Who says you can’t have it all? With neopolitan cake, you get the perfect marriage of three timeless flavors—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—all stacked into one beautiful, vibrant dessert. Whether it reminds you of the beloved ice cream or that birthday party as a kid with the colorful layers, this cake is a total crowd-pleaser. Each layer brings something unique: chocolate for richness, vanilla for balance, and strawberry for brightness. This recipe walks you through each step like a friend in the kitchen, so don’t worry if you’re new to baking. By the end, you’ll have a gorgeous, bakery-style cake that looks impressive but is totally doable at home.
Why You’ll Adore This Recipe
This neopolitan cake recipe is more than just pretty layers—it’s a flavor-packed dream!
Here’s why it deserves a spot in your kitchen:
- Three cakes in one: Enjoy chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry without having to choose.
- Beginner-friendly: Step-by-step instructions and helpful tips make it easy, even if this is your first layered cake.
- Perfect for celebrations: It’s eye-catching and delicious—ideal for birthdays, baby showers, or just because.
- Customizable frostings: Play with flavors, adjust sweetness, and make it your own.
Once you try this recipe, you might just find yourself making it again and again!
A Brief History of Neopolitan Cake
Neopolitan cake is inspired by the iconic Neapolitan ice cream. Here are some fun facts about its sweet roots:
- Originated from Naples, Italy: The concept of combining multiple flavors dates back to Italian immigrants in the 19th century.
- Became popular in America: The cake’s tri-color, tri-flavor design reflects the red (strawberry), white (vanilla), and brown (chocolate) of the ice cream.
- A symbol of unity: It brought together three favorite tastes into one dessert, appealing to both adults and kids alike.
- Modern twist: Today’s neopolitan cake is often used in themed parties and holiday gatherings thanks to its show-stopping look.
Key Ingredients in Neopolitan Cake
These are the main players that bring neopolitan cake to life:
- Strawberry reduction: Intensifies the natural berry flavor and adds moisture to the strawberry layer.
- Vanilla bean paste: Gives the vanilla frosting a rich, aromatic depth.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: The key to a deep, chocolatey layer without being too sweet.
- Whole milk: Adds tenderness and moisture to all cake layers.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps each layer light, fluffy, and soft—even days after baking.
How to Make Neopolitan Cake Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Reduction
Blend strawberries until smooth and simmer in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir every 5 minutes until thickened to ½ cup. Let it cool completely.
Step 2: Mix Vanilla Cake Batter
Whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add egg whites, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until lump-free. Pour into a greased 8-inch cake pan.
Step 3: Make Chocolate Cake Batter
Repeat the dry mix but whisk in cocoa powder too. Add the whole egg this time, along with oil, vanilla, and milk. Pour into another pan.
Step 4: Blend Strawberry Cake Batter
Use the same base as the vanilla, but add cooled strawberry reduction and strawberry emulsion. Mix and pour into a third cake pan.
Step 5: Bake All Layers
Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool layers completely before frosting.
Step 6: Prepare the Frostings
Cream butter and shortening in a mixer. Add vanilla, cream, and powdered sugar for the base. Mix in cocoa for chocolate, or strawberry reduction for strawberry frosting.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
Layer chocolate first with chocolate frosting, then vanilla with strawberry frosting, and finally strawberry on top. Apply a light crumb coat using vanilla frosting.
Step 8: Decorate
Chill for 20 minutes, then decorate using swipes of all three frostings. Pipe or swirl on top for a polished finish.
Neopolitan Cake Tips and Twists
Here’s how to elevate your neopolitan cake game:
Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother batter.
- Don’t skip leveling the cake layers—it ensures a stable, even stack.
- Chill the cake before decorating to avoid sliding layers.
- A stand mixer makes the frosting silky smooth.
- Grease and flour pans well to prevent sticking.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and plant-based butter.
- Fruity Twist: Add raspberry reduction instead of strawberry for a tangy spin.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Storage
- Keep leftover cake covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Store slices in airtight containers for best freshness.
Reheating
- Let a slice sit at room temp for 20 minutes before serving.
- Microwave for 10–15 seconds if you want a warm bite.
Make-Ahead
- Bake layers 1–2 days ahead and refrigerate wrapped in plastic.
- Frostings can be made a day early and stored in airtight containers.
Serving Suggestions for Neopolitan Cake
Your neopolitan cake is a showstopper on its own, but here’s how to elevate the experience:
- Pair with espresso or hot chocolate for a cozy dessert.
- Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a nod to its ice cream origins.
- Top with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings for visual appeal.
- Serve on a pastel or white cake stand to let those colors pop!
- Sprinkle with crushed freeze-dried berries for a fancy, fruity flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze neopolitan cake?
Yes! Freeze unfrosted layers for up to 2 months. Thaw fully before assembling.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of reduction?
Fresh berries won’t deliver the same bold flavor—reduction is key for depth.
What if I only have two pans?
Bake two layers first, then reuse a cooled pan for the third.
Can I use box cake mix?
You can, but this homemade version has much better flavor and texture!
Is this recipe nut-free?
Yes, it’s naturally nut-free, but always double-check your ingredient labels.
Enjoy Your Neopolitan Cake
There’s something extra special about making a cake from scratch—especially one as stunning as neopolitan cake. Each layer tells a story, and together, they deliver a bite that’s nostalgic, sweet, and satisfying. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting it to a friend, or just treating yourself on a weekend, this cake delivers both taste and beauty. Enjoy every bite of your homemade masterpiece!
Explore More Recipes
Want more sweet treats or crowd-pleasing dishes? These recipes pair perfectly with neopolitan cake:
- Try our Strawberry Cream Cake for even more berry flavor.
- Love layered dishes? Our Chicken Alfredo Lasagna is a rich, comforting main.
- For a simple side, pair with Grilled Vegetables to balance the sweetness.
- Planning a brunch spread? Add Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes for a cozy morning treat.
- For another fruity fix, try our Blueberry Bread Pudding.
Neopolitan Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Strawberry Reduction:
- 2 cups diced strawberries
Vanilla Cake Layer:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 large egg whites
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
Chocolate Cake Layer:
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
Strawberry Cake Layer:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 large egg whites
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup strawberry reduction
- 1 tsp strawberry emulsion
Vanilla Frosting:
- ½ cup butter room temperature
- ½ cup shortening
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Frosting:
- ½ cup butter room temperature
- ½ cup shortening
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
Strawberry Frosting:
- ½ cup butter room temperature
- ½ cup shortening
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 2 –3 tbsp strawberry reduction
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Blend strawberries and simmer to reduce to ½ cup. Chill completely.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans.
- Make each cake batter separately by mixing dry and wet ingredients; add strawberry reduction to the strawberry batter.
- Pour each batter into a separate pan and bake for 23–25 minutes.
- Let layers cool completely; level the tops for stacking.
- Make each frosting by whipping butter, shortening, sugar, and flavor additions until fluffy.
- Layer chocolate, vanilla, then strawberry cakes, adding matching frosting between.
- Crumb coat with vanilla frosting, chill, then decorate with all three frostings.