Dessert

Neapolitan Cake Recipe

ByHugo Harnd February 15, 2026February 15, 2026

Introduction

The Neapolitan Cake is a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla in one beautiful, layered dessert. Perfect for celebrations or a special weekend bake, this cake offers a rich and creamy experience with a smooth cream cheese frosting.

A slice of four-layer cake sits on a white speckled plate with a bronze fork beside it; the bottom layer is dark brown, the next layer is pink, followed by a white layer, and the top layer is light pink, all with a soft, fluffy texture. The cake is covered with white frosting and decorated on top with swirls of chocolate, pink, and white frosting, along with a small white decoration in the middle. The scene has a soft, blurred background with light colors and flowers. The plate rests on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients and gently fold together, taking care not to overmix.
Step 4: Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Melted chocolate should be stirred into one portion, pureed strawberries added to the second, and leave the third portion plain for the vanilla layer.
Step 5: Pour each flavored batter into its prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: To make the frosting, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until smooth. Frost between each layer and cover the entire cake once assembled.

Tips & Variations

For a fruitier strawberry layer, use fresh pureed strawberries or strawberry jam instead of processed puree.
Warm the cream cheese and butter slightly if the frosting feels too stiff for easy spreading.
Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the frosting for a subtle tang that complements the sweetness.
Try using almond extract instead of vanilla for a different twist on flavor.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months; thaw completely before frosting.

How to Serve

A slice of layered cake with four distinct layers sits on a white plate with tiny brown speckles and is placed on a white marbled surface. From bottom to top, the layers are dark brown, light pink, white, and light pink again, each separated by thin layers of white cream. The top layer is covered with white frosting and decorated with swirls of pink, white, and dark brown cream, arranged mostly around the edges. A rose gold fork rests on the plate beside the cake slice. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the strawberry layer?

Yes, thaw and puree the frozen strawberries well before incorporating them into the batter to avoid excess moisture affecting the cake texture.

What is the best way to prevent the cake layers from drying out?

Cool the layers completely and store them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container. Applying a thin layer of frosting or simple syrup before the final frosting can also help keep layers moist.