Homemade Neapolitan Ice Cream

Who doesn’t love Neapolitan ice cream? With its signature trio of strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla, this timeless treat delivers the best of all worlds in every bite. Creamy, sweet, and nostalgic, Neapolitan ice cream is the go-to dessert when you just can’t decide on a single flavor.

And while it’s easy to buy a tub from the store, making your own homemade Neapolitan Ice Cream is a fun, satisfying project—no churning or fancy equipment required. This version starts with a simple whipped cream base and separates into three flavored layers, each one creamy, sweet, and perfectly indulgent.

Whether you’re impressing guests, cooling off on a hot day, or giving the kids a dessert to remember, this layered ice cream is a show-stopper. Best of all, it’s completely customizable and freezer-friendly.

🛒 Ingredients – What You’ll Need

For the ice cream base:

600 ml whipping cream (cold, full-fat for best results)

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the chocolate layer:

3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1–2 tbsp milk (optional, for smoother blending)

For the strawberry layer:

1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries (pureed)

1–2 tbsp sugar, to taste

A few drops of red or pink food coloring (optional, for color boost)

Optional toppings: mini chocolate chips, chopped strawberries, sprinkles

🍦 Equipment You’ll Need

Hand or stand mixer

Mixing bowls (3 total)

Spatula

Loaf pan or freezer-safe container

Plastic wrap or lid

Blender or food processor (for strawberries)

⏱️ Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Chill Time: 6–8 hours or overnight
• Total Time: ~8 hours
• Yield: About 1.5 quarts
• Servings: 6–8 scoops

👩‍🍳 How to Make Neapolitan Ice Cream – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Whip the Cream

Pour the cold whipping cream into a mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip until stiff peaks form—about 3–4 minutes.

Step 2: Fold in Condensed Milk & Vanilla

Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract with a spatula. This is your creamy base.

Step 3: Divide into Three Flavors

Split the ice cream base evenly into three bowls.

For the Vanilla Layer:

This one’s done! Leave one bowl as-is for the classic vanilla flavor.

For the Chocolate Layer:

Add cocoa powder to the second bowl. Mix until fully blended. Add a bit of milk if it’s too thick to stir easily.

For the Strawberry Layer:

Blend or puree your strawberries with sugar until smooth. Stir into the third bowl. Add a drop of red food coloring if you want a brighter hue.

Step 4: Layer in the Pan

In a loaf pan or freezer-safe dish, gently spoon the strawberry layer into the bottom and smooth it out. Next, add the chocolate layer, followed by the vanilla layer on top. Smooth each layer with a spatula as you go.

Tip: For neater layers, freeze each one for 30–60 minutes before adding the next.

Step 5: Freeze

Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze for at least 6–8 hours or overnight until firm.

Step 6: Scoop and Serve!

Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping for the best texture. Serve in cones, bowls, or make an old-fashioned ice cream sandwich!

💡 Tips & Tricks for Perfect Neapolitan Ice Cream

Use full-fat cream – This creates the rich, creamy texture you love.

Don’t overmix – After whipping the cream, gently fold in ingredients to keep the volume.

Sweeten your fruit – If strawberries are tart, a little sugar balances the flavor.

Freeze each layer briefly – Helps avoid colors and flavors blending.

Add chunks or swirls – Try mini chocolate chips in chocolate, diced berries in strawberry, or caramel swirls in vanilla.

❄️ How to Store

Keep the ice cream covered in a freezer-safe container. It’ll last for up to 2 weeks—if it doesn’t disappear first! For best texture, allow it to sit at room temp for a few minutes before serving.

🥄 Serving Ideas

Make this Neapolitan treat extra fun with these serving suggestions:

Classic scoops in sugar cones or waffle bowls

Ice cream sandwiches using cookies or brownies

Sundae bar with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and sprinkles

Layered milkshake – blend one flavor at a time for a colorful drink

Ice cream cake – freeze into a cake pan, then slice and serve

🧁 Kid-Friendly, Crowd-Friendly & Totally Customizable

Neapolitan ice cream is one of those timeless desserts that appeals to all ages. Kids love the color and flavor variety, while adults enjoy the nostalgia. And best of all, you can make it your own:

Try raspberry, mocha, and almond for a gourmet twist

Use matcha, mango, and coconut for tropical vibes

Go bold with blueberry, caramel, and peanut butter

It’s a choose-your-own-flavor adventure in frozen dessert form!

🌈 Fun Fact: Where Did Neapolitan Ice Cream Come From?

Neapolitan ice cream is said to have originated in the late 1800s, inspired by Italian immigrants from Naples, who brought with them their love of layered and colorful desserts. The trio of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry was chosen to reflect America’s most popular flavors at the time—and over a century later, they still reign supreme.

❤️ Final Thoughts

This Homemade Neapolitan Ice Cream brings all the joy of the original—but made from scratch, it’s even creamier, fresher, and more delicious. It’s a perfect project to make with kids, a nostalgic dessert for summer nights, and a beautiful freezer treat that’ll impress at any gathering.

Creamy vanilla. Sweet strawberry. Rich chocolate. All in one dreamy scoop.

So grab your mixing bowls and treat yourself to a dessert that’s stood the test of time—made better with your own hands.

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Did you try this recipe?
Tag your photos with #HomemadeNeapolitanLove or drop a comment below. I’d love to hear how you customized your layers!

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