How to Make Neapolitan Cupcakes Recipe: Easy Pretty Dessert
Try this Neapolitan cupcakes recipe! Layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry frosting make a delicious dessert everyone will love. Easy and fun to bake!
Love strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate? Then this Neapolitan Cupcakes recipe is for you! It’s the perfect sweet treat that combines all three flavors in one beautiful cupcake. Great for parties, bake sales, birthdays, or just because!
These cupcakes are easy to make. They look amazing. And they taste even better!
Let’s jump right in. 👇
What Is a Neapolitan Cupcake?
Neapolitan cupcakes are inspired by Neapolitan ice cream. That classic trio of flavors—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—comes together in one bite.
Each cupcake has layers of chocolate and vanilla cake. Then it’s topped with strawberry-flavored frosting and mini chocolate chips. 😍
The result? A colorful, fun dessert that’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
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Ingredients 🧁
Here’s what you need to make this delicious Neapolitan Cupcakes recipe.
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup oil (divided)
- 2 cups water (divided)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon strawberry emulsion (or extract)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons milk
- Mini chocolate chips (for topping)
That’s it! Basic ingredients, big flavor.
How to Make Neapolitan Cupcakes 👩🍳
Follow these steps to make your cupcakes look and taste just right.
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line your muffin tins with cupcake liners. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Batter
In a large bowl, add:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup oil
- 1 cup water
Mix on low until combined.
Then, mix on medium speed for 2 minutes. Scrape the sides as needed. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Vanilla Batter
In another bowl, add:
- 1 box of vanilla cake mix
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup oil
- 1 cup water
Repeat the same mixing process. Mix until smooth. Set aside.
Step 4: Layer the Batter
Using a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop, even a cookie scoop:
- Add one scoop of chocolate batter into each cupcake liner.
- Then, add one scoop of vanilla batter on top of the chocolate.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the cupcakes at 350°F for 14–16 minutes.
Check that they’re golden and set in the center.
Let them cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
In a stand mixer or large bowl, combine:
- 1 cup softened butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Half of the powdered sugar
Mix on low until smooth.
Add in the rest of the powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of strawberry emulsion.
Mix again on low until combined.
Then beat on medium for 2–3 minutes until fluffy.
Step 7: Decorate
Transfer the frosting to a piping bag with a star tip.
Pipe a swirl of frosting onto each cooled cupcake.
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top.
Done! 🎉
Where to Take These Cupcakes 🎈
These Neapolitan cupcakes are fun, colorful, and perfect for many occasions.
Here are some great places to serve them:
- 🎂 Birthday parties
- 🍭 School bake sales
- 🎉 Baby showers
- 🎁 Gift boxes or treat bags
- 🍨 Ice cream-themed parties
- 🧺 Picnics or potlucks
- 👨👩👧👦 Family gatherings
They travel well (especially in a cupcake carrier) and look beautiful on a dessert table!
Fun Variations to Try ✨
Want to mix things up? Try these simple twists!
- Swirl the batter: Instead of two layers, lightly swirl the chocolate and vanilla batters with a toothpick for a marbled look.
- Use strawberry cake mix: Add a third layer by using strawberry cake batter too! Scoop all three into each liner.
- Color the frosting: Tint the strawberry frosting a brighter pink with food coloring.
- Use chocolate frosting: Switch the strawberry emulsion for cocoa powder to make a chocolate twist.
- Add a surprise inside: Place a chocolate chip, Hershey Kiss, or strawberry jam in the center of each cupcake before baking.
The options are endless. Make them your own!
Can You Make These Cupcakes Ahead?
Yes, you can!
Here’s how to store them:
- Room temperature: If you’re eating them the same day, store them in a container on the counter.
- Fridge: For longer storage, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Make-ahead: You can bake the cupcakes a day before and frost them later.
- Freezer: Freeze the cupcakes (without frosting) for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and thaw before decorating.
Perfect for party prep!
Common Questions About Neapolitan Cupcakes Recipe ❓
What is Neapolitan flavor?
Neapolitan flavor is a mix of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. It’s named after Neapolitan ice cream, which has all three flavors in one package.
Can I make these without a stand mixer?
Yes! A hand mixer works just fine. Or even mix by hand, just make sure the batter is smooth.
What is strawberry emulsion?
Strawberry emulsion is a flavoring that gives a strong strawberry taste. It’s great for baking because it holds up better than extract during cooking.
Can I use homemade cake batter instead of boxed?
Of course! Just divide your homemade chocolate and vanilla batter and follow the same layering method.
Do I need to add food coloring to the frosting?
Nope. The strawberry emulsion may tint it slightly pink. But feel free to add food coloring if you want a brighter color.
Are these cupcakes kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the triple flavor combo. Plus, decorating them is a fun activity too.
Neapolitan Cupcakes Recipe
Ingredients
For the cupcakes –
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 6 eggs
- 1 c oil divided
- 2 c water divided
For the frosting –
- 1 c unsalted butter softened
- 4 c powdered sugar
- 1 t strawberry emulsion flavoring
- ½ t salt
- 3 T milk
- Mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a standard muffin tin(s) with cupcake liners, set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the chocolate cake mix, 3 eggs, ½ c oil and 1 c of water. Mix on low until combined. Then bump up the speed to medium and mix for an additional 2 minutes, scraping the sides often. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the vanilla cake mix, 3 eggs, ½ c oil and 1 c of water. Mix on low until combined. Then bump up the speed to medium and mix for an additional 2 minutes, scraping the sides often. Set aside.
- Using a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon, transfer one scoop of chocolate batter into each cupcake liner.
- Follow up each chocolate layer with an equal size scoop of vanilla cake batter.
- Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes or until golden and set in the center. Allow to cool completely before decorating.
- For the frosting – in the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, salt and about half of the powdered sugar on low speed until combined.
- Add in the remaining powdered sugar, strawberry emulsion and milk. Mix on low until combined.
- Bump up the speed to medium and mix the frosting for an additional 2-3 minutes or until soft and fluffy looking.
- Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
- Pipe a mound of frosting onto each cooled cupcake and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips to decorate.
Notes
Final Thoughts
This Neapolitan Cupcakes recipe is a must-try! It’s easy, fun, and full of flavor. Chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in every bite—what’s not to love?
They’re perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because. Plus, the colorful look makes them extra special.
Try this recipe today and bring a little joy to your kitchen. Don’t forget to share it with friends or save it for your next party.
💬 Have you tried this Neapolitan cupcake recipe? Leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out!
📌 Pin it, print it, or share it—this one’s a keeper! Happy Baking!
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Hi there!
I’m Emily, a mom and wife with a passion for crafting, celebrating holidays, and creating memorable moments. From Idaho to the world, The Benson Street is a treasure trove of easy, fun DIY projects, delightful printables, and delicious recipes. With over a decade of experience in blogging and a love for all things seasonal, I’m here to share my tips, ideas, and occasional mishaps. Join me in adding a dash of joy and creativity to every day! Read more…
