Imagine sinking your fork into a dreamy slice that brings together the best of three worlds: rich chocolate, velvety cheesecake, and bright strawberry. This Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake Recipe is a festive showstopper that layers these beloved flavors into one stunning dessert. Perfectly balanced and irresistibly creamy, it’s a celebration of texture and color all in one delightful bite. Whether for a special occasion or to impress your guests, this cake is about to become your new go-to for sweet moments.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and create those classic Neapolitan colors and tastes. Each element plays an essential role—from the moist cake layers to the silky cheesecake filling and light whipped cream frosting.
- Chocolate cake mix: The base for your rich, fudgy chocolate layer, lending deep cocoa flavor and a tender crumb.
- Strawberry cake mix: Adds a fruity, pink-hued layer that’s bursting with natural berry sweetness.
- Cream cheese (2 packages, softened): Creates the luscious, creamy cheesecake layer that’s the heart of the cake.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cheesecake while balancing the tanginess of the cream cheese.
- Eggs (4 large total): Two for each cake mix and two for the cheesecake, binding everything for structure and richness.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all layers with its warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
- Heavy cream (1 1/2 cups): Whipped into a fluffy topping that adds lightness and a silky finish.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the whipped cream while keeping it smooth and stable.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A subtle nutty note that complements the strawberry and chocolate beautifully.
- Fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings: Optional garnishes that make the presentation pop and add a fresh burst.
How to Make Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans and Preheat
First things first, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius). Line the bottoms of three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides. This ensures your cakes release easily, keeping those layers perfect for stacking.
Step 2: Mix and Bake the Chocolate and Strawberry Cakes
Prepare each cake mix separately following the box instructions, which involve combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water. Pour the chocolate batter into one prepared pan and the strawberry batter into another. These two layers bring the classic Neapolitan colors and flavors to life.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a separate medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the eggs one at a time, making sure to blend well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. Pour this luscious batter into the third cake pan. This cheesecake layer is the creamy center that ties the whole cake together.
Step 4: Bake All Layers
Bake all three pans in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The cheesecake layer may need 5 to 10 minutes longer. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the layers cool completely — this is key to avoid a melting mess during assembly. Once cooled, chill them in the fridge for at least an hour to set firmly.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Start by placing the chocolate cake layer on your serving plate. Next, carefully add the cheesecake layer on top, then finish with the strawberry cake layer. For easier assembly, you can level the tops of the cakes with a serrated knife to ensure the layers sit flat and even.
Step 6: Whip and Frost
In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and almond extract (if using) until stiff peaks form. This whipped cream frosting envelopes the whole cake in a light, fluffy cloud, perfectly complementing the rich layers beneath.
Step 7: Garnish and Chill
Smooth the whipped cream all over the cake and garnish with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings, if desired. Chill the cake until you’re ready to serve. This resting time brings the flavors together beautifully.
How to Serve Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries add a juicy burst that echoes the strawberry cake layer, while chocolate shavings introduce a touch of elegant bitterness against the sweet cream. Consider adding a sprig of mint or edible flowers for a fancy flair that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
Pair this dessert with a simple vanilla bean ice cream or a bright berry compote to enhance its fruity notes. A cup of strong coffee or a smooth dessert wine also make excellent companions to balance the creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra celebration touch, serve individual slices on pretty dessert plates with a drizzle of chocolate or strawberry sauce. Another fun idea is to layer smaller versions in clear cups for a Neapolitan parfait sensation—perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator to keep the whipped cream fresh and the layers moist. Using an airtight cake container or wrapping the cake plate tightly with plastic wrap works best to prevent it from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.
Freezing
You can freeze the individual layers before assembly or the whole cake after it’s frosted. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil to protect against freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since this cake is best served cold, reheating is not necessary or recommended. Instead, bring slices to room temperature before serving if you prefer a less chilled experience, allowing the flavors to open up without melting the whipped cream.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of boxed mixes for this Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade chocolate and strawberry cakes work wonderfully. Just make sure they are baked in 9-inch pans and cooled completely before assembling.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?
It’s a bit tricky because cream cheese and heavy cream are central to the texture and flavor here. However, you could experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream as substitutes for a vegan twist.
How long does this cake keep fresh?
When properly stored in the refrigerator, the cake stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Beyond that, the cream layers may start to lose their texture and freshness.
Can I skip the almond extract in the whipped cream?
Yes, the almond extract is optional. The whipped cream will still taste delicious with just powdered sugar, but the almond adds a subtle depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the strawberry and chocolate.
What is the best way to cut this layered cake?
Use a sharp, clean knife and wipe it between cuts to maintain neat slices. Chilling the cake well before cutting also helps the layers stay intact.
Final Thoughts
This Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake Recipe is truly a dessert lover’s dream come true. It balances the iconic flavors of Neapolitan ice cream in a cake format that’s creamy, decadent, and visually stunning. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll be delighted by how the layers complement each other and how proud you’ll feel presenting such a beautiful masterpiece. Happy baking and indulging!
Print
Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake is a delightful layered dessert combining rich chocolate cake, creamy cheesecake, and sweet strawberry cake. Topped with whipped cream and garnished with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings, it offers a beautiful and delicious treat perfect for celebrations or special occasions.
Ingredients
Cake Layers
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box: eggs, oil, water)
- 1 box strawberry cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box: eggs, oil, water)
Cheesecake Layer
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped Cream Frosting
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh strawberries
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line the bottom of three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides to prevent sticking.
- Prepare cake batters: Prepare the chocolate and strawberry cake batters separately according to the package directions, including adding the required eggs, oil, and water. Pour each batter into its own prepared pan.
- Make cheesecake batter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Pour this cheesecake batter into the third prepared pan.
- Bake layers: Bake all three layers in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of each; the toothpick should come out clean. The cheesecake layer may require an additional 5–10 minutes. Once done, remove from oven and allow layers to cool completely.
- Chill layers: After cooling, refrigerate all layers for at least 1 hour to set and make them easier to handle during assembly.
- Assemble cake: Place the chocolate cake layer on a serving plate as the bottom layer. Top with the cheesecake layer, then place the strawberry cake layer on top as the final layer.
- Prepare whipped cream frosting: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and almond extract (if using) until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy frosting.
- Frost cake: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the entire assembled cake, covering all layers smoothly.
- Garnish and serve: Decorate the cake with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings if desired. Keep the cake refrigerated until ready to serve to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- For easier assembly, level the cake layers using a serrated knife to create flat surfaces.
- You can prepare the cake layers a day in advance and refrigerate overnight to save time.
- Stabilized whipped cream or cream cheese frosting is a great alternative for frosting if serving in warmer conditions to help maintain structure.
