If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that brings together the best of chocolate, strawberry, and creamy cheesecake all in one glorious bite, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake Recipe. This cake beautifully marries the classic flavors of Neapolitan ice cream into a stunning triple-layered cake that dazzles not just with taste but with its vibrant look. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this cake delivers endless delight, combining fluffy chocolate and strawberry sponge layers with a luscious cheesecake heart, all wrapped in a velvety buttercream frosting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this show-stopping Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake Recipe, you’ll need simple pantry staples along with fresh ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the texture, flavor, and appearance of this layered masterpiece.
- Chocolate cake layer ingredients: Flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, buttermilk, warm water, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract – these combine for a moist and rich chocolate base that’s neither too dense nor too sweet.
- Strawberry cake layer ingredients: Flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, unsalted butter, egg, pureed fresh strawberries, milk, vanilla extract, and optional pink food coloring – these ingredients create a fluffy, fruity, and lightly sweet strawberry layer that’s bursting with natural flavor and pretty pink hue.
- Cheesecake layer ingredients: Cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract – the creamy, tangy filling that gives this cake its signature cheesecake heart.
- Frosting ingredients: Unsalted butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt – these make a luscious buttercream frosting that’s silky, sweet, and perfect for enveloping the layers.
- Optional garnish: Chocolate shavings, fresh strawberries, or sprinkles – for an extra splash of fun and flair.
How to Make Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Cheesecake Layer
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepping one of your 9-inch round pans with greasing and parchment lining. Beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth, then add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Pour this rich cheesecake batter into the pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until it’s set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before chilling it in the fridge. This cheesecake layer will be the creamy heart of your Neapolitan creation.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layer
While the cheesecake layer cools, whisk together your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the wet ingredients — buttermilk, warm water, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract — mixing just until the batter is smooth and well blended. Pour this into a second prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Once done, transfer it to a cooling rack and wait until it’s fully cooled to keep your layers stable during assembly.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Cake Layer
Now for that beautiful strawberry layer: cream softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the egg. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternate adding the dry mixture along with the pureed fresh strawberries and milk to the creamed butter mixture. Stir in vanilla extract and, if you want a more vivid pink tone, a few drops of pink food coloring. Pour the batter into the third pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely before moving on.
Step 4: Whip up the Frosting
To bring all these layers together harmoniously, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mix in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting is fluffy and smooth. This buttercream will be essential for binding your cake layers and adding a luscious finish.
Step 5: Assemble Your Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake Recipe
Level the cake layers if needed to keep your cake neat and stable. Place the chocolate cake layer on your serving plate, spread a thin layer of frosting over it, then gently place the chilled cheesecake layer on top. Add another thin layer of frosting atop the cheesecake before carefully setting the strawberry cake layer on the very top. Frost the entire cake generously with the remaining buttercream, smoothing it out for a beautiful finish. Chill the cake before slicing to ensure clean, neat pieces.
How to Serve Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the visual appeal and flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of chocolate shavings across the top or a few fresh strawberries sliced delicately around the edges. Sprinkles can add a playful touch if you’re serving it for a festive celebration. These garnishes not only add texture but help emphasize the cake’s classic Neapolitan colors and flavors.
Side Dishes
This cake is a treat on its own but pairs wonderfully with a light accompaniment like a bowl of fresh mixed berries or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a chilled glass of milk also complements the cake perfectly, giving you that cozy, indulgent experience we all crave when enjoying a dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the cake slices on pastel-colored plates to echo the Neapolitan theme. You might also add a dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of strawberry sauce around the plate. Setting the cake on a decorative cake stand and adding edible flowers or mint leaves on the side will certainly impress your guests and make your dessert table pop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers — which might be unlikely, but worth mentioning — wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days. Chilling helps preserve the cheesecake layer’s creamy texture and keeps the frosting firm.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake Recipe to enjoy later. Wrap the whole cake or individual slices carefully in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for the best protection against freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and refresh the frosting with an extra whisk if needed before slicing.
Reheating
Since this is a cold dessert with cheesecake and frosting, reheating is not recommended. Instead, serve it chilled or at room temperature for an ideal texture and flavor. Bringing it to room temperature about 15-20 minutes before serving will soften the buttercream and enhance the experience.
FAQs
Can I use boxed cake mixes instead of from scratch?
Absolutely! The recipe notes even mention that you can use boxed chocolate and strawberry cake mixes if you want a quicker route. Just be sure to follow the package instructions carefully. The cheesecake and frosting layers are best homemade for that fresh, creamy taste.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! All the ingredients in this Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake Recipe are vegetarian-friendly, so it’s a perfect dessert to share with anyone who avoids meat but enjoys dairy and eggs.
Can I substitute fresh strawberries with frozen?
Fresh strawberries deliver the best flavor and color, but you can use frozen strawberries that have been thawed and well-pureed. Just be sure to drain excess liquid to avoid making the batter too runny.
How do I prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking?
To avoid cracks, bake the cheesecake layer gently at the right temperature and avoid opening the oven door during the crucial baking time. Cooling it slowly at room temperature before chilling helps it set evenly.
What is the best way to cut the cake for clean slices?
Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water and wiped dry between each cut. This softens the frosting and layers for smooth, pretty slices—especially important with the firm cheesecake layer.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about bringing together chocolate, strawberry, and cheesecake in this delightful triple-layered Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake Recipe. It’s the kind of dessert that feels both classic and special, making every celebration brighter and every casual day a little sweeter. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how these layers work together like a dream in your own kitchen. You’ll soon find it becoming a favorite go-to for impressing friends, family, or just treating yourself to a slice of happiness.
Print
Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake is a decadent triple-layered dessert featuring rich chocolate cake, fresh strawberry cake, and a creamy cheesecake layer all stacked and frosted with a luscious buttercream. Perfect for celebrations, it offers a beautiful medley of flavors and textures inspired by the classic Neapolitan ice cream combination.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake Layer
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Cake Layer
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup pureed fresh strawberries
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring (optional)
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Garnish
- Chocolate shavings
- Fresh strawberries
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare Pans and Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cakes after baking.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract until combined. Pour the mixture into one of the prepared pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggles in the center. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate to chill and firm up.
- Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layer: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt for even distribution. Add buttermilk, warm water, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and homogenous. Pour into a prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Allow the cake to cool fully on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Strawberry Cake Layer: Cream the softened butter and sugar together in a medium bowl until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat until incorporated. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternately add this dry mixture, strawberry puree, and milk to the creamed mixture, mixing gently after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and optional pink food coloring for vibrant color. Pour into the last prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely before assembly.
- Make the Frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy using an electric mixer. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Assemble the Cake: Trim the tops of the cake layers if necessary to level them. Place the chocolate cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a thin layer of frosting evenly over the top. Carefully place the chilled cheesecake layer on top, then spread another thin layer of frosting. Finally, add the strawberry cake layer on top. Use the remaining frosting to cover the entire cake smoothly. Chill the finished cake before slicing to help slices cut cleanly.
Notes
- This cake is indulgent and tall, ideal for special occasions and celebrations.
- All three layers can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to assemble.
- For convenience, you can substitute boxed chocolate and strawberry cake mixes if preferred.
