Hello friends, Chef James here, welcoming you back into my kitchen at Tiramisucake.com. Today’s recipe is all about elegance, balance, and visual beauty: Neapolitan Rose Cake. Inspired by the classic Neapolitan trio of flavors and elevated with a delicate rose note, this cake is soft, fragrant, and absolutely stunning on any dessert table.
I first imagined this cake while working within our Cakes & Pastries collection, wanting something that felt refined yet approachable. Neapolitan desserts are known for their harmony—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry living side by side—and adding rose gives the strawberry layer a subtle floral twist that feels romantic and modern without being overpowering.
This is the kind of cake you bake when you want people to pause and admire before the first slice.
Why You’ll Love This Neapolitan Rose Cake
- Three classic flavors in one beautifully layered cake
- Soft, tender crumb with balanced sweetness
- Subtle rose aroma that elevates the strawberry layer
- Perfect for celebrations, showers, and elegant gatherings
- A true showstopper that’s easier than it looks
Do you prefer desserts that are visually striking, or is flavor always your top priority? This cake delivers both.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each layer has its own personality, but they come together seamlessly:
For the cake layers:
- All-purpose flour (3 cups) – Structure
- Granulated sugar (2 cups) – Sweetness
- Baking powder (2½ teaspoons) – Light texture
- Salt (½ teaspoon) – Flavor balance
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened) – Richness
- Eggs (4 large) – Structure
- Whole milk (1½ cups) – Moist crumb
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons) – Base flavor
Flavor variations:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (¼ cup) – Chocolate layer
- Strawberry puree (½ cup) – Strawberry layer
- Rose water (1–2 teaspoons) – Floral note (use sparingly)
For the frosting:
- Cream cheese (12 oz) – Smooth, tangy base
- Butter (½ cup) – Creaminess
- Powdered sugar (3 cups) – Sweetness
Chef James tip: Rose water is powerful—start small and taste as you go.
How to Make Neapolitan Rose Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 8-inch cake pans.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Mix dry ingredients separately, then alternate adding dry ingredients and milk.
- Divide batter evenly into three bowls.
- Stir cocoa powder into one bowl.
- Mix strawberry puree and rose water into the second bowl.
- Leave the third bowl vanilla.
- Bake each layer for 22–25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- Frost and stack layers evenly, smoothing the sides and top.
Extra tip from Chef James: Chill the layers briefly before assembling for cleaner stacking.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Italian-inspired table: Pair with Cannoli Bites for a refined dessert spread
- Chocolate contrast: Add German Chocolate Cookies alongside for deeper cocoa notes
- Romantic pairing: Serve after Cherry Amaretto Tiramisu for an elegant menu
- Nutty balance: Include Triple Almond Cookies for texture variety
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Bring to room temperature before serving
- Cake layers can be baked and frozen up to 1 month
- Frosting can be made 2 days ahead
This makes Neapolitan Rose Cake ideal for planned celebrations.
FAQs About Neapolitan Rose Cake
Does the rose flavor taste strong?
No, it’s very subtle and floral when used correctly.
Can I skip the rose water?
Yes, you’ll still have a classic Neapolitan cake.
Can I use food coloring instead of puree?
Puree adds real flavor, but coloring works in a pinch.
Is this cake very sweet?
It’s balanced, especially with cream cheese frosting.
Can I make this as cupcakes?
Yes—divide batters into cupcake tins.
Is this good for special occasions?
Absolutely—it’s elegant and memorable.
What to Serve With Neapolitan Rose Cake
This cake shines when paired with soft, creamy desserts like Soft Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies or coconut-forward treats such as Raspberry Coconut Bars. For a festive winter table, add Snowball Cake to bring contrast and texture.
Final Thoughts from Chef James
Neapolitan Rose Cake is a celebration of balance—classic flavors, gentle florals, and a presentation that feels truly special. It’s the kind of cake that invites conversation, admiration, and second slices. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply want to try something elegant at home, this recipe is a beautiful addition to our Cakes & Pastries collection.
As always, follow basic food safety guidance from the USDA at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/ and take inspiration from trusted culinary sources like Food Network and Serious Eats. Bake it with care, slice it proudly, and enjoy every layered bite 🌹🍰
Print
Neapolitan Rose Cake – Elegant, Floral, and Perfectly Layered
Neapolitan Rose Cake brings together the classic trio of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, enhanced by a subtle floral note. It’s elegant, layered, and perfect for any celebration.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
**Cake Layers**
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
2½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs
1½ cups whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
**Flavor Variations**
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for chocolate layer)
½ cup strawberry puree (for strawberry layer)
1–2 teaspoons rose water (for floral twist)
**Frosting**
12 oz cream cheese
½ cup butter
3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch cake pans.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture until fully combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly into three bowls.
7. Add cocoa powder to one bowl for the chocolate layer.
8. Add strawberry puree and rose water to another bowl for the strawberry-rose layer.
9. Leave the third bowl plain for vanilla.
10. Pour each batter into its prepared cake pan.
11. Bake each layer for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
12. Let cool completely before frosting.
13. To make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually until creamy.
14. Frost and stack the cake layers, smoothing the sides and top.
Notes
Use rose water sparingly to avoid overpowering the strawberry layer.
Chill cake layers before assembling for cleaner stacking.
This cake is perfect for showers, birthdays, or spring gatherings.
Strawberry puree adds natural color and flavor—avoid artificial coloring if possible.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
