When I first layered a simple chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla sponge for a family birthday, I started calling it the {focus keyword}, and it immediately became the centerpiece of the table. This Neapolitan Cake is comfort in three colors, easy enough for a busy weeknight baker and festive enough for weekends and birthdays. I’ll walk you through the friendly version I make when kids need something colorful but I still want a straightforward, reliable bake. The cake pairs tender cake layers with a creamy cream cheese frosting that bridges the flavors without being overly sweet. I often swap in quick strawberry purée from frozen berries when fresh ones are out of season, and that little adjustment keeps the same nostalgic Neapolitan vibe. If you’re aiming to make a showstopping but doable layer cake, this {focus keyword} is a great place to start.
Meta description: Cozy, family-friendly Neapolitan Cake recipe, three easy layers and a creamy frosting, perfect for birthdays and weeknight baking. (Under 160 chars)
Why Make This Recipe
This Neapolitan Cake sings of simple pleasures, melding chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla into a single, nostalgic dessert that kids love and adults appreciate. It’s special because the flavors are distinct yet balanced by the cream cheese frosting that keeps the cake moist and cutting easy. Make this for birthdays, potlucks, or any weekend when you want a dessert that feels both homemade and celebratory. The method is forgiving, so it’s ideal for bakers who want a beautiful result without fuss.
"This cake disappeared in minutes at our family gathering, definitely a keeper," says a happy home baker.
The recipe also scales easily, so you can make smaller layers for individual servings or double it for a larger crowd. Because the batter splits into three parts, it’s a fun way to involve helpers, a great kitchen project with kids who love to stir and color their portion of the batter. In short, the {focus keyword} is reliable, adaptable, and a warm, familiar flavor trio.
How to Make Neapolitan Cake
This is a high-level overview of how the Neapolitan Cake comes together, keeping the busy home cook in mind. The process starts with a single, well-mixed batter that’s smooth and pourable. After dividing the batter into three bowls, each portion is flavored and colored: melted chocolate for the chocolate layer, pureed strawberries for the pink layer, and a plain vanilla portion for the classic middle. Each flavored batter bakes in its own pan so the layers are even and bake time is consistent. Once cooled, the layers are assembled with a tangy cream cheese frosting between and around them, creating that signature tri-color look. Chill briefly if you want cleaner slices, and serve at room temperature for the best flavor. If you’re making the {focus keyword} for the first time, plan the day so the cakes have ample time to cool before frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup softened butter (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened, for frosting)
Notes and substitutions:
- For a lighter crumb swap half the all-purpose flour for cake flour, keeping the total dry measure the same.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder can be replaced with Dutch-process for a deeper chocolate flavor, but adjust baking powder to baking soda if switching to Dutch-process.
- If you prefer a less tangy frosting, reduce cream cheese by 2 oz and add an extra 2 oz butter.
- For a dairy-free frosting, use a vegan butter and a cream cheese substitute that whips well. The cake layers can be made with a plant-based milk and egg replacer, though texture will vary.
- To make the strawberry portion, use fresh strawberries puréed and strained or thawed frozen berries lightly cooked with a teaspoon of sugar, then cooled.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, blend the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Stir melted chocolate into one portion to make the chocolate layer, add pureed strawberries to another portion for the pink layer, and leave the third plain for the vanilla layer. Adjust color or flavor gently, adding a tablespoon of strawberry purée at a time so the batter does not become too wet.
- Pour each flavored batter into its respective prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate pans halfway through baking if your oven runs hot.
- Remove pans from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. Cooling fully helps prevent the frosting from sliding.
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth, then add powdered sugar gradually until you reach a spreadable consistency. Keep a little powdered sugar back if you plan to pipe decorations.
- Level the cake layers if needed. Frost a thin crumb coat, chill briefly to set, then add a final even layer, frosting between each layer and around the outside. Decorate as desired and chill for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner edges.
How to Serve Neapolitan Cake
Serve slices at room temperature so flavors are more pronounced and textures are supple. For family-style serving, place the cake in the center and let everyone choose their favorite color slice. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh berries on the side for a light contrast. For birthday parties or kid events, pipe simple rosettes of the cream cheese frosting on top, or scatter sprinkles that match the tri-color theme for a playful touch. A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs nicely for an extra-special treat.
How to Store
Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cream cheese frosting needs refrigeration, so keep the cake in an airtight container to prevent drying and to protect it from other fridge odors. For longer storage, slice and freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving, then bring to room temperature for the best texture. Reheat individual slices briefly in a warm oven for 5–7 minutes if you prefer a just-baked feel, but avoid microwaving as it can make the frosting watery.
Tips to Make
- Use room-temperature eggs and milk, they incorporate better and give a smoother batter for the {focus keyword}. (count: 2)
- Measure flour by spooning into the cup and leveling with a knife to avoid a dense crumb.
- When dividing batter, weigh bowls or use a kitchen scale for evenly thick layers. Even layers make the {focus keyword} look polished. (count: 3)
- Don’t overmix after adding wet ingredients, stop when you no longer see streaks of flour. Overmixing develops gluten and makes a tougher cake.
- If your strawberry purée adds too much liquid, add a tablespoon of flour to that portion to maintain batter consistency.
- Chill the crumb coat for 15 minutes before applying the final frosting layer to reduce crumbs on the surface. For a picture-perfect {focus keyword}, this small pause makes a big difference. (count: 4)
- Use an offset spatula and a turntable if you have one, they speed up frosting and yield smoother sides.
- Allow slices to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to bring out flavor and soften the frosting.
Variations
- Chocolate-forward: Add chocolate chips to the chocolate batter for texture, or swirl melted chocolate into the frosting for a marble effect. A chocolate ganache drip can make the {focus keyword} extra showy. (count: 5)
- Vegan version: Use a trusted egg replacer, plant-based milk, and vegan cream cheese plus vegan butter for the frosting. Bake times may vary, so check with a toothpick.
- Low-sugar: Replace half the granulated sugar with a granular sugar substitute suitable for baking and reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting, tasting as you go.
- Protein-focused: Make smaller, denser layers and fold in a neutral whey or plant-based protein powder into a portion of the batter, or serve slices alongside protein-packed sides like yogurt-based parfaits. This turns the {focus keyword} into a more balanced treat. (count: 6)
- Seasonal twists: Swap strawberry purée for raspberry in late summer, or make a citrus revival by adding lemon zest to the vanilla layer for a bright note. For winter, use spiced strawberries with a pinch of cinnamon.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the layers a day ahead and keep them wrapped in the fridge or freeze them for longer. Assemble and frost the day you plan to serve for the best texture.
Q: My frosting is too thin, how do I thicken it?
A: Add more powdered sugar a little at a time and chill the frosting briefly. If it becomes too sweet, add a small extra amount of cream cheese or a teaspoon of lemon juice to balance.
Q: Can I substitute jam for fresh strawberry purée?
A: You can, but reduce any added sugar elsewhere and thin the jam with a splash of hot water if it’s very thick. Taste for sweetness before combining with batter for the {focus keyword}. (count: 7)
Q: How do I prevent layers from doming?
A: Bake on the middle rack, avoid high oven temperatures, and rotate pans halfway through baking. If doming occurs, level with a serrated knife after cooling.
Q: Is it okay to use a boxed cake mix?
A: For speed, you can use a high-quality white or vanilla boxed mix and flavor portions as described, but adjust sugar and liquid as needed. A box mix can make a quick {focus keyword} when time is short. (count: 8)
For More Recipe Inspiration
If you like making showy single-layer or small celebration cakes, try this bento-style option for individual servings: https://quickcakerecipes.com/bento-cake-recipe/
For a light, ethereal alternative you can bake in a hurry, see this cloud cake recipe: https://quickcakerecipes.com/cloud-cake-recipe/
Conclusion
I hope this Neapolitan Cake becomes a comforting go-to for your family celebrations and weekday treats. For a different take and more technique ideas, check this approachable guide to a similar layered dessert Neapolitan Cake (Quick And Easy) – Sweetest Menu, and for a beautifully photographed, methodical walkthrough of layering and decorating, see Neapolitan Cake – Preppy Kitchen.
Neapolitan Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, blend the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Stir melted chocolate into one for the chocolate layer, add pureed strawberries to another for the pink layer, and keep the third plain for the vanilla layer.
- Pour each flavored batter into its respective prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until a spreadable consistency is reached.
- Level the cake layers if needed. Frost a thin crumb coat and chill briefly to set, then add a final even layer of frosting between and around the outside of the cake.