If you’re dreaming of a dessert that brings the classic flavors of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry together in the most delightful way, the Heavenly Neapolitan Cream Cupcakes Recipe is your ticket to cupcake bliss. Each bite offers the perfect balance of sweet creaminess and moist cake, layered and swirled to resemble the iconic Neapolitan trio. This recipe is a celebration of timeless flavors that never fail to bring smiles and moments of pure joy, making it ideal for cozy afternoons, festive gatherings, or anytime you crave a mini indulgence that feels both special and nostalgic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Heavenly Neapolitan Cream Cupcakes Recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients that create the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color. From the fluffy cake base to the luscious frosting, each component plays a vital role in bringing these cupcakes to life.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the tender structure for the cupcakes.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the cupcakes rise beautifully and stay light.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the cake and frosting.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and aids in creating a tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature: Binds ingredients and contributes to the soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with a warm, comforting aroma.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Keeps the batter moist and helps with a smooth consistency.
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the chocolate layer its rich color and taste.
- 2 tablespoons milk (for cocoa mix): Helps blend the cocoa into the batter seamlessly.
- 1/3 cup strawberry preserves or strawberry puree: Brings the fresh, fruity strawberry layer to life.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Creamy base for fluffy frosting.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Adds smoothness and the perfect frosting texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Delivers that classic vanilla flavor inside the frosting.
How to Make Heavenly Neapolitan Cream Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. This simple prep step ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and are easy to remove once done. Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl—this is your dry ingredient mix that must be ready for a smooth batter later.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is where the magic begins, as it introduces air into your batter, resulting in tender, soft cupcakes. Make sure your butter is room temperature for the best results.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, letting each egg fully incorporate before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with a warm, inviting aroma that sets the tone for your Heavenly Neapolitan Cream Cupcakes Recipe.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients with Milk
Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk into the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to keep the batter light, but avoid overmixing to prevent tough cupcakes.
Step 5: Create Neapolitan Flavors
Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. To one bowl, mix in the unsweetened cocoa powder and the additional 2 tablespoons of milk for the chocolate layer. The second bowl gets folded with the strawberry preserves or puree to create the fruity strawberry flavor. Leave the third bowl plain for vanilla, keeping things classic.
Step 6: Layer or Swirl Into Cupcake Liners
For the signature Neapolitan effect, spoon the three batters into each liner either in layers or side-by-side. For even neater layers, you can pipe each flavor carefully, which means you’ll have beautiful, distinct sections of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry in every cupcake.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cupcakes for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The sweet aroma filling your kitchen tells you they’re almost ready. After baking, allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting—they’ll be lighter and more manageable that way.
Step 8: Whip Up the Frosting
Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Keep beating until the frosting turns smooth, fluffy, and spreadable. For an extra touch of whimsy, tint part of your frosting with pink or cocoa to match the cupcake layers, echoing the Neapolitan theme in frosting form.
How to Serve Heavenly Neapolitan Cream Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
To truly elevate your Heavenly Neapolitan Cream Cupcakes Recipe, consider topping them with fresh strawberry slices, chocolate shavings, or a small sprinkle of colorful sprinkles. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but also introduce an extra layer of texture and freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair these cupcakes with a light, fruity salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a dessert spread that welcomes guests with delightful contrasts. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy milkshake also complements the rich flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cupcakes on a tiered dessert stand for a party or arrange them in a colorful box as a handmade gift. You can also pipe small rosettes of strawberry and chocolate frosting on top for an elegant look. Presentation can make your Heavenly Neapolitan Cream Cupcakes Recipe the star of any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Keeping them covered prevents the cupcakes from drying out and preserves the creamy frosting delectability.
Freezing
You can freeze these cupcakes unfrosted or frosted. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating
To enjoy your refrigerated or frozen cupcakes at their best, allow them to come to room temperature. For a just-baked feeling, warm them for 10-15 seconds in the microwave. This lightly softens the frosting and enhances the moistness of the cupcake.
FAQs
Can I use other fruit preserves instead of strawberry?
Absolutely! Raspberry or cherry preserves work wonderfully if you want a slightly different fruity twist while keeping the classic look of the Heavenly Neapolitan Cream Cupcakes Recipe.
Is it necessary to use whole milk for the batter?
Whole milk gives the best richness and texture. However, you can substitute with 2% milk or even a non-dairy milk, but the cupcakes might be slightly less tender or rich.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Just be sure to choose one formulated to mimic regular flour’s texture for the best results.
How long does it take to frost the cupcakes?
The frosting comes together in about 5 to 10 minutes. It’s a quick process that’s very rewarding, especially when you’re spreading vibrant swirls of cream on each cupcake.
Can I prepare the cupcakes a day ahead?
Yes, baking the cupcakes a day in advance and frosting them the next day keeps them fresh and moist. Just store them covered in an airtight container at room temperature overnight.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about baking and sharing a batch of Heavenly Neapolitan Cream Cupcakes Recipe. Each step, from mixing the batter to spreading the fluffy frosting, invites you into a comforting and delicious ritual. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a wonderful way to celebrate classic flavors with a fresh, homemade touch.
Print
Heavenly Neapolitan Cream Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Heavenly Neapolitan Cream Cupcakes combine classic vanilla, rich chocolate, and sweet strawberry flavors in a moist layered cupcake topped with creamy buttercream frosting. These bakery-style desserts are perfect for celebrations and offer a delightful twist on the traditional Neapolitan ice cream profile.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Flavoring
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/3 cup strawberry preserves or strawberry puree
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners to ensure the cupcakes bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed in the flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which incorporates air for a tender cupcake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk into the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing and tough cupcakes.
- Divide and Flavor Batter: Split the batter evenly into three separate bowls. To one, add cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons of milk; to the second, fold in the strawberry preserves or puree; leave the third as plain vanilla.
- Layer Batter in Liners: Spoon each flavored batter into cupcake liners, either layering or placing side by side to create the signature Neapolitan look in each cupcake.
- Bake: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes at 350°F, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, ensuring the cupcakes are fully cooked.
- Cool: Allow cupcakes to cool completely in the pan before removing and frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Make Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy, perfect for spreading or piping.
- Frost Cupcakes: Once cupcakes are completely cooled, frost as desired, optionally tinting parts of the frosting pink or chocolate for color coordination with the cupcake flavors.
Notes
- For more defined layers, pipe each flavor separately into the cupcake liners rather than spooning.
- Tint part of the buttercream frosting pink or chocolate brown to match the corresponding cupcake layers for a visually striking presentation.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing results.
- Use high-quality strawberry preserves or puree for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
