Neapolitan Ice Cream: A Classic Trio of Flavours

Classic Neapolitan ice cream, where chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavours unite.

Neapolitan ice cream is a classic frozen dessert made up of three separate flavours—typically vanilla, chocolate and strawberry—layered in the same container. Neapolitan is an age-old traditional ice cream that ice cream lovers have enjoyed for generations.

Learn all about Neapolitan ice cream, its history, and its continued appeal in our modern day and of course, we’ll show you how you can recreate this classic yourself with step-by-step instructions.

If you prefer, you can go straight to the recipe by scrolling down, or read along to learn more about this frozen treat, Neapolitan Ice Cream, a classic trio of flavours.
Jump to Neapolitan Ice Cream Recipe

A Slice of History: Neapolitan Ice Cream’s Origins

Neapolitan Ice Cream’s story is one of innovation and creativity.

It traces its roots back to the late 19th century in Italy, where inventive gelato makers wanted to offer a unique, multi-flavoured treat. The name ‘Neapolitan’ is derived from Naples, the city where this trio of flavours first gained popularity.

These early artisans, inspired by the Italian flag’s colours, crafted layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry gelato, presenting a dessert that was as visually appealing as it was delicious.

Though it is believed that originally, Neapolitan ice cream featured a different combination of flavours: pistachio, chocolate, and vanilla.

It wasn’t until it made its way to the United States that the iconic chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry trio became the standard.

Through the years, Neapolitan ice cream has gained global popularity thanks to its blend of favourite flavours and nostalgic appeal.

It’s more than a treat; it’s a nostalgic journey through history.

The Art of Layering: Creating Neapolitan Ice Cream

Neapolitan ice cream isn’t just about its history, it’s also about delicious layers.

In many Italian Gelateria’s the creation of this classic treat is considered an art form.

It takes precision, and achieving the perfect layering is both an art and a science that gelato and ice cream enthusiasts strive for.

Neapolitan Ice Cream: A Flavourful Fusion

Neapolitan ice cream is a delicious blend of flavours and textures. Each layer has its own unique taste, and when you enjoy them together, well you can understand why it’s a classic.

The vanilla layer is creamy and soothing, providing a neutral base. The chocolate layer is rich and indulgent, while the strawberry layer adds a refreshing and fruity twist.

This combination of flavours is why Neapolitan ice cream has stood the test of time. Whether you eat each layer separately or mix them together, it’s a delicious frozen treat.

Mastering the Art of Neapolitan Creation

Making Neapolitan ice cream is an art that requires careful work. You have to create precise layers of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.

Each layer is made separately and placed in its container to make sure they don’t mix.

The real skill is not only in making each flavour taste great but also in getting them to blend perfectly.

Patience is key as you freeze each layer one at a time, allowing it to solidify before adding the next. With practice and a touch of creativity, you’ll be able to recreate this classic.

Crafting the Perfect Neapolitan Ice Cream

Now we have learned all about the history and the art of crafting this classic, let’s make our own.

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Layer:

• 300 ml double cream
• 300 ml whole milk
• 150g caster sugar
• 50g unsweetened cocoa powder
• 50g semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Layer:

• 300 ml double cream
• 300 ml whole milk
• 150g caster sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 300 ml double cream
• 300 ml whole milk
• 150g caster sugar
• 150g fresh strawberries, hulled and pureed
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

Chocolate Layer:

• In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 300 ml of double cream, 300 ml of whole milk, 150g of caster sugar, 50g of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 50g of finely chopped semisweet chocolate.
• Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
• Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Vanilla Layer:

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together 300 ml of double cream, 300 ml of whole milk, 150g of caster sugar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until the sugar is fully dissolved.

Strawberry Layer:

• In another mixing bowl, whisk together 300 ml of double cream, 300 ml of whole milk, 150g of caster sugar, 150g of fresh strawberry puree, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Assembling the Neapolitan Ice Cream:

• Prepare an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Pour each prepared ice cream mixture into the ice cream maker one at a time, churning and freezing each layer separately until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
• Starting with the strawberry layer, carefully spoon it into the bottom of an airtight container.
• Follow with the chocolate layer, smoothing it evenly on top of the strawberry layer.
• Finish with the vanilla layer, ensuring that each layer is evenly distributed.
• Place a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming.
• Seal the container with an airtight lid and freeze for at least 4 hours or until the Neapolitan ice cream is firm.
• Serve in scoops or slices, and enjoy this classic trio of flavours!

Feel free to adjust the sweetness level or experiment with different add-ins like chocolate chips or chopped strawberries to make it your own. Enjoy your homemade Neapolitan Ice Cream!

Homemade No-Churn Neapolitan Ice Cream

In case you don’t own an Ice Cream maker, this Classic Neapolitan Homemade Ice cream is still achievable.

We’ve listed instructions that you can follow that will enable you to craft your very own Classic Homemade Neapolitan Ice Cream, without the use of an ice cream maker.

Instructions:

Vanilla Layer:

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together 300 ml of double cream, 300 ml of whole milk, 150g of caster sugar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until the sugar is fully dissolved.
• Pour the mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe container and cover it with plastic wrap or a lid.
• Place the container in the freezer and let it set for about 1-2 hours, or until the mixture becomes firm but not completely frozen.

Chocolate Layer:

• In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 300 ml of double cream, 300 ml of whole milk, 150g of caster sugar, 50g of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 50g of finely chopped semisweet chocolate.
• Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
• Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
• Allow the chocolate mixture to cool to room temperature.

Strawberry Layer:

• In another mixing bowl, whisk together 300 ml of double cream, 300 ml of whole milk, 150g of caster sugar, 150g of fresh strawberry puree, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
• Pour the strawberry mixture into a separate shallow, freezer-safe container and cover it with plastic wrap or a lid.
• Place the container in the freezer and let it set for about 1-2 hours, or until the mixture becomes firm but not completely frozen.

Assembling the Neapolitan Ice Cream:

• Once all three layers are a soft serve consistency, but firm, remove them from the freezer.
• Layer the strawberry mixture on the bottom of an airtight container, followed by the chocolate mixture, and finally the vanilla mixture. Ensure that each layer is evenly distributed.
• Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the layers together for a marbled effect.
• Place a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming.
• Seal the container with an airtight lid and freeze for at least 4 hours or until the Neapolitan ice cream is firm.
• Serve in scoops or slices, and enjoy your homemade Neapolitan Ice Cream!

This method enables you to create a creamy and delicious Neapolitan ice cream without the need for an ice cream maker.

Feel free to adjust the sweetness level or experiment with different add-ins and above all, enjoy!

As with all our recipes, you can adjust the sugars to meet your personal preferences, or indeed replace the sugars entirely and use alternative sweeteners. You can replace the milk and use an alternative milk option too. The great thing about Homemade Ice Cream is you can adapt it to your exact taste preferences.

For more information on the use of alternative sweeteners, check out our article – Balancing Flavour and Health: Natural Sweeteners in Your Homemade Ice Cream.

We hope you have enjoyed our article about Homemade Neapolitan Ice Cream: A Classic Trio of Flavours, please do drop us a comment if you have any questions and of course, if you give our Homemade Neapolitan Ice Cream recipe a go, we would absolutely love to hear how you get on.