If you’re searching for a showstopping dessert that delivers flavor, nostalgia, and pure joy in every bite, look no further than Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake. This triple-layer delight combines moist chocolate cake, dreamy strawberry cake, and a luscious vanilla cheesecake, all wrapped up in clouds of whipped cream frosting. Each bite is a playful celebration of your favorite ice cream flavors, transformed into a stunning, sliceable treat that’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you want to spoil your loved ones (or yourself!).

Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake lies in how simple, accessible ingredients come together to create something truly extraordinary. Each one has a starring role, bringing the cake’s flavor, texture, and signature colors to vibrant life.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of both cake layers, ensuring a tender crumb and reliable structure throughout.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens each layer just right, balancing the tangy cheesecake and rich chocolate.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the chocolate cake its deep, classic flavor—choose a good-quality cocoa for the best results.
Baking soda & baking powder: These leaveners help the cakes rise beautifully, making each layer light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the cake from tasting flat or overly sweet.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a subtle tang to the chocolate cake, making it extra tender.
Hot water: Helps dissolve the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor and keeping the cake moist.
Vegetable oil: Ensures every bite is moist and soft, and keeps the cakes fresh longer.
Eggs: The key to binding everything together and providing structure in both cake and cheesecake layers.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth—don’t skip it, as it ties all the flavors together.
Strawberry purée: The star of the strawberry cake, bringing natural fruity brightness and gorgeous color.
Red or pink food coloring (optional): If you want your strawberry cake layer to pop with that classic Neapolitan pink, just a drop or two will do.
Cream cheese (softened): The heart of the cheesecake layer, making it creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible.
Heavy cream: Whips up into a luscious, cloud-like frosting that’s light yet decadent.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream frosting to perfection without graininess.
Chocolate shavings and fresh strawberries (optional): For a beautiful, celebratory finish—these garnishes elevate the cake’s appearance and flavor.

How to Make Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and lining three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. Grease each pan well to ensure the layers release easily after baking. This step is the foundation for a fuss-free assembly later, so take your time prepping those pans!

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then blend in the vanilla extract. Pour this silky batter into one prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggly. Once baked, allow it to cool completely, then chill it in the refrigerator to firm up. This layer will be the dreamy, creamy heart of your Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake.

Step 3: Bake the Chocolate Cake Layer

Combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the buttermilk, hot water, oil, egg, and vanilla, and mix until you have a smooth, glossy batter. Pour it into one of your prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely before removing from the pan.

Step 4: Bake the Strawberry Cake Layer

In a clean bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, strawberry purée, oil, egg, vanilla, and food coloring if you’re using it. Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing just until smooth. Pour into the last prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely before handling—patience is key for neat stacking!

Step 5: Whip Up the Frosting

Using a mixer, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This whipped cream frosting is light, not too sweet, and complements the layers perfectly. If you’re making the cake several hours in advance, consider using stabilized whipped cream for extra staying power.

Step 6: Assemble the Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake

Now comes the fun part! Place the chocolate cake layer on your serving plate as the base. Carefully top it with the chilled cheesecake layer, then finish with the strawberry cake layer. Frost the entire cake generously with your whipped cream frosting, smoothing the sides and top for a classic finish. Add chocolate shavings and fresh strawberries if you like, and chill the assembled cake for at least an hour before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes for picture-perfect slices.

How to Serve Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake

Garnishes

Dress up your Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake with a flurry of chocolate shavings and a crown of fresh strawberries. Not only do these additions look stunning, but they also give each slice an extra pop of texture and flavor. For a more festive touch, you might even add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Side Dishes

This cake is the star of any dessert spread, but if you’d like to serve something alongside it, think light and refreshing. A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream is a natural pairing, or try a bowl of fresh mixed berries to balance the richness. For a celebratory brunch, a cup of strong coffee or a glass of sparkling rosé is a delightful match.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, consider slicing the Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake into slim wedges and arranging them on a large platter, alternating the direction of the layers for a playful visual effect. Or cut the cake into mini squares for a whimsical dessert buffet. For birthdays, add colorful sprinkles or edible flowers for a truly showstopping presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, and the flavors often get even better after a day as the layers meld together.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake (whole or in slices) for up to 2 months. Wrap each slice individually with plastic wrap and then foil, or place the whole cake in a large freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and add fresh garnishes after thawing for the best appearance.

Reheating

Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake is best enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If the cake has been in the freezer, let it thaw gently in the fridge before serving to preserve the texture of the cheesecake and whipped cream.

FAQs

Can I use boxed cake mixes for the layers?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, feel free to use your favorite boxed chocolate and strawberry cake mixes. Just make the cheesecake layer from scratch for that homemade touch, and no one will know the shortcut.

What’s the best way to get clean, beautiful slices?

Chill the cake well before slicing and use a sharp, thin-bladed knife. Wipe the blade clean between each cut for those perfect, bakery-worthy slices that show off every colorful layer.

Can I make the Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake in advance?

Yes! You can bake all the layers a day ahead and store them (well-wrapped) in the fridge. Even the assembled cake holds up beautifully if you use stabilized whipped cream for the frosting.

Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?

You can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend in both the chocolate and strawberry cake layers. Just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for best results.

Can I use frozen strawberries for the purée?

Yes, thaw frozen strawberries completely, then blend and strain them to make the purée. This is a handy option when fresh berries aren’t in season, and the flavor is just as lovely.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special, give Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake a try. It’s a labor of love that pays off with every vibrant slice, and I promise it’ll be a dessert everyone talks about long after the plates are cleared. Enjoy every bite!

Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 3 hours (including cooling and chilling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A decadent Neapolitan Cheesecake Cake featuring three distinct layers: rich chocolate cake, fruity strawberry cake, and smooth cheesecake, all topped with fluffy whipped cream frosting and garnished with chocolate shavings and fresh strawberries. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful dessert treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake Layer

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

Strawberry Cake Layer

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup strawberry purée
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red or pink food coloring (optional)

Cheesecake Layer

16 ounces cream cheese (softened)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting

1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate shavings and fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the pans: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and grease them well to prevent sticking.
Make the cheesecake layer: Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour this batter into one of the prepared pans and bake for 35–40 minutes or until the cheesecake layer is set. Let it cool completely, then chill it in the refrigerator to firm up.
Make the chocolate cake layer: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the buttermilk, hot water, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth. Pour into one prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool fully.
Make the strawberry cake layer: Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, strawberry purée, vegetable oil, egg, vanilla extract, and food coloring if using. Carefully mix the wet ingredients into the dry just until combined, ensuring a smooth batter. Pour into the last prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
Make the frosting: Using a mixer, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy whipped cream frosting.
Assemble the cake: On a serving plate, place the cooled chocolate cake layer first. Top it gently with the chilled cheesecake layer, then add the strawberry cake layer on top. Cover the entire cake evenly with the whipped cream frosting.
Garnish and chill: Decorate the cake with chocolate shavings and fresh strawberries as desired. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and frosting to set.

Notes

The cheesecake layer can be prepared a day in advance for convenience.
Use stabilized whipped cream frosting if making the cake several hours ahead to maintain texture and shape.
For quicker preparation, boxed chocolate and strawberry cake mixes may be substituted.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American