Neapolitan Cake Recipe Loved by Thousands in 3 Layers

There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about Neapolitan cake. As a professional chef, I’ve created hundreds of cakes over the years, but few bring the same joy and visual charm as this triple-flavored showstopper. The beauty of Neapolitan cake lies not only in its classic blend of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry but in how it brings people together. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, impressing a crowd, or simply treating yourself, this cake feels like a celebration from the first slice.

I’m Chef Andrew, and today I’m sharing a version of the Neapolitan cake that’s as stunning as it is satisfying. We’re talking three distinct layers baked to perfection, each one delivering bold flavor and tender texture. Vanilla brings that creamy, comforting sweetness. Chocolate offers richness and depth. Strawberry adds fruity brightness and color that pops.

Unlike boxed mixes or store-bought shortcuts, this recipe walks you through how to build each layer from scratch using simple pantry staples and a few pro tips. It’s the kind of bake that looks bakery-worthy but is surprisingly achievable at home. You don’t need special equipment or professional skills to get this right, just a bit of patience and a passion for great flavor.

So if you’re ready to impress guests or simply bake something beautiful, this Neapolitan cake recipe is the one you’ll keep coming back to.

Neapolitan Cake Recipe Loved by Thousands in 3 Layers

Chef Andrew

This Neapolitan cake combines the irresistible trio of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry in a stunning layered masterpiece. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you crave a show-stopping dessert.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 slices

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• 6-inch cake pans
• Stand mixer with paddle attachment
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula

Ingredients

  

For the Cake

• 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour 213g
• 1 cup granulated sugar 200g
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda heaping
• 1 teaspoon baking powder heaping
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature, 176g
• 3 egg whites
• 1/2 cup sour cream room temperature
• 1/2 cup milk room temperature
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 6 oz strawberries sliced, reduced and strained
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice

For the Buttercreams

• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 3 lb confectioners’ sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature, 225g
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons strained strawberry preserves
• pink food coloring optional
• 1 splash whole milk

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 6-inch cake pans.
• For the strawberry reduction, cook strawberries with lemon juice until soft, mash, simmer for 10 minutes, then strain and chill.
• In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, and baking powder.
• In another bowl, combine butter, egg whites, sour cream, and milk until smooth.
• Combine wet and dry mixtures just until incorporated. Divide into three bowls.
• Add cocoa to one bowl, strawberry reduction to another, leave the third plain for vanilla layer.
• Bake each batter in a prepared pan for about 30 minutes. Strawberry may take 5–8 minutes longer.
• To prepare buttercream, whip butter until fluffy, gradually add sugar, then divide and flavor each batch (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry).
• Assemble layers by alternating cakes and piping buttercream petals around each tier.
• Smooth a crumb coat over the cake, then finish with decorative piping as desired.

Notes

The strawberry layer may take longer to bake. Use a toothpick to test. For stronger strawberry flavor, add more preserves to the frosting. The petal design requires more buttercream than a basic coat.

Keyword birthday dessert, Layer Cake, Neapolitan cake

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe “Neapolitan cake”

• Visually Stunning Layers
  Each slice showcases vibrant bands of strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla, creating an eye-catching centerpiece for any occasion.
• Three Flavors in One Cake
  You don’t have to choose between fruity, rich, or creamy. This cake delivers all three in every bite.
• Perfect for Celebrations
  Whether it’s a birthday, baby shower, or holiday table, this cake makes an elegant and memorable impression.
• Scratch-Made and Satisfying
  Forget artificial flavors or boxed mixes. This cake is made from real ingredients that taste as amazing as they look.
• Customizable and Creative
  You can tint the strawberry layer a deeper pink, swap chocolate for dark cocoa, or play with piping designs to suit your event.

What sets this Neapolitan cake apart is its balance. Too often, these multi-flavor cakes lean too heavily into sugar or turn out dry. This version uses sour cream for richness, fresh strawberry reduction for natural flavor, and just the right ratio of butter to flour to keep the crumb soft and moist. Paired with three velvety buttercreams and a clever layering technique, the final result is as delicious as it is dramatic. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a weekend dessert lover, this cake gives you both reliability and that wow factor.

Ingredients Needed for Neapolitan cake

Creating this Neapolitan cake is all about layering flavor and color with precision. Here’s what you’ll need, grouped by component for clarity:

For the Cake Layers

• 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour – properly spooned and leveled for accurate measuring
• 1 cup granulated sugar – for the perfect sweetness balance
• ¼ teaspoon heaping baking soda – to help the cake rise gently
• 1 teaspoon heaping baking powder – for a light, fluffy crumb
• ¾ cup unsalted butter – softened to room temperature for smooth mixing
• 3 egg whites – ensure they’re at room temperature to blend easily
• ½ cup sour cream – adds richness and keeps the cake moist
• ½ cup milk – also at room temperature, whole milk preferred
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder – for the chocolate layer
• 6 ounces strawberries – hulled, sliced, reduced, and strained
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice – brightens and enhances the strawberry flavor

For the Buttercreams

• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract – for the base buttercream
• 3 pounds confectioners’ sugar – sifted to ensure a smooth texture
• 1 cup unsalted butter – softened to create a creamy, pipeable consistency
• ¼ cup cocoa powder – adds deep chocolate flavor to one buttercream batch
• 2 tablespoons strawberry preserves – strained to blend smoothly into frosting
• Pink food coloring – optional, for a bolder strawberry hue
• Splash of whole milk – to adjust frosting consistency if needed

These ingredients form the base of each colorful, flavorful layer and ensure every slice is as delightful to taste as it is to look at. Up next: let’s walk through the process of bringing them together in your kitchen.

How to Make Neapolitan Cake

This stunning layered cake may look complex, but with a few organized steps, you’ll have a bakery-worthy masterpiece. Let’s break it down:

Prepare the Strawberry Reduction

1. Add sliced strawberries and lemon juice to a small saucepan. Place over medium heat and allow the mixture to warm for 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Gently mash the softened strawberries using the back of a spoon to release their juices.
3. Let the mixture simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
4. Strain the mixture into a bowl, pressing out as much liquid as possible. Cool in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.

Make the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 6-inch cake pans. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites, sour cream, milk, and softened butter until fully combined and smooth.
4. Gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
5. Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. This forms your base for the chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla layers.

Flavor Each Layer

6. To one bowl, mix in cocoa powder to create the chocolate layer.
7. To the second bowl, stir in most of the cooled strawberry reduction (reserve a few spoonfuls for the buttercream).
8. Leave the third bowl as is for the vanilla layer.

Bake the Cakes

9. Pour each batter into its prepared cake pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The strawberry layer may take 5 to 8 minutes longer.
10. Test doneness with a toothpick—when it comes out clean, they’re ready.
11. Allow cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Buttercreams

1. In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat butter on medium speed for 4 to 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar, mixing slowly to prevent a cloud of sugar.
3. Pour in vanilla extract and a splash of milk to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
4. Divide the finished buttercream evenly into three bowls.

Chocolate Buttercream

5. Mix cocoa powder into one of the portions. Stir until fully blended.

Strawberry Buttercream

6. Add remaining strawberry reduction and strawberry preserves to the second portion. For a vibrant hue, mix in a drop or two of pink food coloring.

Vanilla Buttercream

7. Leave the third portion plain. This will be your neutral layer.

Transfer each buttercream to individual piping bags. Snip the tips and get ready to layer.

Assemble the Cake

1. Place the chocolate cake layer on a cake board or stand.
2. Pipe alternating buttercream circles using all three flavors.
3. Repeat with the strawberry and vanilla cake layers.
4. Apply a thin crumb coat using an offset spatula. Chill for 15 minutes.
5. Once set, use the piping bags to create decorative petals or swirls all around the cake. Keep size and spacing even for a polished look.

This cake is as much a visual treat as it is a flavorful one. With your prep complete, you’re ready to serve.

Serving and Storage Tips of Neapolitan Cake

Serving Suggestions:

• For a striking presentation, slice the cake cleanly with a hot knife. Dip the blade in hot water, wipe it dry, and make smooth cuts to reveal the vibrant tri-color layers inside.
• Add a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream on the side to elevate the dessert for special occasions.
• Garnish each slice with a fresh strawberry, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce to match the cake’s three-flavor profile.
• If you’re hosting a party, serve the cake slightly chilled for firmer, photo-perfect slices that hold their structure.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigeration: Store the assembled cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving to restore its soft texture and full flavor.
• Freezing: You can freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before decorating.
• Buttercream Storage: Extra buttercream can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Before using, let it come to room temperature and re-whip it for a fluffier consistency.
• Leftover Slices: Place any leftover frosted slices in a container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days for best taste and texture.

With the proper storage methods, your Neapolitan Cake will taste just as delightful the next day.

Helpful Notes of Neapolitan Cake

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: To ensure a smooth batter and even baking, make sure the butter, sour cream, egg whites, and milk are all at room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle or bake unevenly.
• Strawberry Layer Timing: Keep an eye on the strawberry cake layer while baking. It often requires 5 to 10 extra minutes compared to the vanilla and chocolate layers due to the added moisture from the strawberry reduction.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix each layer just until combined to maintain a tender crumb. Overmixing can make the cake dense or rubbery.
• Custom Buttercream Ratios: Feel free to adjust the amount of strawberry preserve or cocoa powder in the buttercreams to match your flavor preference. For a more vibrant color in the strawberry buttercream, add a touch of pink gel food coloring.
• Make Ahead Tips: You can bake the layers and prepare the buttercream one day in advance. Store the cake layers wrapped in plastic at room temperature and refrigerate the buttercream in an airtight container.
• Assembly Trick: If your cake layers domed during baking, level them with a serrated knife to create a smooth, flat surface for stacking. This prevents wobbling and makes decorating easier.
• Petal Design Advice: The petal piping technique requires a lot of buttercream. If you plan to frost the entire cake this way, consider making an extra half batch of frosting just in case.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the chocolate layer for deeper flavor, or use lemon zest in the strawberry layer to enhance brightness.

Conclusion of Neapolitan Cake

There’s something magical about a Neapolitan Cake. It’s not just the stunning triple-layered appearance or the dreamy swirl of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors. It’s the nostalgic joy it brings to every bite. This homemade version elevates that magic even further with real strawberry reduction, rich cocoa, and silky buttercream layers that come together in a symphony of texture and taste.

Whether you’re preparing it for a birthday, a family gathering, or just to brighten a weekend, this cake delivers. It’s soft, moist, and bursting with real flavor in every layer. The vibrant presentation makes it a showstopper on any dessert table, while the customizable buttercreams allow you to tailor the flavor profile exactly how you love it. Plus, with my step-by-step guidance, you’ll feel confident tackling each component, even if you’re new to baking layered cakes.

If you try this Neapolitan Cake, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you stick with the classic flavor trio, or did you get creative with your own twist? Drop a comment below and leave a star rating to let other readers know how it went.

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag it on Pinterest or Facebook. Sharing your creation not only helps others but also inspires more home bakers to try this delicious classic.

So, what layer did you love most? Chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry? Let’s chat in the comments!

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