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
Scale
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.
