If you love desserts that deliver a surprise in every bite, Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake is made for you! Imagine a showstopping confection with three distinct layers—rich chocolate cake, creamy strawberry cheesecake, and soft vanilla cake—each one bursting with its own classic flavor. This triple-threat treat is not only gorgeous with its tri-color stripes but also a delightful balance of textures. Whether you’re celebrating a big occasion or just want to impress your friends, this cake is guaranteed to spark smiles and requests for seconds.

Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards dessert bliss. Each component is simple on its own, but together they bring layers of flavor, color, and luscious texture to your Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters!

All-purpose flour: Forms a sturdy backbone for both cake layers, ensuring softness without being crumbly.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens each layer perfectly and helps develop that tender cake crumb.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep, true chocolate flavor for the chocolate cake base.
Baking soda and baking powder: Provide the essential lift and lightness for tall, fluffy cake layers.
Salt: Balances sweetness and pulls all the flavors together.
Water: Keeps the chocolate cake moist and crave-worthy.
Vegetable oil: Delivers extra moisture to the chocolate cake, making it tender even after chilling.
Vinegar: Works as an acid to activate baking soda, giving the chocolate layer its lovely rise.
Vanilla extract: Weaves a comforting warmth throughout all three layers.
Unsalted butter (softened): Lends creaminess and richness to the vanilla cake.
Large eggs: Bind ingredients and create a luxuriously soft crumb in both the cake and cheesecake layers.
Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to the vanilla cake, making it irresistibly soft.
Cream cheese (softened): The star of the strawberry cheesecake layer, bringing luscious creaminess.
Strawberry puree (fresh or frozen): Infuses a burst of berry flavor and that gorgeous pink color.
Pink food coloring (optional): Gives the cheesecake layer that playful, unmistakable Neapolitan look.
Heavy whipping cream: Whips into a cloud-like frosting that’s as light as it is luscious.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without any grittiness.
Optional garnish: Chocolate shavings, fresh strawberries, and sauces for a stunning finishing touch.

How to Make Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Layer

Let’s start with the heart of the Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake—the strawberry cheesecake! Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment, greasing the sides for an easy release. Beat softened cream cheese until completely smooth, then blend in the sugar for sweetness. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in vanilla and strawberry puree. If you want an extra pop of color, a drop of pink food coloring works wonders. Pour the mixture into your prepared pan, smoothing the top, and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The edges will look set and the center should just barely wobble. Cool completely, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight—the chilling is key for clean, gorgeous layers later!

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Layer

Next, let’s whip up a classic, moist chocolate cake. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9-inch cake pan with butter and flour. Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to make sure the dry ingredients are well combined—this prevents lumps of cocoa and ensures every bite is chocolatey. Add the water, oil, vinegar, and vanilla, then stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a rack. Cool completely so the cake stack won’t slide around later.

Step 3: Bake the Vanilla Cake Layer

For the third signature stripe, preheat your oven again to 350°F and prepare another 9-inch cake pan. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a small bowl. In a larger bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, then add eggs one at a time for a silky mix. Pour in the vanilla extract, then alternate adding the dry ingredients and whole milk. This method keeps the batter tender! Once it’s silky-smooth, pour into your pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Allow to cool completely—cool cakes are easier to level and stack.

Step 4: Assemble the Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake

Assembly time! If any layers have puffed up in the oven, now’s the time to gently level them with a serrated knife. Place the chocolate cake layer on your serving plate and spread a thin layer of whipped cream frosting on top; this acts as a “glue” and adds a creamy boost. Carefully flip your chilled strawberry cheesecake layer out of the pan and nestle it on top. Add another layer of whipped frosting, then crown it all with your vanilla cake. This stack is a treat for the eyes even before you add the frosting!

Step 5: Make and Apply the Whipped Cream Frosting

Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for about 10 minutes—this helps the cream whip up quickly and hold its shape longer. Pour in the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, then beat on medium-high until firm, billowy peaks form. Use an offset spatula to frost the entire cake in smooth, dreamy clouds. The whipped cream hugs each layer and enhances that beloved Neapolitan trifecta.

Step 6: Garnish and Chill

Here’s where you can let your creativity soar! Sprinkle with chocolate shavings, arrange glossy strawberries up top, or drizzle with strawberry or chocolate sauce. Once decorated, refrigerate the cake to let the layers meld and the frosting set. The result? A Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!

How to Serve Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake

Garnishes

Take your Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake over the top with some finishing flair! Scatter chocolate shavings over the whipped cream for a dramatic, elegant touch. Arrange fresh strawberries—sliced or whole—on top for a pop of color and freshness. If you want to get extra fancy, a drizzle of chocolate or strawberry sauce makes every slice look bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with simple side sips and nibbles. Serve it alongside freshly brewed coffee, a rich hot chocolate, or a refreshing glass of cold milk—each drink highlights a different layer. For a fancier affair, offer tiny vanilla or chocolate cookies on the side to echo the cake’s classic flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake by slicing it at the table for that big, dramatic reveal of layers! Individual slices look charming on pastel dessert plates, or you can cube the cake into mini treats for a dessert buffet. For something truly playful, layer cubes of cake into parfait glasses with extra whipped cream and berries for a whimsical twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake stores beautifully in the fridge! Cover the cake snugly with plastic wrap or pop slices into a lidded container. The flavors meld and the cheesecake stays creamy for up to 4 days. The whipped cream frosting keeps things moist, so you don’t have to worry about dryness.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can absolutely freeze this cake—ideally before frosting for the best texture, but even fully assembled works well. Just wrap slices tightly with plastic and then foil, or use an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge, where it will taste almost as fresh as day one.

Reheating

Since Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake is best served chilled, there’s no need to reheat! If it’s been frozen, let it thaw slowly in the refrigerator. For that just-made taste, give slices 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature before serving, which softens the crumb and intensifies the flavors.

FAQs

Can I make the cake layers in advance?

Absolutely! Each layer—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry cheesecake—can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge wrapped in plastic. Assemble everything on the day you plan to serve for convenience and freshness.

How do I get super clean, even layers?

For picture-perfect layers, use a serrated knife to trim the tops of your cakes flat before assembly. Chilling the cheesecake layer slightly in the freezer also helps it handle more easily and prevents any squishing during stacking.

Can I swap out the strawberry layer for another flavor?

Definitely! While strawberry is classic to Neapolitan desserts, raspberry, blueberry, or even cherry puree make for fun variations in the cheesecake layer. Just keep an eye on color and flavor so it still feels harmonious.

How do I keep the frosting from melting?

Always frost and store your Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake in the refrigerator. If serving outdoors, keep it chilled until just before cutting, and avoid direct sunlight on especially warm days for the prettiest results.

Do I need a springform pan for the cheesecake layer?

A springform pan makes removing the cheesecake layer much easier, but if you don’t have one, line your cake pan with parchment that overhangs the sides so you can gently lift the cheesecake out once it’s chilled and set.

Final Thoughts

Don’t be surprised if Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake becomes your new go-to for celebrations! Each layer is a nostalgic nod to those classic flavors, but the combination is pure magic. Give this recipe a try and let every slice bring a little more joy to your dessert table.

Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake. Layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy strawberry cheesecake, and moist vanilla cake come together in a show-stopping treat that’s perfect for any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

For the chocolate cake layer:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup water
⅓ cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the vanilla cake layer:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk

For the strawberry cheesecake layer:

16 oz cream cheese (softened)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅓ cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen)
pink food coloring (optional)

For the frosting:

1½ cups heavy whipping cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional garnish:

chocolate shavings
fresh strawberries

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Instructions

Make the strawberry cheesecake layer: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar and mix until combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and strawberry purée. Add food coloring if desired. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set. Let cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Make the chocolate cake layer: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Add water, oil, vinegar, and vanilla. Stir until smooth. Pour into the pan and bake for 30–35 minutes. Let cool completely.
Make the vanilla cake layer: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour another 9-inch cake pan. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour. Pour into the pan and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool completely.
Assemble the cake: Level all cake layers if needed. Place the chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of whipped cream frosting, then gently place the strawberry cheesecake layer on top. Add another thin layer of frosting, then place the vanilla cake layer on top.
Make the frosting: In a cold mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Frost the outside of the cake with whipped cream and smooth with an offset spatula.
Garnish: Decorate with chocolate shavings, fresh strawberries, or a drizzle of strawberry or chocolate sauce if desired. Chill until ready to serve.