Here’s a gorgeous and delicious recipe for Neapolitan Pound Cake — featuring three distinct layers: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry — all in one buttery, moist loaf or bundt cake. It’s easy to make, visually impressive, and a fun twist on classic pound cake.
🍰 Neapolitan Pound Cake
🧾 Ingredients (for 9×5” loaf or bundt pan)
🧈 Base Batter:
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1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
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1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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1 tbsp vanilla extract
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2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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½ cup (120 ml) milk, room temperature
🍫 For Chocolate Layer:
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2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 tbsp milk
🍓 For Strawberry Layer:
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2 tbsp strawberry jam or puree
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Optional: a few drops of pink or red food coloring
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Optional: ½ tsp strawberry extract for extra flavor
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan & Preheat
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Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
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Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or bundt pan.
2. Make the Base Batter
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Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).
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Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
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In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Add dry ingredients to butter mixture in 2–3 additions, alternating with milk. Mix until smooth but don’t overbeat.
3. Divide the Batter into 3 Parts
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Divide batter equally into 3 bowls (~1⅓ cups per bowl).
✅ Chocolate Layer:
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Stir in cocoa powder and 1 tbsp milk until fully combined.
✅ Strawberry Layer:
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Stir in strawberry jam or puree. Add food coloring and/or extract if using.
✅ Vanilla Layer:
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Leave plain or add a splash of extra vanilla if desired.
4. Layer the Batter
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Spoon each flavor into the prepared pan, one layer at a time:
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Chocolate on the bottom
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Strawberry in the middle
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Vanilla on top
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Gently smooth the top, and don’t swirl — the layers should remain distinct.
5. Bake
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Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
🍓 Optional Glaze or Topping
Simple Vanilla Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tbsp milk + splash of vanilla
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Drizzle over cooled cake and let set.
Or top with chocolate ganache or strawberry drizzle for extra flair!
✅ Tips
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Use good quality strawberry jam for flavor — or blend a few fresh strawberries into a purée.
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Make mini loaf versions by reducing bake time (start checking at 30–35 minutes).
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Freezes beautifully: wrap tightly once cooled.
Would you like this in cupcake form, or as a layer cake instead of a loaf?