19 Neapolitan Recipes You Need To Try

Neapolitan is a classic flavor combination. It has three layers: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. These three flavors are often swirled together in ice cream, cakes, and other desserts. The name comes from Naples, Italy, where this style of ice cream was first made popular.

But Neapolitan is not just for ice cream anymore. You can make Neapolitan cakes, cookies, brownies, cheesecake, fudge, truffles, milkshakes, and even pancakes. These 19 recipes are all fun, colorful, and delicious. They are perfect for birthday parties, summer gatherings, or any time you want a nostalgic treat. Let us get baking.

1. Neapolitan Ice Cream (Homemade)

This is the classic. Three layers of homemade ice cream: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. It is creamy, rich, and so much better than store-bought.

Prep time: 30 minutes | Chill time: 4 hours | Cook time: 10 minutes | Servings: 12

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries blended)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream, milk, and 1/2 cup of sugar over medium heat until warm. Do not boil.
2. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar until pale.
3. Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. Pour back into the saucepan.
4. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5 minutes).
5. Divide the custard evenly into three bowls.
6. Stir the vanilla extract into the first bowl. Stir the cocoa powder into the second bowl. Stir the strawberry puree into the third bowl.
7. Chill all three mixtures in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
8. Churn each mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
9. Layer the three ice creams in a loaf pan. Swirl them together with a knife.
10. Freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.

2. Neapolitan Cake

This cake has three layers: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. It is frosted with a simple vanilla buttercream. It is perfect for a birthday party.

Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup strawberry puree
• Pink and red food coloring (optional)

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
4. Divide the batter evenly into three bowls.
5. Stir the cocoa powder into the first bowl. Stir the strawberry puree into the second bowl. Add pink food coloring to the strawberry bowl if desired. Leave the third bowl as vanilla.
6. Pour each batter into a prepared cake pan.
7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make the frosting. Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.
10. Frost the cake. Place the chocolate layer on a plate. Spread frosting on top. Add the vanilla layer. Spread frosting on top. Add the strawberry layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake.

3. Neapolitan Brownies

These brownies have three layers of fudgy goodness. The bottom is chocolate, the middle is vanilla, and the top is strawberry. They are rich, colorful, and delicious.

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 35 minutes | Servings: 16

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup strawberry puree
• Pink food coloring

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix well.
3. Add the flour and salt. Mix until just combined.
4. Divide the batter evenly into three bowls.
5. Stir the cocoa powder into the first bowl. Leave the second bowl as vanilla. Stir the strawberry puree and pink food coloring into the third bowl.
6. Spread the chocolate batter evenly into the prepared pan.
7. Gently spread the vanilla batter on top of the chocolate layer.
8. Gently spread the strawberry batter on top of the vanilla layer.
9. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together.
10. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
11. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

4. Neapolitan Cookies

These are soft, chewy cookies with three colors and three flavors. They are fun to make and even more fun to eat.

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 12 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup strawberry puree
• Pink food coloring

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat well.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
5. Divide the dough evenly into three bowls.
6. Stir the cocoa powder into the first bowl. Leave the second bowl as vanilla. Stir the strawberry puree and pink food coloring into the third bowl.
7. Take a small piece of dough from each bowl. Press them together to form one cookie.
8. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Neapolitan Cheesecake

This cheesecake has three beautiful layers. The bottom is chocolate, the middle is vanilla, and the top is strawberry. It is creamy, rich, and perfect for a special occasion.

Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 1 hour | Chill time: 4 hours | Servings: 12

Ingredients:

• For the crust: 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs, 1/4 cup melted butter
• For the filling: 32 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup strawberry puree; pink food coloring

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Mix the cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the pan.
3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract.
4. Divide the filling evenly into three bowls.
5. Stir the cocoa powder into the first bowl. Leave the second bowl as vanilla. Stir the strawberry puree and pink food coloring into the third bowl.
6. Pour the chocolate filling over the crust. Gently spread.
7. Pour the vanilla filling over the chocolate layer. Gently spread.
8. Pour the strawberry filling over the vanilla layer. Gently spread.
9. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
10. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door cracked for 1 hour.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

6. Neapolitan Fudge

This fudge has three layers of creamy, chocolatey, vanilla, and strawberry goodness. It is easy to make and perfect for gift-giving.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Chill time: 2 hours | Cook time: 10 minutes | Servings: 36 pieces

Ingredients:

• 3 cups white chocolate chips
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk, divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup strawberry puree
• Pink food coloring

Instructions:

1. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. For the chocolate layer: In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of white chocolate chips with 1/3 cup of sweetened condensed milk. Stir in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips until melted. Spread into the prepared pan. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
3. For the vanilla layer: In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of white chocolate chips with 1/3 cup of sweetened condensed milk. Stir in the vanilla extract. Spread over the chocolate layer. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
4. For the strawberry layer: In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of white chocolate chips with 1/3 cup of sweetened condensed milk. Stir in the strawberry puree and pink food coloring. Spread over the vanilla layer.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
6. Cut into small squares.

7. Neapolitan Truffles

These truffles are bite-sized balls of creamy, chocolatey, vanilla, and strawberry goodness. They are rolled in different coatings for a beautiful presentation.

Prep time: 30 minutes | Chill time: 2 hours | Servings: 24 truffles

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup strawberry puree
• Pink food coloring
• For coating: cocoa powder, powdered sugar, sprinkles, or crushed freeze-dried strawberries

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar. Beat until well combined.
2. Divide the mixture evenly into three bowls.
3. Stir the vanilla extract into the first bowl. Stir the cocoa powder into the second bowl. Stir the strawberry puree and pink food coloring into the third bowl.
4. Refrigerate all three mixtures for 1 hour until firm.
5. Scoop small amounts of each mixture and roll into balls.
6. Roll the chocolate truffles in cocoa powder. Roll the vanilla truffles in powdered sugar. Roll the strawberry truffles in sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
7. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

8. Neapolitan Milkshake

This milkshake has three layers of flavor: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. It is thick, creamy, and perfect for a hot summer day.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: None | Servings: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
• 2 tablespoons strawberry syrup
• Whipped cream
• Sprinkles
• Maraschino cherry

Instructions:

1. Divide the vanilla ice cream and milk evenly into three bowls.
2. Leave the first bowl as vanilla. Stir the chocolate syrup into the second bowl. Stir the strawberry syrup into the third bowl.
3. In a tall glass, layer the strawberry milkshake, then the vanilla milkshake, then the chocolate milkshake.
4. Top with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry.
5. Serve immediately with a straw.

9. Neapolitan Pancakes

Start your day with these colorful, flavorful pancakes. They are light, fluffy, and swirled with chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry batters.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pancake mix
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons strawberry syrup
• Pink food coloring

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the pancake mix, milk, eggs, and oil until just combined.
2. Divide the batter evenly into three bowls.
3. Stir the vanilla extract into the first bowl. Stir the cocoa powder into the second bowl. Stir the strawberry syrup and pink food coloring into the third bowl.
4. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease.
5. For each pancake, spoon a small amount of each batter onto the griddle. Swirl together with a toothpick.
6. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
7. Serve with butter, syrup, and fresh strawberries.

10. Neapolitan Cupcakes

These cupcakes have three layers of cake batter and three flavors. They are topped with a swirl of vanilla buttercream.

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Servings: 24 cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup strawberry puree
• Pink food coloring

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin tins with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
4. Divide the batter evenly into three bowls.
5. Stir the cocoa powder into the first bowl. Stir the strawberry puree and pink food coloring into the second bowl. Leave the third bowl as vanilla.
6. Fill each cupcake liner with a small amount of each batter. Use a toothpick to swirl.
7. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool completely.
9. Make the frosting. Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
10. Frost the cupcakes and add sprinkles if desired.

11. Neapolitan Popsicles

These homemade popsicles are refreshing, fruity, and creamy. They have three layers: strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Freeze time: 6 hours | Servings: 8 popsicles

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strawberry puree
• 1 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup chocolate pudding
• Popsicle molds

Instructions:

1. Pour the strawberry puree into the bottom of each popsicle mold. Freeze for 1 hour.
2. Pour the vanilla yogurt over the strawberry layer. Insert popsicle sticks. Freeze for 1 hour.
3. Pour the chocolate pudding over the vanilla layer. Freeze for at least 4 hours.
4. To remove, run the molds under warm water for a few seconds.

12. Neapolitan Thumbprint Cookies

These butter cookies have three different fillings: chocolate ganache, vanilla buttercream, and strawberry jam. They are beautiful and delicious.

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 12 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For filling: chocolate ganache, vanilla buttercream, strawberry jam

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the baking sheets.
4. Use your thumb to make an indentation in each cookie.
5. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly golden.
6. Let cool completely.
7. Fill one-third of the cookies with chocolate ganache. Fill one-third with vanilla buttercream. Fill one-third with strawberry jam.

13. Neapolitan Rice Krispie Treats

These no-bake treats are colorful, gooey, and fun. They have three layers: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Servings: 24 bars

Ingredients:

• 6 cups Rice Krispie cereal
• 6 cups mini marshmallows, divided
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup strawberry puree
• Pink food coloring

Instructions:

1. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. For the chocolate layer: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 cups of marshmallows. Stir in the cocoa powder. Add 2 cups of cereal. Press into the pan.
3. For the vanilla layer: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 cups of marshmallows. Add 2 cups of cereal. Press over the chocolate layer.
4. For the strawberry layer: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 cups of marshmallows. Stir in the strawberry puree and pink food coloring. Add 2 cups of cereal. Press over the vanilla layer.
5. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

14. Neapolitan Donuts

These baked donuts have three flavors. The dough is swirled with chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry batters. They are topped with a simple glaze.

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Servings: 12 donuts

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons strawberry puree
• Pink food coloring

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a donut pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly into three bowls.
6. Stir the cocoa powder into the first bowl. Stir the strawberry puree and pink food coloring into the second bowl. Leave the third bowl as vanilla.
7. Fill a piping bag with the three batters side by side. Pipe the batter into the donut pan.
8. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool.
9. Glaze with a simple powdered sugar glaze.

15. Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake

This ice cream cake is spectacular. It has layers of chocolate cake, chocolate ice cream, vanilla ice cream, and strawberry ice cream.

Prep time: 30 minutes | Freeze time: 6 hours | Cook time: 25 minutes | Servings: 12

Ingredients:

• 1 chocolate cake, baked and cooled
• 1 quart chocolate ice cream, softened
• 1 quart vanilla ice cream, softened
• 1 quart strawberry ice cream, softened
• Whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Line a springform pan with parchment paper.
2. Place the chocolate cake in the bottom of the pan.
3. Spread the chocolate ice cream over the cake. Freeze for 1 hour.
4. Spread the vanilla ice cream over the chocolate layer. Freeze for 1 hour.
5. Spread the strawberry ice cream over the vanilla layer. Freeze for at least 4 hours.
6. Top with whipped cream before serving.

16. Neapolitan Bark

This is the easiest Neapolitan recipe. You just melt chocolate, spread it, and add toppings. It is perfect for a quick gift or a fun project with kids.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Chill time: 1 hour | Cook time: 2 minutes | Servings: 24 pieces

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup pink candy melts
• Sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the milk chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second bursts. Spread on the parchment paper. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
3. Melt the white chocolate chips. Spread over the milk chocolate layer. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
4. Melt the pink candy melts. Spread over the white chocolate layer. Add sprinkles.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Break into pieces.

17. Neapolitan Bread Pudding

This bread pudding uses leftover Neapolitan cake or Neapolitan ice cream. It is warm, gooey, and delicious.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 40 minutes | Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Neapolitan cake or ice cream, cubed
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. Place the cake cubes in the baking dish.
3. In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the custard over the cake cubes. Press down to soak.
5. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard is set.
6. Serve warm with whipped cream.

18. Neapolitan Parfait

This parfait is layered with chocolate pudding, vanilla yogurt, and strawberry compote. It is a light and refreshing dessert.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chocolate pudding
• 2 cups vanilla Greek yogurt
• 2 cups strawberry compote (cooked strawberries with sugar)
• Whipped cream

Instructions:

1. In a tall glass, layer the chocolate pudding at the bottom.
2. Add a layer of vanilla yogurt.
3. Add a layer of strawberry compote.
4. Repeat the layers.
5. Top with whipped cream.
6. Serve immediately.

19. Neapolitan Ice Cream Sandwiches

These ice cream sandwiches are made with Neapolitan ice cream and soft chocolate chip cookies. They are a fun summer treat.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Freeze time: 2 hours | Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 16 soft chocolate chip cookies
• 1 quart Neapolitan ice cream, softened

Instructions:

1. Place 8 cookies upside down on a baking sheet.
2. Scoop Neapolitan ice cream onto each cookie.
3. Top with the remaining cookies, right side up.
4. Gently press down.
5. Freeze for at least 2 hours until firm.
6. Serve frozen.

Tips for Neapolitan Desserts

• Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Let ice cream soften slightly before spreading or scooping.
• Chill cakes and cheesecakes completely before frosting.
• Use gel food coloring for brighter colors.
• Have fun with the layers and swirls.

Storage Tips

• Neapolitan cakes and cheesecakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Ice cream desserts should be stored in the freezer, tightly wrapped.
• Cookies and brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Final Thoughts

Neapolitan is a classic flavor combination for a reason. The three flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry go together perfectly. With these 19 recipes, you can enjoy Neapolitan in so many ways. There are ice creams, cakes, cookies, brownies, cheesecakes, truffles, milkshakes, pancakes, and even donuts. Pick one and start creating. Enjoy.