Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake

Prepare to be delighted by this drool-worthy Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake! It features a moist chocolate cake layer, sweet strawberry ice cream, refreshing vanilla bean ice cream, and a light whipped cream topping. This cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet treat at home. Its three delicious flavors make it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor Combination: The blend of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a weekend dessert, this cake fits right in.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this cake with minimal effort.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant layers of ice cream and cake make it a showstopper on any dessert table.
• Versatile Options: Feel free to customize the flavors or toppings to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake, gather the necessary tools before you start. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Spatula
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes whipping cream and mixing batter effortless.
• 9-inch round cake pans: Ensures even baking and perfect layering for the cake.
• Spatula: Helps in spreading the ice cream and whipped cream smoothly.

Ingredients

Prepare to be delighted by this drool-worthy Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake! It features a moist chocolate cake layer, sweet strawberry ice cream, refreshing vanilla bean ice cream, and a light whipped cream topping.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (207g) sugar
– 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp (43g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
– 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
– 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup (120ml) boiling water
– 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
– 1/2 cup (104g) sugar
– 2 tbsp milk
– 4 tsp strawberry extract
– 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed (or homemade whipped cream)
– about 20 drops red food coloring
– 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
– 1/2 cup (104g) sugar
– 2 tbsp milk
– 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed (or homemade whipped cream)
– 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
– 1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your chocolate cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking soda.
2. Add in the egg, buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and boiling water. Mix until smooth using an electric mixer.
3. Pour the batter evenly into greased and floured round cake pans.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Bake for approximately 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cooling completely in pans before transferring to wire racks.

Step 4: Make Strawberry Layer

1. In another bowl, blend the room temperature cream cheese with sugar and milk until creamy.
2. Stir in strawberry extract and incorporate red food coloring until desired shade is reached.
3. Fold in half of the Cool Whip gently into the mixture.

Step 5: Make Vanilla Bean Layer

1. Repeat step four using vanilla bean paste instead of strawberry extract.

Step 6: Assemble Your Cake

On one cooled chocolate layer:
1. Spread the strawberry mixture evenly on top.
2. Add the second chocolate layer on top of that.
3. Spread the vanilla bean mixture over this layer.
4. Top with remaining Cool Whip as frosting.

Step 7: Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate for at least an hour before slicing to allow all layers to set properly. Enjoy your delicious Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake!

How to Serve Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake

Serving Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake can be a delightful experience for you and your guests. This cake is perfect for any celebration, whether it’s a birthday party or a family gathering. Here are some creative ways to serve it.

Individual Slices

• Serve each guest a slice of Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake on a decorative plate. This adds a personal touch and makes it easy for everyone to enjoy their serving.

Ice Cream Sundae Style

• Top each slice of cake with additional toppings like chocolate syrup, sprinkles, or fresh fruit. This transforms each piece into an ice cream sundae that enhances the flavor.

Cake Pops

• Crumble leftover pieces of cake and mix them with whipped cream to form cake pops. Roll them in chocolate or nuts for a fun treat.

Layered Dessert Cups

• Layer pieces of the Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake in clear dessert cups with extra layers of whipped cream and fresh strawberries. This creates an eye-catching presentation.

Party Platter

• Arrange slices on a large platter alongside bowls of assorted toppings like nuts, candies, and sauces. Encourage guests to customize their servings.

How to Perfect Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake

Perfecting your Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake will ensure it’s the star of any dessert table. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow eggs and cream cheese to sit out before mixing. This helps achieve a smoother batter and better texture.

• Alternate layers carefully: When layering ice creams, make sure they are slightly softened but not melted. This helps create distinct layers without mixing them together.

• Chill between layers: After adding each layer of ice cream, place the cake back in the freezer for 30 minutes before adding the next layer. This keeps the layers from blending.

• Garnish wisely: Top with fresh fruit or chocolate shavings just before serving. These add flavor and make your cake visually appealing.

• Slice with care: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to cut through the layers smoothly, allowing for clean slices without squishing the ice cream.

Best Side Dishes for Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake can enhance its flavors and create a balanced dessert spread. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Berries: Ripe strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.

2. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over slices adds richness that complements the cake’s flavors beautifully.

3. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream enhances the creamy texture of the ice cream while adding lightness.

4. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate after indulging in rich ice cream cake, offering a refreshing finish.

5. Brownies: Serve fudgy brownies alongside for those who love extra chocolatey desserts; they pair well with both vanilla and strawberry flavors.

6. Cookie Platter: A variety of cookies—like chocolate chip or sugar cookies—can complement individual tastes while providing different textures to enjoy alongside the cake.

7. Coffee or Tea: Offering coffee or tea allows guests to balance out their sweet treats with something warm and comforting after dessert.

8. Ice Cream Cones: Set up an ice cream cone station where guests can scoop their favorite flavors from mini cones as an additional fun treat!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes that could ruin your dessert. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Skipping the Cooling Time: If you don’t allow your chocolate cake layer to cool completely before adding ice cream, it will melt and create a mess. Always let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes and then transfer it to a wire rack.

• Not Using Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold cream cheese or eggs can lead to a lumpy filling. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother mixture.

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined to keep it light and fluffy.

• Ignoring Flavor Balancing: Too much strawberry extract can overpower the other flavors. Taste as you go to achieve a balanced and harmonious flavor profile.

• Forgetting Decoration: A simple whipped cream topping may not be enough for presentation. Consider adding fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings for an appealing finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator without losing its freshness.

Freezing Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake

• Wrap slices of the cake tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm individual slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds, checking periodically to avoid melting the ice cream.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a non-stick pan over low heat for a few minutes, flipping gently to warm evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about making your very own Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake? Here are some common questions answered.

How do I customize my Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake?

You can swap out flavors! Try using mint chocolate chip instead of chocolate or add different fruit extracts for unique flavors.

Can I make this Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cake and layer it with ice cream up to two days in advance. Just store it properly in the freezer until you’re ready to serve!

What if I don’t have food coloring?

Using natural fruit purees is an excellent alternative if you prefer not to use food coloring. They’ll give your cake beautiful colors and flavors!

Is this Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! This delightful dessert is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any gathering where you want to impress guests.

Final Thoughts

This Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake is not only visually stunning but also offers a delightful blend of flavors that everyone loves. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your preferences, making it suitable for various occasions. Whether you stick with classic flavors or experiment with new ones, this cake is sure to bring joy and satisfaction!