Neapolitan Cake – Sprinkle Bakes

Neapolitan Cake : if there’s one dessert that instantly sparks nostalgia and delight, it’s the Neapolitan Cake. This colorful creation combines the irresistible flavors of strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate into a single, eye-catching treat. Inspired by the classic Neapolitan ice cream, this cake delivers a triple-layer flavor experience in every bite.

What makes this Sprinkle Bakes version stand out is the whimsical ice cream parlor-inspired decoration. With marbled cake layers, silky Swiss meringue buttercream, and a playful strawberry ganache drip, it’s a showstopper for birthdays, family gatherings, and any celebration in need of a vibrant centerpiece.

Origins of the Neapolitan Flavor

The Neapolitan flavor combination dates back to the 19th century, when Italian immigrants brought layered ice cream desserts to the United States. Traditionally, the dessert was made in rectangular molds, each section holding one flavor — chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. This arrangement allowed guests to enjoy three flavors in one serving. The history of Neapolitan ice cream reveals how it evolved from a European treat into an American favorite, inspiring bakers to recreate its magic in layered and marbled cakes.

The Sprinkle Bakes Twist on a Classic

Heather Baird of Sprinkle Bakes takes this idea to the next level with a four-layer Neapolitan cake that is both fun to make and beautiful to serve. Her method adapts the White Almond Sour Cream (WASC) cake recipe, which starts with a boxed cake mix but elevates it with added richness, moisture, and flavor depth. This recipe also incorporates a strawberry ganache drip and multi-colored Swiss meringue buttercream. If you’ve never made this style of buttercream before, this Swiss meringue buttercream tutorial is a perfect guide to mastering its silky texture.

Essential Ingredients

To recreate the Sprinkle Bakes Neapolitan Cake, you’ll need:

• Cake base: 1 box white cake mix, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract
• Flavor elements: strawberry extract, dark cocoa powder, pink gel food coloring
• Buttercream: egg whites, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, strawberry extract, melted chocolate chips
• Ganache drip: pink candy melting wafers, white candy melts, heavy cream, strawberry candy flavoring oil (candy flavoring oils guide)
• Decorations: mini ice cream cones or Mellow Cones, pink jimmies, white nonpareils

Step-by-Step Baking Process

1. Prepare the Batter

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
• Whisk the wet ingredients separately, then combine with the dry mixture.
• Divide into three bowls: one for vanilla, one tinted pink with strawberry extract, and one mixed with dark cocoa powder.

2. Marble the Cake Layers

• Alternate spoonfuls of each batter into your cake pans.
• Swirl gently with a butter knife to create the marbled effect without blending too much.

3. Bake & Cool

• Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the centers spring back.
• Cool completely before leveling the layers.

4. Make the Swiss Meringue Buttercream

• Heat egg whites, sugar, and salt over simmering water until the sugar dissolves.
• Whip until stiff peaks form, then gradually add room-temperature butter.
• Divide into three portions: pink with strawberry extract, chocolate with melted chocolate chips, and plain vanilla.

5. Assemble the Cake

• Stack layers with buttercream between each.
• Coat with a smooth crumb layer, chill, then frost fully.

6. Add the Strawberry Ganache Drip

• Melt candy wafers with cream, stir in strawberry flavoring oil, and cool slightly.
• Drip over the chilled cake’s edges for a polished look.

7. Decorate with Buttercream-Filled Cones

• Pipe Neapolitan swirls into mini ice cream cones.
• Arrange cones on top of the cake for a playful finish.

Tips for Perfect Results

• Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues that don’t dilute the batter.
• Don’t over-swirl the batters; you want distinct streaks of each flavor.
• If the buttercream curdles, keep whipping — it will come together.
• Chill the cake before adding the ganache to control the drip speed.

Creative Variations

• Cupcakes: Make Neapolitan marbled cupcakes for individual servings.
• Sheet Cake: Bake in a 9×13 pan for easier serving at large gatherings.
• Natural Coloring: Use beetroot powder for pink and cacao for chocolate instead of food coloring.
• Holiday Twist: Change the pink to red or green for themed events.

Storage & Make-Ahead Advice

• Store decorated cake in the fridge for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly in plastic.
• Avoid storing decorated cakes in airtight containers to prevent smudging the ganache.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

Pair your Neapolitan Cake with:

• Hot coffee or espresso
• Classic milk or strawberry milkshakes
• Sparkling rosé for an adult twist

Nutritional Overview (Estimate per slice)

• Calories: ~450
• Main allergens: gluten, dairy, eggs

FAQs – People Also Ask

Q1: Can I make Neapolitan cake without food coloring?
A: Yes. Use natural alternatives like strawberry puree or beetroot powder for pink, and cacao powder for chocolate.

Q2: How do I prevent cake layers from drying out?
A: Avoid overbaking, and wrap cooled layers in plastic until frosting.

Q3: Can I replace strawberry extract with real strawberries?
A: Yes, but puree them well and reduce liquid elsewhere in the recipe.

Q4: What’s the difference between Swiss meringue and American buttercream?
A: Swiss meringue is lighter, silkier, and less sweet, making it ideal for decorative finishes.

Q5: How do I get perfectly flat cake layers?
A: Use cake strips around your pans and level the tops after baking.

Final Thoughts

The Sprinkle Bakes Neapolitan Cake isn’t just a dessert — it’s a celebration of color, flavor, and nostalgia. With its marbled layers, creamy buttercream, and whimsical cone decorations, it’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or add your own twist, this cake is guaranteed to wow your guests and brighten the table.