Who doesn’t love the classic Neapolitan combination of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry? These Neapolitan Cupcakes bring that beloved trio together in a single bite-sized treat. With layers of moist chocolate, fluffy vanilla, and fruity strawberry cake, topped with a swirl of matching tri-color frosting, these cupcakes are a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

The Neapolitan flavor combo dates back to 19th-century Italy but gained popularity in America when Italian immigrants introduced it through ice cream. The signature three flavors were inspired by the colors of the Italian flag and have since become an iconic dessert combination. These cupcakes offer a modern twist, transforming the nostalgic taste into a handheld delight.

Perfect for birthdays, parties, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these cupcakes are not only beautiful but also incredibly fun to make. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delicious tri-layered cupcakes:

Ingredient	Quantity
For the Cupcake Batter
All-purpose flour	2 ½ cups
Baking powder	2 ½ teaspoons
Salt	½ teaspoon
Unsalted butter (softened)	1 cup
Granulated sugar	1 ¾ cups
Eggs	4 large
Vanilla extract	2 teaspoons
Whole milk	1 cup
Cocoa powder (unsweetened)	¼ cup
Strawberry puree (fresh or frozen)	¼ cup
Pink food coloring (optional)	A few drops

Wooden tray filled with Neapolitan cupcakes topped with chocolate chips

Equipment Needed

Mixing Bowls: For preparing the different layers of batter.
Hand or Stand Mixer: Ensures a smooth and fluffy batter.
Cupcake Pan & Liners: Helps shape and bake the cupcakes evenly.
Piping Bags & Tips: For creating the iconic tri-color swirl frosting.
Cooling Rack: Prevents cupcakes from becoming soggy after baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, until fully combined.

Step 2: Create the Three Layers

Divide the batter into three equal portions.
For the chocolate layer, mix in cocoa powder until fully incorporated.
For the strawberry layer, stir in the strawberry puree and a few drops of pink food coloring.
The remaining batter stays plain for the vanilla layer.

Step 3: Layer the Cupcakes

Spoon a small amount of chocolate batter into each cupcake liner.
Add a layer of vanilla batter on top, followed by a final layer of strawberry batter.
Use a toothpick to gently swirl the layers slightly (optional).

Step 4: Bake

Bake the cupcakes for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

Beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until light and fluffy.
Divide the frosting into three portions:
- Add cocoa powder to one for chocolate frosting.
- Mix strawberry jam and pink food coloring into another for strawberry frosting.
- Leave the last portion plain for vanilla frosting.
Fill a piping bag with all three frostings side by side to create a beautiful tri-color swirl.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Pipe the frosting onto each cupcake in a spiral motion.
Top with sprinkles, fresh strawberry slices, or chocolate shavings for extra flair.

Tips and Variations

Want a deeper chocolate flavor? Add melted chocolate instead of cocoa powder.
Make it dairy-free by using almond milk and dairy-free butter.
Add texture with mini chocolate chips in the chocolate layer.
Speed it up by using pre-made vanilla cake mix and dividing it into three flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Neapolitan cupcakes shine on a dessert platter alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a chocolate drizzle. Serve them at birthdays, baby showers, or themed parties for a colorful touch. For a fancy presentation, arrange them in a cupcake tower with pink and brown decorations.

Half-eaten Neapolitan cupcake with layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry

Pairings

Pair these cupcakes with a strawberry milkshake or hot chocolate to enhance their nostalgic appeal. If you’re serving these at an adult gathering, try a sweet dessert wine like Moscato or a creamy Baileys Irish Cream cocktail.

Storage and Reheating

Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
If cupcakes become dry, microwave them for 5-10 seconds before eating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount (per cupcake)
Calories	~320
Carbohydrates	42g
Fat	15g
Protein	3g
Sugar	32g
Allergen Warning	Contains dairy, eggs, gluten

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

Neapolitan Cupcakes are a delightful tribute to the timeless combination of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. With their beautifully layered cake and matching tri-color frosting, they’re not only visually stunning but also bursting with complementary flavors. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a nostalgic treat, these cupcakes bring a perfect balance of richness, sweetness, and fruity freshness to every bite. Their versatility allows for easy customization, making them a go-to recipe for any dessert lover.

The joy of these cupcakes goes beyond their taste—they’re also a fun baking project that can be enjoyed with family or friends. From carefully layering the batter to swirling the frosting just right, every step is an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. So why not give this recipe a try? Bake a batch, share them with loved ones, and don’t forget to snap a picture of your masterpiece! We’d love to hear about your experience, so leave a comment and let us know how your Neapolitan Cupcakes turned out. Happy baking!