Neapolitan Cake Recipe (From Scratch!)

There’s something uniquely satisfying about a classic Neapolitan cake. With its distinct, beautiful layers of rich chocolate, fragrant vanilla, and sweet strawberry, this dessert is a true showstopper. This from-scratch Neapolitan Cake Recipe ditches the box mixes for a truly unforgettable, moist, and flavorful cake that will be the star of any celebration. We’re breaking down every step to ensure you get perfect, tender layers and a creamy buttercream to match. Get ready to create a dessert that looks as incredible as it tastes.

What is a Neapolitan Cake?

A Neapolitan cake is a layer cake inspired by Neapolitan ice cream. It features three distinct layers, each with a classic flavor: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. The cake is typically frosted with a complementary buttercream, often strawberry or vanilla, to tie all the flavors together. The beautiful, striped appearance when sliced makes it a popular choice for birthdays and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This From-Scratch Recipe

• Unbeatable Flavor: Making this cake from scratch results in a depth of flavor that box mixes simply can’t replicate. Real cocoa, pure vanilla, and a bright strawberry puree make all the difference.
• Incredibly Moist Crumb: The buttermilk and oil base ensures each layer is tender, moist, and stays fresh for days.
• A True Showstopper: The beautiful tri-color layers make this cake a stunning centerpiece for any event.
• Clear, Easy Steps: We’ve broken down the process into simple, manageable steps, making this impressive cake totally achievable for home bakers of all skill levels.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe starts with a single vanilla batter that we cleverly divide to create the chocolate and strawberry flavors. This technique simplifies the process and ensures a consistent texture across all layers.

For the Cake Layers:

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our cake.
• Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Our leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Large Eggs: They should be at room temperature to incorporate smoothly into the batter.
• Buttermilk: Also at room temperature. This acidic ingredient creates an exceptionally tender crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Guarantees a moist cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For the rich chocolate layer.
• Strawberry Puree: Made from fresh or frozen strawberries for the vibrant strawberry layer.

For the Strawberry Buttercream:

• Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature.
• Powdered Sugar: Sifted to prevent lumps.
• Strawberry Puree: To give the frosting its signature flavor and color.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: To achieve the perfect consistency.
• Vanilla Extract & Salt: For flavor balance.

Essential Equipment

Making a layer cake is much easier with the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Three 8-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Electric stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Wire cooling rack
• Offset spatula for frosting

How to Make This Neapolitan Cake Recipe

Follow these steps carefully for a perfect three-flavored cake. The key is to work efficiently once the base batter is made.

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans & Oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. For extra insurance against sticking, trace the bottom of the pan on parchment paper, cut it out, and place it in the bottom of each greased pan.

Step 2: Mix the Vanilla Batter (The Base)

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl for your stand mixer, beat the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until just combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Create the Chocolate & Strawberry Batters

Quickly divide the vanilla batter evenly among three separate bowls (about 2 cups of batter per bowl).

• For the Chocolate Layer: Whisk the cocoa powder into one of the bowls until fully combined.
• For the Strawberry Layer: Gently fold the strawberry puree into the second bowl.
• For the Vanilla Layer: Leave the third bowl as is.

Pour each batter into one of the prepared cake pans and spread evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Layers

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. For a truly impressive dessert, you could also try this decadent peanut butter pie recipe.

The Ultimate Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with a mixer on medium speed until it’s creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Add the strawberry puree, vanilla, and salt. Beat on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of heavy cream at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Assembling Your Neapolitan Cake Masterpiece

Once your cake layers are completely cool, it’s time to assemble.

1. Place the chocolate layer on your cake stand or serving plate.
2. Spread a generous layer of strawberry buttercream evenly over the top (about 1 cup).
3. Carefully place the vanilla layer on top and repeat with another layer of frosting.
4. Top with the strawberry cake layer. Apply a thin “crumb coat” of frosting over the entire cake and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This traps any loose crumbs.
5. Frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream. For a decorative touch, you can pipe swirls on top.

If you’re a fan of impressive desserts, this easy pumpkin cheesecake recipe is another fantastic choice for special occasions.

Expert Tips for a Flawless Cake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smooth, emulsified batter, ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter develops gluten, which can lead to a tough, dense cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
• Use a Kitchen Scale: For perfectly even layers, weigh your batter as you divide it among the three bowls.
• Cool Completely: Never frost a warm cake! The heat will melt the buttercream, creating a frustrating mess. Be patient and let the layers cool completely. This tip is also crucial for our favorite classic pumpkin roll recipe.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

This Neapolitan cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best taste and texture, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving if it has been chilled. You can also make the cake layers ahead of time. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature for a day or freeze them for up to a month.

FAQs for this Neapolitan Cake Recipe

Share Your Creation!

We are so excited for you to try this from-scratch Neapolitan Cake Recipe! It’s a labor of love that is worth every second. If you make it, we would love to see it! Please leave a comment below or share a picture of your beautiful cake on Pinterest. Happy baking!

Neapolitan Cake Recipe

FL Recipes

Neapolitan Cake Recipe (From Scratch!)

Learn how to make the best homemade Neapolitan Cake with distinct layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. This from-scratch recipe is moist, flavorful, and a true showstopper for any occasion.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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For the Cake Layers

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1.5 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 large eggs room temperature
• 1.5 cups buttermilk room temperature
• 0.5 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 0.33 cup strawberry puree from fresh or frozen strawberries

For the Strawberry Buttercream

• 1.5 cups unsalted butter softened
• 5 cups powdered sugar sifted
• 0.5 cup strawberry puree
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk, as needed

Equipment

• 3 8-inch round cake pans
• 1 Electric stand mixer
• 1 Wire Cooling Rack

Method

 

Cake Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Divide the batter evenly among three bowls. Whisk cocoa powder into one bowl, and fold strawberry puree into the second bowl. Leave the third as vanilla.
6. Pour each batter into a prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cakes cool in the pans for 15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting & Assembly

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low.
2. Add the strawberry puree, vanilla, and salt. Beat on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. Add cream if needed to adjust consistency.
3. Place the chocolate layer on a cake stand. Top with a layer of frosting. Add the vanilla layer, another layer of frosting, and then the strawberry layer.
4. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake and chill for 30 minutes.
5. Cover the cake with the remaining frosting and decorate as desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalProtein: 5gFat: 28gFiber: 2g

Notes

Ensure all refrigerated ingredients (eggs, buttermilk) are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
For perfectly even cake layers, use a kitchen scale to divide the batter.
Do not frost the cake until the layers have cooled completely to prevent the frosting from melting.

Keyword birthday cake,layer cake,Neapolitan cake

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