, or just making it on a whim because the mood strikes, it delivers big on both flavor and charm.

Plus, it’s the kind of cake that sparks joy the moment you slice into it — those bold, beautiful layers are like a dessert reveal party every time. I hope this recipe brings a little sweetness and nostalgia to your kitchen, just like it does in mine.

If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy trying the Texas chocolate pecan pie or the cozy banana pumpkin bread for your next baking adventure.

Now go grab your mixer, pick your playlist, and get baking — because happiness really is just a slice away.