Neapolitan Cake combines the flavors of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla found in Neopolitan ice cream into one delicious bundt cake.
Are you a fan of the iconic trio of vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate? If so, this Neapolitan Bundt Cake is just the ticket. A timeless tribute to the beloved Neapolitan ice cream, this cake is a triple treat with a layer of each flavor – chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla – baked to perfection.
Drizzled with a rich chocolate ganache and a sweet vanilla glaze, it’s the ideal dessert for special occasions, birthday parties, or whenever you crave a sweet indulgence.
When it comes to cakes, it’s hard to beat the all-time favorite trio of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. This Neapolitan cake recipe is a testament to why these flavors remain a classic.
The moist and fluffy cake layers, coupled with a rich chocolate ganache and sweet vanilla glaze make this cake an absolute treat. So why wait? Grab your cake mix, preheat the oven, and let’s get baking!
Enjoy a slice or two with your loved ones, because this delicious cake is guaranteed to be a huge hit. Happy Baking!
Common Questions About Neapolitan Cake
Can I use a different type of pan?
Yes, you can use a 9-inch cake pan or even a loaf pan, but baking times may vary. The traditional bundt pan gives the cake its unique look and helps it bake evenly.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry cake mix?
You can, but it’s essential to make a strawberry puree or reduction for intense strawberry flavor. Remember, fresh strawberries have a water content that might affect the cake batter’s consistency.
Can I make my own cake mix instead of using store-bought ones?
Absolutely. If you have a favorite flavor of homemade cake batter, feel free to substitute the boxed mix. Just make sure you make enough batter for each layer.
Storage
Growing up, I always loved the classic ice cream flavor of Neopolitan. This cake brings me back to those days in a new way!
Refrigerator
The Neopolitan Cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Ensure it’s covered in an airtight container or with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer
This cake freezes well. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips
This multi-layer cake will impress friends and family alike with its color and flavor!
- For the best results, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
- Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for even mixing of the cake batter.
- Rotate the bundt pan halfway through baking for an evenly baked cake.
- Use a skewer or toothpick to check if the cake is done. If it comes out clean, your cake is baked.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before inverting onto a serving platter and adding the ganache and glaze.
Ingredients
This Neapolitan cake will make an amazing birthday cake. It will also go well with any other special occasion!
- Chocolate, strawberry, and white cake box mix
- Eggs
- Water
- Oil
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Heavy whipping cream
- Confectioner’s sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
How to Make Neapolitan Cake
The best part about this is combining the different flavors of batter. My favorite is the chocolate cake layer. What’s yours?
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Prepare each cake mix as directed in separate bowls and set them to the side.
- Heavily grease a large bundt pan with shortening or butter.
- Begin to add the prepared cake batter one at a time. Add only ½ of the batter for each flavor, working in layers.
- Repeat for the second layer of each flavor in the bundt pan.
- Lightly tap the pan on a counter to allow the batter to settle and to remove any air bubbles.
- Place the pan on a baking sheet and place it in the oven.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes.
- Use a large skewer, like a large toothpick, to verify that the cake is fully cooked. Bake for 5-7 additional minutes if needed.
- Cool to room temperature before inverting onto the serving plate and decorating.
Ganache
- Add the heavy cream to a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- Place the chocolate chips in a medium-sized heatproof bowl.
- Pour the heated heavy cream over the chocolate chips and allow it to sit for 2-3 minutes before whisking it until smooth.
- Gradually pour the ganache over the top of the entire cake.
Vanilla Glaze
- Combine the confectioner’s sugar, milk, and vanilla in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk until combined.
- Drizzle the vanilla glaze on top of the chocolate ganache.
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Neapolitan Cake
Make sure you have a separate bowl for each cake batter. Let the fun begin!
- 9” bundt pan
- Saucepan
- Electric mixer with a paddle attachment
- Whisk
- Skewer or toothpick
- Mixing bowls
What to Serve With Neapolitan Cake
This cake is rich and flavorful on its own, so it’s best served with something light and refreshing, like a cup of tea or coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why You Should Make Neapolitan Cake
Make sure you save this recipe card for later. It’s certain to be a huge hit!
- Variety of Flavors: The blend of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla flavors ensures there’s a taste for everyone.
- Eye-Catching: With its layers of different flavors and colors, this cake is a showstopper and sure to impress guests.
- Versatile: It’s perfect for any special occasion – be it birthday parties, anniversaries, or casual get-togethers.
- Adaptable: You can change the flavors of the cake layers or the toppings to suit your preferences.
Variations and Add-Ins for Neapolitan Cake
As always I recommend trying out different things with this cake. I personally love to put fresh strawberries in the strawberry cake layer. Do what feels right to you!
- Frosting: Swap out the ganache or glaze for your favorite vanilla frosting or other flavors, like chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting.. You could even use a piping bag to create fun patterns!
- Fruit: Garnish with fresh strawberries, freeze-dried strawberries, or even a strawberry reduction to level up the strawberry flavors in the cake!
- Flavor Swap: Try different cake flavors like lemon or red velvet for a twist..
- Decorations: Use sprinkles, edible glitter, or even piped flowers for a decorative touch.
- Melted chocolate: Drizzle some melted chocolate chips over the top to enhance the layers of chocolate.. You could even use a dusting of cocoa powder to enhance it even more!
If you love this easy bundt cake recipe, you’re going to love these other bundt cakes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
Try it with these great frosting recipes
Fresh Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
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Neapolitan Cake
Ingredients
Cake
- 15.25 ounces chocolate cake mix
- 15.25 ounces strawberry cake mix
- 15.25 ounces white cake mix
- 7 eggs 2 for the white mix, 2 for the strawberry mix, and 3 for the chocolate
- 3 cups water divided – note – this measurement will depend on the brand of cake mix – it could be more or less per mix.
- 1 cup oil divided – note – this measurement will depend on the brand of cake mix – it could be more or less per mix.
Chocolate Ganache
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Prepare each cake mix as directed in separate bowls and set to the side.
- Heavily grease a large bundt pan with shortening or butter.
- Begin to add the prepared cake batter one at a time. Add only ½ of the batter for each flavor, working in layers.
- Repeat for the second layer of each flavor in the bundt pan.
- Lightly tap the pan on a counter to allow the batter to settle and to remove any air bubbles.
- Place the pan on a baking sheet and place it in the oven.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes.
- Use a large skewer like a large toothpick to verify the cake is fully cooked. Bake for 5-7 additional minutes if needed.
- Cool to room temperature before inverting onto the serving plate and decorating.
Ganache
- Add the heavy cream to a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- Place the chocolate chips in a medium-sized heatproof bowl.
- Pour the heated heavy cream over the chocolate chips and allow it to sit for 2-3 minutes before whisking it until smooth.
- Gradually pour the ganache over the cake.
Vanilla Glaze
- Combine the confectioner’s sugar, milk, and vanilla in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk until combined.
- Drizzle the vanilla glaze on top of the chocolate ganache.
Equipment
- 9” bundt pan
- saucepan
- stand mixer with a paddle attachment
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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