If you’re looking for a showstopper dessert that combines everyone’s favorite flavors in one slice, the Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake is your answer. This dazzling layer cake brings together silky vanilla cheesecake, rich chocolate cake, and sweet strawberry cake, all wrapped up with a plush vanilla frosting. Each bite offers a nostalgic nod to classic Neapolitan ice cream but with the irresistible, decadent twist of a homemade cheesecake layer. Whether you’re baking to celebrate a special event or just want to impress family and friends, this Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake is bound to steal the spotlight every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how accessible the ingredients are, yet each one is crucial for delivering the indulgent flavors and unmistakable Neapolitan look. With a handful of fresh and pantry staples, you’ll craft distinct layers that come together in perfect harmony.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the essential structure and fluffiness for both the chocolate and strawberry cake layers.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens each layer and ensures a tender crumb.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the chocolate layer its intense color and rich, bittersweet flavor.
- Baking soda & baking powder: Work as leavening agents to create lift and softness in the cakes.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and keeps cake layers moist and tender.
- Warm water: Ensures the cocoa powder blooms, resulting in deeper chocolate flavor.
- Vegetable oil: Makes the cakes extra moist.
- Eggs: Act as binders and contribute to the structure and richness of the entire cake.
- Vanilla extract: Brings depth and aroma to both cake and cheesecake layers.
- Pureed strawberries: Infuses the strawberry cake with natural color and fruity flavor.
- Strawberry extract: Boosts the strawberry flavor; a small splash goes a long way.
- Red or pink food coloring (optional): Helps achieve that signature pink Neapolitan stripe, but you can skip for a more natural look.
- Cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake layer—softened to blend seamlessly for a creamy filling.
- Powdered sugar: Gives the frosting its smooth, classic sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter makes the frosting rich and easy to whip up to a fluffy texture.
- Heavy cream: Adds silkiness to the frosting and helps achieve a perfectly spreadable consistency.
- Optional garnishes (chocolate shavings, fresh strawberries, whipped cream): Turn your cake from delicious to dazzling with these playful and flavorful finishing touches.
How to Make Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
Begin by making the luscious cheesecake layer since it needs plenty of chill time. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper before lightly greasing. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until luxuriously smooth. Mix in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla. Pour this mixture into the prepared pan and bake until set, about 35 to 40 minutes. Let it cool completely, then pop it into the freezer—freezing makes the assembly so much easier later on, as the firm cheesecake won’t squish between your cake layers.
Step 2: Bake the Chocolate Cake Layer
Now, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and get your two 9-inch round cake pans ready by greasing and flouring them. For the chocolate layer, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add the buttermilk, warm water, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth and glossy. Pour the batter into one of your prepared pans and bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Set it aside to cool completely so it maintains its structure when stacked.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Cake Layer
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add the pureed strawberries, buttermilk, oil, egg, and a splash of strawberry extract, stirring in a bit of red or pink food coloring if you want that vivid pink hue. Mix until everything is just incorporated, avoiding over-mixing to keep the cake fluffy. Spread the batter evenly in the second cake pan and bake for 25 to 28 minutes. Cool completely before moving on to assembly.
Step 4: Assemble the Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake
Level off your cakes if the tops have domed, then place the chocolate cake layer on your serving plate. Gently place the chilled cheesecake layer on top, and finish with the strawberry cake as the crowning layer. Align the layers for maximum wow factor when you cut into it. Don’t rush this step; patience pays off for picture-perfect slices.
Step 5: Make the Frosting and Decorate
Beat the softened butter until it’s fluffy, then mix in powdered sugar a cup at a time. Add a pinch of salt, vanilla extract, and heavy cream as needed until your frosting is smooth and spreadable. Generously frost the top and sides of your cake, smoothing it out or swirling artfully as you like. Finally, scatter chocolate shavings, fresh strawberries, or dollops of whipped cream on top for that extra flourish. Your Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake is now ready for its spotlight!
How to Serve Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake
Garnishes
Turn your masterpiece into an eye-catching centerpiece with a flourish of chocolate shavings, rosy-fresh strawberry halves, or elegant puffs of whipped cream. Each garnish not only adds a visual pop, but a delightful burst of flavor and texture that makes every serving feel special. Don’t be shy—pile them on for that bakery-worthy finish!
Side Dishes
With such a triumphant cake, you want sides that complement rather than compete. Serve up Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a cup of strong coffee, or a handful of fresh berries. These pairings let each star flavor in your cake shine while offering a refreshing contrast to all that beautiful richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off the cake’s striking layers by slicing tall wedges and serving on vibrant dessert plates. For parties, consider cutting the cake into little squares and wrapping each in parchment for a grab-and-go treat. If you want to add a playful twist, top each slice with a mini cone or a lollipop for a fun, ice-cream-shop vibe that gets big smiles all around.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have self-control and end up with leftovers, wrap the cake well or keep it in an airtight container. Slide it into the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. This also helps the flavors meld even more, so some might say it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
The Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake freezes beautifully. Slice individual pieces and wrap each one tightly in plastic, then foil to ward off freezer burn. Pop them in a zip-top bag and store for up to one month. Thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator, and you’ll have a ready-made dessert whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
No need to reheat this cake—it’s best enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature! If you want a slightly softer texture, just let your slice sit out for 20 minutes before serving. This brings out all the lusciousness of each layer without compromising the signature flavors.
FAQs
Can I make the cheesecake layer in advance?
Absolutely! Making the cheesecake layer a day or two ahead—and freezing it—makes assembling your Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake a breeze and ensures your layers hold together perfectly.
Do I need special equipment for this cake?
A springform pan is key for the cheesecake layer, while two standard 9-inch round cake pans work for the other layers. A stand or hand mixer makes whipping up the batter and frosting a lot easier, but isn’t required if you’re patient with a sturdy whisk.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the strawberry cake?
Yes! Thaw and drain frozen strawberries, then puree them as usual. They deliver fantastic flavor and a sunny pink color, making this cake possible year-round.
Is it okay to skip the food coloring?
Of course—the Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake will still be delicious and beautifully natural. The food coloring just gives the strawberry layer that classic pink hue; without it, you’ll see a softer shade from the berries alone.
What’s the best way to get clean slices?
For neatly layered slices, chill the finished cake thoroughly, then use a long, sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This helps prevent the layers from blending together for those stunning, bakery-style servings.
Final Thoughts
This Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake is pure joy in every colorful, creamy bite—fun to bake and even more fun to share. I truly hope you’ll give it a try and let it steal the show at your next gathering or family night. There’s just something magical about turning simple ingredients into something so spectacular, and your friends and family will absolutely love every gorgeous layer!
Print
Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling and assembly)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert with this Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake! Layers of rich chocolate cake, luscious strawberry cake, and creamy cheesecake, all topped with a decadent frosting. A show-stopping treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake Layer:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- â…“ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup warm water
- â…“ cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Cake Layer:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup pureed strawberries
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- â…“ cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon strawberry extract
- red or pink food coloring (optional)
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Optional Garnish:
- chocolate shavings
- fresh strawberries
- whipped cream
Instructions
- Make the cheesecake layer first: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment and lightly grease. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. Pour into pan and bake for 35–40 minutes or until set. Let cool completely, then freeze until firm.
- For the cake layers: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Chocolate layer: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add buttermilk, warm water, oil, egg, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Pour into one pan and bake for 25–28 minutes.
- Strawberry layer: In another bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add strawberry puree, buttermilk, oil, egg, strawberry extract, and optional food coloring. Mix until smooth. Pour into second pan and bake for 25–28 minutes.
- Let both cake layers cool completely.
- Assemble the cake: Level the cake layers if needed. Place the chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Top with the frozen cheesecake layer, then the strawberry cake layer.
- Make the frosting: Beat the butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in vanilla, salt, and cream until desired consistency is reached. Frost the top and sides of the cake. Garnish with chocolate shavings, strawberries, or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Freezing the cheesecake layer makes assembly much easier.
- Cake layers can also be baked a day ahead and stored wrapped at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 54g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 78g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
