The moment you slice into a tall, pastel Neapolitan Cake, something magical happens. You see three beautiful layers—chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla—all stacked in harmony like the inside of your favorite childhood ice cream sandwich. One forkful in, and you’re instantly transported to summer birthdays, after-school treats, and ice cream parlor nostalgia. It’s sweet, retro, and full of feel-good flavor.
Whether you’re planning a kid-friendly baking project, looking for a classic layer cake for a birthday party, or just want something Pinterest-worthy to wow the family, this Neapolitan Cake is the one. And yes, it’s easier to make than it looks!
Neapolitan Cake
Ingredients
- 230 grams unsalted butter room temperature, for cake batter
- 200 grams granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract for cake batter
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 315 grams all-purpose flour sifted
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 240 ml whole milk for cake batter
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- strawberry extract to taste, for strawberry layer
- pink gel food coloring optional, for strawberry layer
- cocoa powder sifted, for chocolate layer
- 1 tablespoon milk for chocolate layer
- 230 grams unsalted butter room temperature, for frosting
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract for frosting
- 625 grams powdered sugar
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk to adjust frosting consistency
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line three 6-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Beat 230g unsalted butter, 200g sugar, and 2 tsp vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Add 3 eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift in 315g flour, 3 tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt. Mix gently.
- Add 240ml milk and 2 tbsp sour cream. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide batter into three equal portions.
- Flavor one portion with strawberry extract and pink food coloring.
- Add cocoa powder and 1 tbsp milk to another portion for the chocolate layer.
- Leave the third portion plain for the vanilla layer.
- Pour each batter into its prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting: Beat 230g butter until creamy. Add 2 tsp vanilla extract.
- Gradually add 625g powdered sugar, then add 3–4 tbsp milk until fluffy and spreadable.
- Trim cake layers if needed. Stack chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla layers with frosting in between.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake with remaining buttercream, smoothing with a spatula.
- Optional: Decorate with piped swirls, sprinkles, or chocolate/strawberry drip.
Notes
Nutrition
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Neapolitan Cake
A Throwback to the Ice Cream Days
There’s something so comforting about retro dessert recipes, and Neapolitan cake hits all the notes. It’s got the same cozy charm as our Apple Crumb Cake, but with a splash of pink and chocolate decadence to make it party-perfect. Each slice is like a layered scoop of your childhood favorite—only now, you can bake it yourself.
Perfect for Birthdays, Holidays, or Just Because
From birthday party cakes to special occasion desserts, this cake makes any gathering feel festive. The colors pop, the frosting is creamy, and the cake itself? Buttery, moist, and just sweet enough. It’s also a fantastic idea for gender reveal cakes—think strawberry on top if you’re feeling playful! (Speaking of which, check out our full Gender Reveal Cake Guide!)
Beginner-Friendly and Budget Conscious
Don’t be fooled by the layers—this is one of the easiest layer cake recipes you’ll ever bake. You start with one batter, divide it, flavor it, and bake it off. It uses pantry staples, making it a budget-friendly baking option that doesn’t compromise on wow factor.
Ingredient Breakdown & Easy Swaps
Let’s break down what makes this cake so special—and so doable:
Vanilla Cake Base
- Butter & Sugar: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming and tender cake texture.
- Eggs: Large and room temp, always.
- Milk & Sour Cream: Whole milk adds richness, and sour cream adds moisture.
- Flour, Baking Powder & Salt: Your classic cake dry ingredients.
Strawberry Layer
- Strawberry Extract: Adds a candy-like punch. Sub with freeze-dried strawberry powder for a natural alternative.
- Pink Gel Coloring: Optional but fun! You can skip if you’re going all-natural.
Chocolate Layer
- Cocoa Powder & Milk: A touch of milk smooths out the cocoa and keeps this layer soft and rich.
Buttercream Frosting
- Butter & Powdered Sugar: Whipped until fluffy.
- Vanilla Paste or Extract: Elevates the whole cake.
- Milk: Adjust the consistency.
Want to go gluten-free or dairy-free? Swap in 1:1 gluten-free flour and your favorite plant-based butter and milk. It works beautifully—just like we do in our Mother’s Day Pink Chiffon Cake.
How to Make Neapolitan Cake: Step-by-Step
1. Prepare Your Pans
Grease and line three 6-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) standard.
2. Make the Batter
Beat 230g unsalted butter, 200g sugar, and 2 tsp vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Add 3 eggs one at a time, mixing well.
Sift in 315g all-purpose flour, 3 tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt. Mix in 240ml full-fat milk and 2 tbsp sour cream until smooth—do not overmix.
3. Divide and Flavor
Split the batter into three equal portions:
- Add strawberry extract + pink food gel to one.
- Mix sifted cocoa powder + 1 tbsp milk into another.
- Leave the third one plain vanilla.
4. Bake the Layers
Pour each flavored batter into its own pan. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then move to a wire rack.
5. Make the Frosting
Beat 230g butter until creamy. Add 2 tsp vanilla and slowly mix in 625g powdered sugar. Add 3–4 tbsp milk until light and spreadable.
6. Assemble the Cake
Trim the tops for even layers. Stack chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla layers with buttercream in between. Use a generous amount of frosting on the sides and top, smoothing it with a spatula or cake scraper.
7. Decorate (Optional but Adored)
Style your Neapolitan cake with:
- Candy or chocolate toppers
- Piped swirls
- A chocolate or strawberry drip
- Or keep it simple with clean, pastel edges for that Pinterest-worthy cake look.
Creative Twists & Modern Variations
- Neapolitan Cupcakes: Same concept, but in cupcake liners!
- No-Bake Cheesecake Version: Layer strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla no-bake cheesecakes in a springform pan.
- Gluten-Free Cake Layers: Use almond flour or gluten-free 1:1 mix.
- Strawberry Frosting Swap: Make a fruity buttercream using freeze-dried berries for a natural twist.
These kinds of kid-friendly baking projects are great to get little hands involved—especially when sprinkles are involved!
How to Store & Serve
Store: Keep covered at room temp for 1–2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw before assembling.
Serve: With vanilla ice cream, hot coffee, or a side of nostalgia.
FAQs About Neapolitan Cake
What flavor is Neapolitan cake?
Neapolitan cake features chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla layers—just like the iconic ice cream. Each layer is distinctly flavored but comes together in one harmonious bite.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. It bakes up beautifully and tastes just as comforting.
What frosting works best for Neapolitan cake?
A classic vanilla buttercream is traditional, but you can also use chocolate buttercream or strawberry frosting for more flavor flair. Homemade frosting ideas are endless!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can bake the layers up to 2 days in advance. Wrap them well and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to frost and assemble.
Want More Retro Desserts?
Neapolitan Cake is just the beginning! Browse our full list of throwback and comfort food dessert recipes at our recipe blog including fun fall bakes and Halloween treats you’ll love.
For social updates and behind-the-scenes peeks, follow us on Pinterest and Facebook. You’ll find even more special occasion desserts, decorating inspiration, and seasonal comfort food favorites.