If you love the playful nostalgia of Neapolitan ice cream, this Neapolitan Pound Cake is sure to win your heart. It’s a showstopper dessert, weaving together luscious layers of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry in a buttery, tender crumb. Swirled inside a classic bundt shape, this cake not only brings a pop of joyful color to the table, but every generous slice delivers three classic flavors in every bite. Finished with delicate pastel glazes and a finished chocolate drizzle, this Neapolitan Pound Cake is as delightful to serve as it is to eat.

Neapolitan Pound Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You truly don’t need anything fancy for this Neapolitan Pound Cake—just essential, quality ingredients that give the cake its classic color, aroma, and irresistible flavor. Each addition plays a starring role in creating a moist, dense crumb, adding richness, and building those iconic layers.

Unsalted Butter (3 sticks, softened): Gives the cake its signature richness and keeps every bite moist.
Granulated Sugar (3 cups): The sweetness supports all three flavors and helps create a fine, tender crumb.
Large Eggs (5): For structure and that lush, classic pound cake texture.
Whole Milk (1 cup): Adds moisture and ensures the cake bakes up soft and delicate.
All-Purpose Flour (3 cups): The foundation for the pound cake’s dense but velvety texture.
Baking Powder (½ tsp): Provides just enough rise for a beautiful, sturdy loaf.
Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Vanilla Extract (3 tsp): Delivers the warm, fragrant base of the classic Neapolitan trio.
Strawberry Reduction (¼ cup): For real fruit flavor and a lovely, natural pink hue.
Strawberry Flavor (1 tsp): Boosts the strawberry notes so they shine through.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (2½ tbsp): Gives the chocolate layer a deeply satisfying, fudgy taste.
Very Hot Water (2 tbsp): Helps the cocoa “bloom,” ensuring a smooth, rich chocolate streak.
Confectioner’s Sugar (1 cup, for glaze): Creates a smooth, sweet drizzle for that bakery-style finish.
Milk (1–2 tbsp, for glaze): Adjusts glaze consistency for a perfect pour or drizzle.
Pink Food Coloring (few drops, optional): Brightens up the strawberry drizzle; use as desired.
Semi-sweet or Dark Chocolate (2 oz, for glaze): Melts into a glossy, bittersweet topping.
Heavy or Whipping Cream (1 oz, for glaze): Ensures a silky-smooth chocolate drizzle.

How to Make Neapolitan Pound Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Bundt Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Generously grease your bundt pan with butter or nonstick spray and dust with flour, tapping out the excess. This little bit of attention makes sure your Neapolitan Pound Cake releases effortlessly and retains every intricate detail of the pan design.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed. After three to five minutes, the mixture should look light and fluffy—this not only adds lift but also lays the groundwork for that classic pound cake richness.

Step 3: Add Eggs—One at a Time

Crack in the eggs, adding them one at a time and mixing well after each. This ensures smooth integration and a batter that sets up beautifully in the oven. Don’t rush this step; each egg creates structure, ensuring the cake holds those beautiful layers without crumbling.

Step 4: Incorporate Vanilla and Milk

Mix in the vanilla extract, letting that sweet aroma infuse the batter, followed by the whole milk. The milk keeps the texture supple and helps carry all three flavors across the entire cake.

Step 5: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Adding these dry ingredients gradually to your wet mixture prevents lumps and creates that coveted, smooth pound cake crumb.

Step 6: Divide and Flavor the Batter

Divide the batter evenly among three bowls. Keep one plain for vanilla. In the second bowl, fold in the strawberry reduction and strawberry flavor to create a natural pink batter that smells like summer. In the third bowl, dissolve the cocoa powder in very hot water, then stir into the batter for a luxuriously rich chocolate layer.

Step 7: Layer the Batters Into the Pan

Spoon the vanilla batter into the bottom of your prepared bundt pan, smoothing it gently. Next, dollop in the chocolate batter, and finally, spread the strawberry layer on top. The order creates beautiful natural swirls that reveal themselves with every slice.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 65–75 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the Neapolitan Pound Cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely and retain its perfect shape.

Step 9: Glaze and Decorate

For the finishing touch, whisk together confectioner’s sugar, milk, and a drop or two of pink food coloring for a pastel strawberry drizzle. For the chocolate glaze, warm the cream and blend with melted chocolate until silky, then artfully drizzle over the cooled cake. Your Neapolitan Pound Cake is now bakery-beautiful and ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Neapolitan Pound Cake

Garnishes

The beauty of Neapolitan Pound Cake lies in both its flavors and its gorgeous presentation. For a festive touch, garnish each slice with fresh strawberries, a dusting of confectioner’s sugar, or even a few chocolate shavings. When special occasions call, edible flowers or gold sprinkles offer extra dazzle.

Side Dishes

Pairing Neapolitan Pound Cake is a delight! Try serving it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, delicate whipped cream, or a spoonful of macerated berries. The cake’s trio of flavors goes beautifully with fresh fruit salads or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Make dessert feel extra special by slicing the cake at the table to show off those gorgeous layers. Serve on vibrant cake stands or colorful plates for extra pop. For parties, cut into individual mini portions and skewer with fresh fruit for an eye-catching dessert platter that’s ready for grabbing and mingling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. Kept at room temperature, Neapolitan Pound Cake stays moist for up to three days, thanks to its buttery base.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole cooled cake in a double layer of plastic wrap, then a layer of foil. Pop them in the freezer for up to three months, and always remember to label and date. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

While delicious at room temperature, Neapolitan Pound Cake can be gently warmed to bring back that just-baked aroma. Microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds or wrap in foil and warm in a low oven for about five minutes, especially if you want to revive a frozen piece.

FAQs

What can I use if I don’t have a bundt pan?

No bundt pan? No problem! You can use two standard loaf pans or even a deep 9-inch round cake pan. Just watch the bake time, as smaller pans may finish a bit sooner.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of reduction?

If you don’t have strawberry reduction, you can blend and cook down fresh or frozen strawberries until thick and syrupy. Just make sure to reduce the liquid enough so it doesn’t thin the batter.

Why do we add hot water to the cocoa powder?

Mixing cocoa powder with hot water “blooms” it, unlocking deeper, richer chocolate flavor. It also ensures there are no lumps when you swirl it into the batter.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking?

Grease the bundt pan thoroughly—even those little crevices—and dust with flour to form a protective barrier. Make sure to cool the cake for 15 minutes before inverting, which helps it release intact.

Can I skip the glazes for a simpler cake?

Absolutely! The Neapolitan Pound Cake is delicious on its own. The glazes add a beautiful presentation and a touch of sweetness, but the cake will still shine if you prefer it plain or with just a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Final Thoughts

If you crave a dessert that’s as pretty as it is flavorful, Neapolitan Pound Cake delivers in every way. With its ribboned layers and nostalgic flavor trio, it’s destined to be the star of your next celebration—or even just a cozy weekend treat. Grab those simple ingredients, give this showstopping recipe a try, and let the swirl of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla brighten up your baking adventures!

Neapolitan Pound Cake Recipe