Neapolitan Layer Cake Recipe with Real Flavors and Clean Layers

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I first made this Neapolitan Layer Cake on a dare—from myself. I wanted to recreate the nostalgic flavors of the ice cream I loved as a kid but without the icy bite and melty mess. What came out of my oven was better than I imagined: three perfectly distinct layers—vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry—stacked into a soft, buttery cake that slices clean and disappears fast. Since then, it’s become my go-to cake when I want something that feels playful but delivers grown-up polish.

This recipe is a dream for anyone who wants to make a visual statement without needing advanced pastry skills. Each layer is made from the same base batter and then carefully flavored, so you avoid dry spots, weird textures, or uneven bake times. It’s just the right balance of ease and wow.

Recipe Overview & Why You’ll Love It

This Neapolitan Layer Cake brings together the three classic flavors—vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry—in a way that finally does them justice. Each layer is tender and moist, with a crumb that holds up but melts in your mouth. The chocolate is bold but not bitter, the strawberry is fruity and light, and the vanilla ties everything together with rich warmth.

Unlike many tri-flavor cakes that rely on artificial taste or box mixes, this version is made from scratch with real butter, whole eggs, and carefully balanced flavorings. It’s perfect for birthday parties, bridal showers, or bake sales—anywhere you want a cake that looks like a party and eats like a memory.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Each element of this Neapolitan Layer Cake is crafted with purpose—from the emulsified batter base to the light, fluffy vanilla buttercream. The ingredients listed here yield a 3-layer 8-inch round cake that serves 12.

For the Cake Layers

3 sticks (339g) unsalted butter, softened (not melted)
2¼ cups (450g) granulated sugar
6 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (240ml) whole milk
Substitution: Swap milk for buttermilk for a tangier, more tender crumb.

For the Chocolate Layer

¼ cup (21g) unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons (30ml) whole milk
Substitution: Use half Dutch-processed cocoa and half natural for deeper flavor.

For the Strawberry Layer

2 tablespoons (30g) strawberry jam or purée
Few drops red or pink food coloring (optional)
½ teaspoon strawberry extract (optional)
Substitution: Use 2–3 tablespoons finely ground freeze-dried strawberry powder for bolder flavor and natural color.

For the Frosting

3 sticks (339g) unsalted butter, softened
5 cups (600g) powdered sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 tablespoons (60ml) milk or cream
Tiny pinch of salt

Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy gear to make this Neapolitan Layer Cake, but the right tools help create even layers and clean finishes.

Stand mixer with paddle attachment (or handheld mixer)
Three 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans
Parchment paper and baking spray or butter/flour for greasing
Digital kitchen scale (for even batter division)
Offset spatula and bench scraper (for frosting)
Serrated knife (for leveling)
Optional: Cake strips for flatter baking

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prep Your Pans & Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment rounds, and lightly flour the sides. If using cake strips, soak and wrap them around the pans for level layers.

Step 2 – Make the Base Batter

In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high for 3 to 4 minutes until very light and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl to ensure even mixing.

Add eggs one at a time on medium speed, letting each fully incorporate before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract until the batter looks glossy and smooth.

Step 3 – Combine Dry and Wet

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this dry mix to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk in two parts (start and end with dry). Mix on low speed until just combined—don’t overmix.

Step 4 – Divide and Flavor the Batters

Weigh the total batter (subtract the bowl’s weight) and divide evenly into three bowls. This ensures balanced layers.

Chocolate Layer: In a small bowl, stir cocoa powder and milk into a smooth paste. Fold it into one-third of the batter. Mix gently until no streaks remain.

Strawberry Layer: Fold jam (or purée) into another third of the batter. Add food coloring and extract, if using. Keep the mix light and airy.

Vanilla Layer: Leave the final third plain but give it a single gentle stir for even texture.

Step 5 – Bake the Layers

Pour each batter into its prepared pan and smooth the tops with an offset spatula. Bake for 22 to 26 minutes. Cakes are done when the tops spring back lightly and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and invert onto cooling racks. Cool completely before leveling if needed.

Step 6 – Make the Frosting

Beat the softened butter on medium-high for 2 minutes until pale and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and a tiny pinch of salt. Add vanilla and milk, then beat another 2 minutes until fluffy and smooth.

Step 7 – Assemble the Cake

Place the chocolate layer on a serving board. Spread about ¾ cup frosting evenly to the edge. Stack the vanilla layer, repeat with frosting, then top with the strawberry layer.

Apply a thin crumb coat over the entire cake and chill for 15–20 minutes. Finish with a thicker layer of frosting, smoothing with a bench scraper. Decorate as desired.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to this Neapolitan Layer Cake is the single base batter. Instead of making three separate cakes, you build one well-emulsified batter and split it—so every layer bakes with the same light, cohesive texture.

Blooming the cocoa in warm milk enhances chocolate depth and prevents dry patches. The strawberry flavor gets a moisture boost from jam or purée without compromising structure. Gentle folding and minimal mixing preserve the cake’s tenderness.

Pro Tips & Variations

Level the playing field: Weigh your batter to ensure each layer is the same height.
Double it up: For a taller cake, double the recipe and use six 6-inch pans.
Add texture: Mini chocolate chips or freeze-dried strawberries can be folded into their matching layers.
Flavor swaps: Replace strawberry with raspberry purée or try almond extract in the vanilla layer for something different.
Frosting fun: Tint the frosting into stripes or ombré shades using leftover food coloring.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing

You can bake the cake layers 1–2 days in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic and store in the fridge.

Frosted cake keeps well at room temperature (covered) for 1 day or refrigerated for up to 4 days.

To freeze: Wrap unfrosted layers tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also freeze frosted slices individually—just wrap them well and enjoy within two weeks.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Neapolitan Layer Cake makes a statement on its own, but a few finishing touches elevate it.

Try a simple swirl design on the frosting with an offset spatula, a crown of fresh strawberries, or shaved chocolate around the base. Serve with cold milk for kids or espresso for adults. Vanilla bean ice cream or tart berry sorbet make excellent accompaniments.

Dietary Notes & Allergen Considerations

Gluten: Contains wheat; use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for alternatives.
Dairy: Contains butter and milk throughout.
Eggs: Essential to the structure; not recommended for egg-free substitution.
Nuts: No nuts in the base recipe, but always check ingredient labels for cross-contamination.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

Batter curdled after eggs → Add 1–2 tablespoons flour to bring it back together.
Domed tops → Trim while slightly warm and use cake strips next time.
Dry cake → Watch baking time closely and brush cooled layers with simple syrup if needed.
Gritty frosting → Sift powdered sugar and beat longer with small splashes of milk.
Strawberry flavor too mild → Boost with freeze-dried powder or strawberry extract.

FAQs

Can I bake this in two pans instead of three?

Yes. Use two taller 8-inch pans, bake 30–34 minutes, then cool and slice horizontally to make three layers.

How do I make the strawberry flavor stronger?

Add 1–2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder to the batter and skip extra jam to maintain structure.

Can I bake this in two pans instead of three?

Grit usually comes from unsifted powdered sugar or under-beating. Sift before mixing and beat for 2–3 full minutes to incorporate fully.

Can I freeze the Neapolitan Layer Cake?

Yes. Freeze the baked layers (unfrosted) for up to 1 month. You can also freeze fully frosted slices for short-term storage.

How do I know the Neapolitan Layer Cake is fully baked?

Each layer should spring back when lightly pressed, and a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Don’t wait for it to be bone dry.

Conclusion

There’s something irresistibly joyful about a Neapolitan Layer Cake. Maybe it’s the bold stripes or the way each slice delivers a full flavor experience. Maybe it’s the nostalgia, elevated into something fresh and homemade.

Whatever brings you to this recipe, you’ll walk away with a cake that turns heads and wins hearts. Make it your own, tweak the flavors, and most of all—slice it proudly and share. It’s a cake that deserves the spotlight.

More Relevant Recipes

Neapolitan Cake Recipe: A fun and colorful alternative to the traditional layer cake, this Neapolitan Cake features the same beloved chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors but in a slightly different format, perfect for birthdays or family gatherings.
Marble Neapolitan Cake: This cake swirls all three Neapolitan flavors—chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla—into a marbled masterpiece that’s as visually striking as it is delicious, with a tender crumb and nostalgic flavor profile.
Pumpkin Layer Cake: While seasonal in nature, this rich and spiced pumpkin layer cake shares the same impressive multi-layered format as the Neapolitan Layer Cake, making it a perfect party centerpiece with a cozy twist.