Neapolitan Roll Cake Recipe with Creamy Chocolate Strawberry Layers

Why You’ll Love This neapolitan roll cake

Ease of preparation: The neapolitan roll cake recipe simplifies the process of creating a layered dessert by using straightforward ingredients and quick baking times. Preparing the vanilla and chocolate sponge cakes takes about 10-12 minutes in the oven, while the strawberry icing and chocolate ganache can be mixed easily, making this elegant dessert achievable even for home cooks with limited time.
Health benefits: Featuring a balanced combination of ingredients, the neapolitan roll cake provides beneficial nutrients such as proteins from eggs and healthy fats from butter and cream. This dessert offers a moderate calorie profile compared to heavier cakes, making it a sensible choice for those wanting a delicious yet somewhat wholesome treat.
Versatility: The neapolitan roll cake adapts well to various dietary needs and preferences. With simple ingredient swaps, it can be adjusted for gluten-free, vegan, or low-calorie diets without sacrificing flavor or texture. This flexibility ensures everyone can enjoy the layered elegance of this strawberry chocolate and cream layers cake.
Distinctive flavor: What truly sets this cake apart is its classic neapolitan flavor combination rich chocolate, smooth vanilla, and fresh strawberry. The creamy strawberry icing pairs beautifully with the airy sponge layers and the smooth chocolate ganache topping, creating a delightful harmony that captivates the palate with every bite.

Essential Ingredients for neapolitan roll cake

This recipe requires precise measurements for each component to maintain balance and get the perfect texture and flavor.

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose/Benefit
Eggs (divided, room temperature)	8 for vanilla sponge, 8 for chocolate sponge	Provide structure and volume for light, airy sponges
Caster sugar (divided)	11 tablespoons for each sponge cake	Sweetens cakes and stabilizes egg whites for fluffiness
Milk (room temperature)	6 tablespoons for each sponge	Moistens batter and ensures tender texture
Vegetable oil	6 tablespoons for each sponge	Keeps sponge moist and tender without heaviness
Vanilla extract	1½ teaspoons for each sponge	Enhances the flavor in vanilla sponge and complements chocolate sponge
All-purpose flour (sifted)	½ cup for each sponge	Creates cake structure and stability
Cornstarch	6 tablespoons for each sponge	Makes sponge lighter and more tender
Cream of tartar	1 teaspoon for each sponge	Stabilizes egg whites for optimal rise
Cocoa powder (sifted)	4 tablespoons (chocolate sponge)	Imparts rich chocolate flavor
Butter (softened)	2 cups (for strawberry icing)	Provides creamy texture and richness
Powdered sugar (sifted)	8 cups (for strawberry icing)	Adds sweetness and smooth texture
Milk (icing)	¼ cup	Adjusts icing consistency
Freeze-dried strawberry powder	¼ cup	Gives natural strawberry flavor and color
Pink food coloring	Adjust as desired	Enhances visual appeal of strawberry icing
Heavy cream	1 cup (for ganache)	Creates smooth, rich ganache with chocolate chips
Chocolate chips	1½ cups	Melts into ganache for chocolate coating

Special Dietary Options

Vegan: Replace eggs with flaxseed or chia seeds soaked in water, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and substitute butter with vegan margarine for the strawberry icing.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to maintain sponge texture without gluten.
Low-calorie: Use natural sweetener alternatives such as stevia in place of caster and powdered sugar, and opt for low-fat milk and reduced-fat butter substitutes.

How to Prepare the Perfect neapolitan roll cake: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two roll cake sheet pans by greasing them with butter and lining with parchment paper. Gather all ingredients, ensuring eggs and milk are at room temperature; this helps with better batter texture and volume.

Second Step: Make the Vanilla Sponge Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk 4 egg yolks with half of the caster sugar (about 5½ tablespoons) until the sugar dissolves. Add 6 tablespoons of milk, 6 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

In a separate bowl, sift ½ cup all-purpose flour with 6 tablespoons cornstarch and 1 teaspoon cream of tartar. Fold these dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture.

Third Step: Whip Egg Whites for Vanilla Sponge

Beat the 4 egg whites with the remaining caster sugar (5½ tablespoons) and 1 teaspoon cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the egg whites into the vanilla batter to keep the batter light and airy.

Fourth Step: Prepare the Chocolate Sponge Batter

Repeat the process for the chocolate sponge: whisk 4 egg yolks with half the sugar until dissolved. Add milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.

Sift together ½ cup all-purpose flour, 6 tablespoons cornstarch, 4 tablespoons cocoa powder, and 1 teaspoon cream of tartar. Fold dry ingredients into the wet mix.

Whip the 4 egg whites with the remaining sugar and cream of tartar until stiff, then gently fold into the chocolate batter.

Fifth Step: Baking

Step	Action	Time/Temperature
1	Pour vanilla sponge batter into one prepared pan and chocolate batter into the other.
2	Bake both for 10-12 minutes or until golden and springy to the touch.	350°F (175°C)
3	Immediately invert cakes out onto parchment dusted with powdered sugar; carefully roll while warm to avoid cracking.
4	Allow cakes to cool completely before unrolling to assemble.

Sixth Step: Prepare Strawberry Icing

Beat 2 cups softened butter until creamy. Gradually add 8 cups powdered sugar and mix thoroughly. Add ¼ cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberry powder, and pink food coloring to desired shade. Mix until smooth and fluffy.

Seventh Step: Assemble the Cake

Unroll both cooled sponge cakes gently. Spread the strawberry icing evenly on one sponge layer. Roll the cakes vertically together, creating the signature Neapolitan effect of vanilla and chocolate sponges with the strawberry cream inside.

Final Step: Add Chocolate Ganache

Heat 1 cup heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over 1½ cups chocolate chips. Let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth. Spread the ganache over the entire roll cake to finish.

Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour to set before slicing and serving. For variations in dietary needs, substitute plant-based alternatives or gluten-free flours as mentioned earlier.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your neapolitan roll cake

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

For those seeking dietary modifications:

Replace eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds soaked in water (1 tablespoon seeds + 3 tablespoons water per egg) for a vegan-friendly sponge.
Use plant-based milk alternatives such as almond, soy, or oat milk instead of dairy milk to accommodate lactose intolerance or vegan diets.
Substitute butter in the strawberry icing with vegan margarine or coconut oil for dairy-free versions.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Swap freeze-dried strawberry powder with raspberry or cherry powder to customize the fruit flavor in the icing.
Change vanilla extract to almond or coconut extracts to give a distinct twist to the flavor profile of the sponges and icing.
For lower sweetness, replace caster and powdered sugars with natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol, adjusting quantities to taste while keeping the texture stable.

Mastering neapolitan roll cake: Advanced Tips and Variations

Pro cooking techniques: Use a stand mixer to aerate egg whites perfectly and fold dry ingredients very gently to keep the batter light. Avoid overbaking to preserve pliability crucial for rolling.
Flavor variations: Try substituting cocoa powder with matcha green tea powder for a unique color and flavor, or add finely grated citrus zest to the vanilla sponge for brightness.
Presentation tips: Slice the roll cake with a sharp serrated knife for clean edges. Garnish with fresh berries, mint leaves, or grated chocolate to match the strawberry chocolate theme.
Make-ahead options: Bake and assemble the roll cake a day in advance. Refrigerate to let the flavors meld beautifully, making it perfect for planned celebrations or busy days.

How to Store neapolitan roll cake: Best Practices

Refrigeration: Store the neapolitan roll cake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. This keeps the cake fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making it ideal for planned serving.

Freezing: To store the cake longer, wrap it thoroughly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain the soft texture and rich flavors.

Reheating: The cake is best served at room temperature. Remove from the fridge about 30-60 minutes before serving to ensure the ganache and strawberry cream soften nicely without melting improperly.

Meal prep considerations: Slice the cake into individual portions before storing to facilitate quick grab-and-go desserts. Be sure each portion is sealed tightly to avoid drying out. This makes the neapolitan roll cake convenient for busy households or special event catering.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About neapolitan roll cake

What is a Neapolitan roll cake and how is it different from regular roll cakes?

A Neapolitan roll cake features three distinct flavors—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—layered side by side in the sponge or filling, inspired by the classic Neapolitan ice cream. Unlike regular roll cakes that typically have one flavor, this cake offers a combination of tastes in each slice. The sponge is baked thin, rolled carefully to avoid cracking, and often filled with complementary creams or spreads to highlight the tri-flavor theme.

How can I prevent my Neapolitan roll cake sponge from cracking when rolling it?

To prevent cracking, remove the sponge from the oven and immediately invert it onto parchment paper or a lightly sugared clean tea towel. Gently peel off the baking parchment, then roll the sponge from one short end using the paper or towel as a guide. Wrapping it snugly allows it to cool in the rolled shape, making it more flexible for filling and final rolling without breaking.

Can I customize the flavors in a Neapolitan roll cake?

Yes, while traditional Neapolitan roll cakes include chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors, you can substitute those with other combinations according to your preference. Use flavorings, purees, or colored sponge layers to achieve the desired taste and appearance. Just ensure the sponge layers are balanced in moisture and thickness for even rolling and flavor harmony.

How long can I store a Neapolitan roll cake, and what is the best way to keep it fresh?

A Neapolitan roll cake should be stored well-wrapped in plastic wrap or airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to one month. Before serving, allow the frozen cake to thaw in the refrigerator to maintain texture and flavor.

What filling options work best for a Neapolitan roll cake?

Common fillings include whipped cream, chocolate ganache, strawberry jam, or flavored mascarpone. These complement the tri-flavored sponge layers without overpowering them. When choosing fillings, aim for smooth and spreadable textures to avoid lumpiness that can cause the sponge to crack during rolling. You can also add fresh fruit or nuts for extra texture and flavor.

Neapolitan Roll Cake with Creamy Layers and a Sweet Strawberry Chocolate Surprise