Neapolitan Cake used to be one of those desserts I only attempted for special occasions because it seemed tricky. After lots of testing and a couple of overbaked layers, I’ve finally nailed a simple recipe! This cake is perfect for any weekday after dinner craving. With straightforward steps, it’s a showstopper that won’t drown you in dirty dishes. Seriously, once you get this technique down, I think you’ll find yourself making it more often than you’d imagine.
Recipe Card – Neapolitan Cake
Neapolitan Cake
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Cake pans
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 300 g All-purpose flour
- 200 g Sugar
- 200 g Butter softened
- 4 Eggs
- 60 ml Milk at room temperature
- 1 tbsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 100 g Cocoa powder
- 100 g Strawberry puree
- 200 g Cream cheese for frosting
- 100 g Powdered sugar for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C. Grease and flour three cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Divide the batter into three bowls. Mix cocoa powder into one bowl, strawberry puree into another, and leave the last one as vanilla.
- Pour the batters into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- For the frosting, mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Frost the top of each layer before stacking them.
Notes
More Favorites from My Kitchen:
Baked Brie in Puff Pastry with Honey and Fig Recipe
Baked Pears with Goat Cheese Honey and Cranberries recipe
Or go to my Pinterest.
What is Neapolitan Cake?
History and Ice Cream Inspiration
Neapolitan Cake is a dessert that mirrors the classic trio of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavors you’ll find in Neapolitan ice cream. It features distinct flavor zones or layers that resemble the three colors, making for a fun and crowd-pleasing bake. This cake captures the same spirit of simple, balanced flavors that make the ice cream a favorite.
The idea behind the cake is to transform the ice cream’s triad into texture and taste. You might see three separate layers or a marbled effect that hints at each flavor. It’s a forgiving concept for home bakers, encouraging creativity without requiring exact precision. I’ve found that starting with a light, airy vanilla base allows the other flavors to shine without overpowering the cake.
Italian dessert traditions inspire many Neapolitan cakes, and home cooks have adapted the idea all over the world. The result is a versatile showstopper that’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a casual weekend treat. Trust me, a neatly tiered slice looks just as good as it tastes, and it’s a fun way to bring a little vacation into your kitchen.
Delicious Variations
Regional Twists
Regional twists let you add your own touch to Neapolitan Cake. Swap in local flavors that reflect nearby desserts or seasonal produce—for example, a pistachio layer if you’re in the Naples area, or a citrus-infused strawberry layer when it’s warmer. The objective is to create a harmonious trio that stays true to the cake’s spirit while embracing local tastes.
Texture and technique are just as important as flavor. You can mix up the layers with a light sponge, a denser butter cake, or a soft genoise, depending on your preferences. A gentle marbling technique can create a look that hints at each flavor without weighing the cake down. The right balance keeps every bite lively and not too sweet.
A straightforward, crowd-pleasing approach is to pair one vanilla layer with a rich chocolate and a bright strawberry layer, then mirror or alternate them in the final cake.
- Tip: keep the flavors distinct so each slice showcases all three tastes. This keeps the cake colorful and delicious with every bite.
Dietary Adaptations
There are plenty of ways to adapt Neapolitan Cake for different diets without losing flavor. For gluten-free bakers, use a reliable gluten-free flour blend and a bit more binding agent to keep the crumb light. For dairy-free or vegan options, swap butter for a high-quality dairy-free alternative and use plant-based milk in the batter.
You can also customize the fillings to avoid common allergens while sticking to the trio concept. Almond or oat milk can replace cow’s milk, and fruit purees or aquafaba can add moisture and stability. Always check ingredient labels to avoid hidden allergens, and consider offering both dairy-containing and dairy-free versions, so guests can choose.
If you’re not ready to redesign the whole recipe, a simple method is to create a dairy-free strawberry layer and a vanilla chocolate core using easy substitutes. The key is to maintain the contrast and balance among the three flavors, ensuring no single note overpowers the others.
- Tip: label ingredients clearly when serving to assist guests with dietary needs.
Troubleshooting
Common Baking Mistakes
One of the most common issues with Neapolitan Cake is an uneven crumb or cracking on top. This often occurs when the batter is overmixed or the oven temperature is off. To prevent this, mix just until combined and bake with an oven thermometer inside. The goal is a smooth, even surface that slices neatly.
Another frequent problem is layers that don’t line up or slide apart when you stack them. This usually happens when the layers are too hot or too brittle to handle. Make sure to let the cakes cool completely on a rack before assembling, and use a light, even press to align the layers. If you notice a seam forming, add a little frosting to glue the layers together and stabilize the stack.
Dry or dense texture means the batter wasn’t light enough or the bake time was too long. To avoid this, measure your ingredients accurately, don’t overmix, and look for a clean toothpick test with a few crumbs clinging. If you find dryness after baking, brushing with a simple syrup can restore moisture and create a tender crumb. When in doubt, it’s better to underbake slightly and test again.
Video: Neapolitan Bundt Cake Recipe | Strawberry, Vanilla and …
FAQ – Neapolitan Cake
What do I do if the layers are sliding apart?
Make sure the cakes have completely cooled before stacking them. If they feel too hot, they can become brittle and slide. You can also add a bit of frosting between layers to help stick them together.
How can I avoid a dry Neapolitan Cake?
To keep the cake moist, don’t overbake! Start checking doneness a few minutes early, and if things do feel dry, a simple syrup brushing after baking can help restore moisture.
Can I make a gluten-free Neapolitan Cake?
Absolutely! Just swap out regular flour for a good gluten-free blend and maybe add a little extra binding agent. It should still come out light and fluffy!
Conclusion
When you pull the Neapolitan Cake out of the oven, the aroma is out of this world—sweet, chocolatey, and fruity all at once. The layers are beautifully distinct, showcasing that playful swirl of colors. Each slice will reveal a delightful trio of flavors that dance on your palate—moist, tender, and bursting with personality. So, roll up those sleeves and give it a go – trust me, you might just surprise yourself with how rewarding and easy it is to whip this up on a busy weeknight!