The first time you slice into a tub of Neapolitan Ice Cream, you can’t help but smile. Three stripes—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—sit perfectly side by side, promising something for everyone. This Neapolitan Ice Cream recipe takes that childhood favorite and makes it homemade, creamy, and absolutely nostalgic.
Whether you grew up fighting over the chocolate stripe, sneaking extra vanilla scoops, or saving the strawberry layer for last, this dessert brings back those simple joys. It’s one of the most classic ice cream recipes because it blends three favorites into one. Better yet, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home with just a handful of ingredients.
Homemade Neapolitan Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract for base and vanilla layer
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder for chocolate layer
- ¼ cup strawberry topping or puréed fresh strawberries
- a few drops red food coloring optional, for pink hue
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together whole milk and sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually 20–25 minutes, until it reaches soft-serve consistency.
- Transfer one-third of the churned vanilla base into a freezer-safe container to form the vanilla layer. Smooth evenly and place in the freezer while preparing the next layer.
- To make the chocolate layer, mix one-third of the vanilla base with cocoa powder until fully combined. Spread evenly over the vanilla layer and freeze again.
- To make the strawberry layer, mix the final third of the base with strawberry topping (and food coloring if using). Spread evenly over the chocolate layer.
- Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until fully firm. For best texture, freeze for 6–7 hours.
- Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.
Notes
Nutrition
Why This Neapolitan Ice Cream Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Freezer
The Magic of Three Flavors
Most frozen desserts stick to one note, but Neapolitan shines as a layered ice cream treat. You don’t have to choose between chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry—every scoop brings a mix of them all. It’s the perfect dessert when everyone in the family wants something different.
Old-Fashioned and Retro-Inspired
This recipe is rooted in retro dessert recipes, dating back to Italian immigrants who introduced layered frozen treats to America. Inspired by spumoni, Neapolitan became the go-to trio in soda shops and vintage ice cream parlors. Making it from scratch keeps that nostalgic, old-fashioned charm alive.
A Family-Friendly Classic
Kids love the colorful layers, parents love the balance of flavors, and everyone enjoys the creamy sweetness. That’s what makes this recipe a true family-friendly dessert—it’s fun to look at, delicious to eat, and guaranteed to get smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need (and Simple Substitutions)
The beauty of this homemade ice cream idea is that it uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Whole Milk (1 ½ cups): Adds creaminess. Can be swapped with coconut milk for dairy-free.
- Granulated Sugar (1 ¼ cups): Sweetens the base. Try honey or maple syrup for natural alternatives.
- Heavy Cream (3 cups): Creates that rich, silky texture. For a lighter version, use half-and-half.
- Vanilla Extract (1 ½ tsp): The key to a fragrant vanilla layer.
- Cocoa Powder (¼ cup): Turns one layer into chocolate perfection. Dutch-process gives a smoother taste.
- Strawberry Topping (1 cup): Quick shortcut for the strawberry layer, though puréed fresh strawberries work beautifully.
- Food Coloring (1 tsp, optional): For that nostalgic pink hue.
With these basics, you’ll layer up a dessert that feels like something straight out of a 1950s ice cream parlor.
How to Make Neapolitan Ice Cream Recipe (Step-by-Step)
Making Neapolitan looks fancy, but it’s actually straightforward. Here’s the process:
- Whisk the Base
Combine milk and sugar in a bowl until the sugar dissolves completely. Stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract until smooth. - Churn the Ice Cream
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn for 20–25 minutes until it reaches soft-serve consistency. - Layer the Vanilla First
Spread one-third of the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe rectangular container. Smooth the top and freeze briefly. - Prepare the Chocolate Stripe
Stir cocoa powder into another third of the churned ice cream. Spread over the vanilla and return to freezer. - Finish with Strawberry
Mix strawberry topping (plus food coloring if desired) into the last third. Spread evenly for that signature pink finish. - Freeze Until Firm
Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze for at least 2 hours, though 6–7 hours will give a solid, scoopable texture. - Scoop or Slice
Serve in cones, bowls, or slice vertically from a loaf pan for those picture-perfect stripes.
This simple process proves why it belongs in the easy frozen desserts category.
Fun Variations and Creative Toppings
Making Neapolitan at home means you can customize it. Try these ice cream toppings & variations:
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Hot Fudge Sauce over the chocolate side
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Strawberry Syrup or Fresh Berries for the pink layer
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Rainbow Sprinkles & Whipped Cream for birthdays
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Crushed Cookies or Graham Crackers for texture
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Flavor Swaps: Replace strawberry with raspberry, mango, or even coffee for a modern twist
FAQs About Neapolitan Ice Cream Recipe
What flavors are in Neapolitan ice cream?
Can I make Neapolitan ice cream without an ice cream machine?
How do I slice Neapolitan ice cream for a neat presentation?
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry topping?
More Retro Desserts & Frozen Treats to Try
- Try Neapolitan Cake for another retro treat
- Summer favorite: Peach Cobbler Ice Cream
- Exotic twist: Dragon Fruit Ice Cream
- Quick frozen fun: Snow Cream Recipe
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