If you’ve never experienced the nostalgic delight of Heavenly Neapolitan Cream Cupcakes, you’re in for a joyful treat! These charming tri-colored cupcakes celebrate the unforgettable trio of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in the lightest, fluffiest way possible. Each bite is a trip down memory lane, layered with flavor and crowned with a cloud of fresh whipped cream. Whether for a birthday, a family get-together, or just to sweeten an ordinary day, these cupcakes promise smiles for kids and grown-ups alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to create these dazzling cupcakes, but don’t be fooled by their simplicity—each component plays a crucial part in the overall magic. From the decadent cocoa powder to the fresh strawberry puree and creamy butter, every element adds a layer of flavor, texture, and irresistible color.
- All-purpose flour: The hearty base for moist, tender cupcakes that hold their shape beautifully.
- Baking powder: A trusty leavener for the perfect cupcake rise and soft crumb.
- Salt: Just a pinch wakes up all the sweet flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich, creamy goodness and makes the cupcakes super fluffy.
- Granulated sugar: For sweetness and a delicate texture in every bite.
- Large eggs: Hold all the layers together and help your cupcakes rise high.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the trio of flavors with a cozy warmth.
- Whole milk: Lends moisture and an ultra-tender crumb.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: For that bold, classic chocolate stripe.
- Strawberry puree: Infuses the pink layer with fresh, fruity charm. (Opt for freeze-dried strawberry powder for a more concentrated flavor!)
- Red or pink food coloring (optional): Heightens the strawberry layer’s playful color—just a drop or two works wonders.
- Heavy cream: Whips up into a dreamy, billowy topping.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without any graininess.
- Vanilla extract (for cream): Adds that last touch of comfort to your topping.
How to Make Heavenly Neapolitan Cream Cupcakes
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. Giving yourself a few organized minutes here means those playful layers slide out perfect every time and cleanup is a breeze!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This simple step ensures an even rise and keeps your cupcakes wonderfully light, as the raising agents get evenly dispersed.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This is where a little patience pays off—well-creamed butter and sugar make your cupcakes rise beautifully and texture so tender.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, so your batter stays silky. Stir in the vanilla extract to layer in a little extra coziness. Mix just until combined to keep everything airy!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry, Then Divide
Add the dry ingredients to your creamed mixture in thirds, alternating with the milk, and mix gently until just smooth. Don’t over-mix—a delicate hand here leads to soft, plush cupcakes. Divide the batter evenly among three bowls for the next magical step.
Step 6: Flavor Each Layer
Leave one bowl plain for the vanilla layer. In the second bowl, mix in the cocoa powder for a rich chocolate layer. In the third, stir in the strawberry puree and a drop or two of red or pink food coloring, if desired, for a luscious strawberry layer. Each bowl now has its own delicious personality—classic, chocolaty, and fruity!
Step 7: Layer and Bake
Spoon a layer of chocolate batter into each cupcake liner, gently smoothing the surface. Add a layer of vanilla batter, then finish with the pink strawberry layer on top. Smooth the layers lightly for clear, stunning stripes. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick slides out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely so the whipped cream won’t melt!
Step 8: Whip the Cream and Decorate
In a cold bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spoon a generous swirl on top of your cooled Heavenly Neapolitan Cream Cupcakes. Watch them go from delicious to downright irresistible!
How to Serve Heavenly Neapolitan Cream Cupcakes
Garnishes
A classic swirl of whipped cream is always a hit, but you can jazz up Heavenly Neapolitan Cream Cupcakes even more! Try a shower of chocolate shavings, rainbow sprinkles, a tiny fresh strawberry, or even a little dusting of freeze-dried strawberry powder. Each garnish highlights the flavor beneath and looks absolutely swoon-worthy.
Side Dishes
These cupcakes are party-stoppers all on their own, but they shine even brighter next to a bowl of fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a platter of chocolate-dipped strawberries. For celebrations, try pairing them with a light fruit punch or cold brew coffee to round out the sweet experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Stack the cupcakes on a tiered dessert stand to show off their stunning triple layers. For a playful twist, set up a DIY decorating station with a variety of sprinkles, chopped nuts, and extra whipped cream—let everyone create their own dreamy Heavenly Neapolitan Cream Cupcakes masterpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any cupcakes left, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The whipped cream topping stays fluffy and fresh, making these cupcakes just as magical the next day. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
The cupcakes (without whipped cream topping) freeze beautifully. Wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap, tuck them into a zip-top bag, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature, then top with fresh whipped cream for the full Heavenly Neapolitan Cream Cupcakes experience.
Reheating
If you’d like to serve cupcakes slightly warm (without whipped cream), gently warm them in the microwave for just 5–10 seconds. Assemble with fresh whipped cream once cooled. Warming enhances their aroma and makes the chocolate and strawberry layers taste extra vibrant!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! Raspberry or blackberry puree can swap in for strawberries, giving your cupcakes a fun twist while keeping that fruity stripe. Just make sure to strain out seeds for a smooth batter.
What’s the best way to get even, defined layers in each cupcake?
Use a small spoon or piping bag to add each layer of batter cleanly—smoothing gently between layers helps them bake up picture-perfect every time. Don’t worry if it’s not flawless; a little swirl adds character!
Can I use buttercream instead of whipped cream for the topping?
Of course! A fluffy vanilla or strawberry buttercream will hold up even longer at room temperature and adds another layer of decadence to your Heavenly Neapolitan Cream Cupcakes.
How do I make the strawberry flavor stronger?
For an intense strawberry punch, use freeze-dried strawberry powder instead of puree. It packs a big flavor and gives the strawberry layer a vibrant, natural color—no extra food coloring needed!
Do these cupcakes work for birthdays and special occasions?
Definitely! The adorable layers and dreamy whipped cream make Heavenly Neapolitan Cream Cupcakes the star of birthday parties, baby showers, or any day that could use a burst of fun and whimsy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, give these Heavenly Neapolitan Cream Cupcakes a try. Every layer brings a taste of joy, and the recipe is truly a labor of love worth sharing with friends and family. You won’t believe how quickly they’ll disappear off the plate—so make a double batch and enjoy every luscious bite!
Print
Heavenly Neapolitan Cream Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these heavenly Neapolitan cream cupcakes, featuring layers of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavors topped with a light and fluffy whipped cream frosting. A delightful treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup strawberry puree
- Red or pink food coloring (optional)
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs, then add vanilla. Gradually mix in dry ingredients and milk.
- Divide Batter: Separate batter into three bowls for vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry layers.
- Layer Batter: Spoon chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry batters into liners.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes until done.
- Make Whipped Cream: Beat heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Frost Cupcakes: Pipe or spoon whipped cream onto cooled cupcakes.
Notes
- Enhance strawberry flavor with freeze-dried strawberry powder.
- Consider using stabilized whipped cream or buttercream for longer-lasting frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
