Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes

Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes are a delightful treat that will impress your guests at any event. These charming cupcakes feature three classic flavors: vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate. With their vibrant colors and delicious frosting, they are perfect for birthdays, summer parties, or simply when you’re craving something sweet. The combination of flavors and textures makes them a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavors: Enjoy the classic combination of vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate in every bite.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual get-together, these cupcakes fit right in.
• Fun Presentation: The colorful frosting and toppings create an appealing look that excites everyone.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize with your favorite sprinkles or candies to make each cupcake unique.

Tools and Preparation

To create these scrumptious Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cupcake tin
• Cupcake liners
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes mixing the batter effortless and ensures a uniform texture.
• Cupcake tin: Provides the perfect shape for your cupcakes to rise beautifully.
• Spatula: Helps in folding ingredients gently without deflating the batter.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

• 3 1/2 cups plain (all-purpose flour)
• 1 1/4 cups caster (superfine sugar)
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp fine salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups full-cream (whole milk)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp Greek yoghurt (or sour cream)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

For the Frosting

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder for batter and another 2 in frosting
• 1 tsp strawberry essence for frosting and batter
• 2-3 drops pink food dye in batter and frosting

For Decoration

• Red candy balls to mimic cherries (or you could maraschino cherries)
• 10 Vanilla wafer biscuits cut into little wedges
• Chocolate sprinkles
• A batch of my fluffy vanilla buttercream frosting

How to Make Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cupcakes bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the milk, vegetable oil, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, salt, and strawberry essence.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 3: Divide the Batter

1. Divide the batter into three bowls.
2. To one bowl, mix in cocoa powder for chocolate flavor.
3. In another bowl, add strawberry essence with food dye for pink color.
4. Leave the last bowl as plain vanilla.

Step 4: Fill Cupcake Liners

Spoon each flavored batter into cupcake liners in equal portions. Alternate colors for a fun presentation.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool Down & Frosting

Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting them with fluffy vanilla buttercream. Decorate with red candy balls, chocolate sprinkles, and wafer biscuit wedges on top for that extra flair!

How to Serve Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes

Serving Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes is all about creativity and presentation. These delightful treats are perfect for parties, gatherings, or a sweet personal indulgence. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your cupcake experience.

Individual Cupcake Stands

• Use mini cupcake stands or holders to present each cupcake. This adds a charming touch and makes them easy for guests to grab.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Serve with a scoop of your favorite ice cream flavor. Vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry ice cream complements the cupcakes beautifully and enhances the Neapolitan theme.

Toppings Bar

• Create a toppings bar with sprinkles, chocolate sauce, and fresh fruits. Guests can customize their cupcakes to their liking, making it interactive and fun.

Coffee or Tea Service

• Offer a selection of coffee or tea alongside the cupcakes. The warm drinks balance the sweetness of the cupcakes and provide a comforting contrast.

Decorative Plates

• Serve the cupcakes on colorful or themed plates. A visually appealing presentation adds to the overall enjoyment and makes for great photo opportunities.

Festive Garnishes

• Add fresh mint leaves or edible flowers as garnishes on top of each cupcake. This enhances both appearance and flavor, making them look extra special.

How to Perfect Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes

Perfecting Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes involves attention to detail in both baking and decoration. Follow these tips for delightful results every time.

• Preheat Your Oven Properly: Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature before baking. This helps achieve even cooking and prevents flat cupcakes.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter, eggs, and milk to reach room temperature before mixing. This ensures better incorporation and a fluffy texture in your cupcakes.

• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping it directly from the bag. This prevents compacting, which can lead to dense cupcakes.

• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix your batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes instead of light and airy ones.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let the cupcakes cool entirely before frosting them. Warm cupcakes can melt the frosting and ruin that perfect look.

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add additional flavors or swaps in your frosting! A hint of almond extract can add a delightful twist to your frostings.

Best Side Dishes for Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes

Pairing side dishes with Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes can enhance your dessert table’s appeal. Here are some tasty options that complement these sweet treats perfectly.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of strawberries, bananas, and blueberries brings freshness that balances the sweetness of the cupcakes.

2. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruits or wafer cookies for an interactive dessert experience.

3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like brie and gouda pairs nicely with sweets, offering a savory contrast that delights the palate.

4. Mini Cheesecakes: Serve mini cheesecakes as another dessert option; their creamy texture complements the lightness of Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes.

5. Popsicles: Fruit-flavored popsicles add a refreshing touch during warm weather while fitting into the ice cream theme perfectly.

6. Nutty Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars provide a crunchy texture that contrasts well with soft cupcakes, making for an enjoyable snack combination.

7. Caramel Sauce Dipper: Provide caramel sauce for dipping any leftover fruits; this adds richness that pairs well with sweet treats like cupcakes.

8. Savory Scones: Offer cheese or herb scones as an alternative bite; their savory flavor provides an interesting balance against sweet desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes can be a fun adventure, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold ingredients can lead to dense cupcakes. Always ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for the best texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can make cupcakes tough. Mix just until combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can dry out your cupcakes. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Skipping the cooling time: Frosting warm cupcakes can cause melting. Allow your cupcakes to cool completely before adding frosting for a perfect finish.
• Using low-quality frosting: The frosting is crucial for flavor. Opt for a good quality buttercream or try making your own for better results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes

• Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cupcakes for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cupcake at a time on low power for 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Cover with a lid and steam on low heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes.

What flavors are in Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes?

Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes feature three delightful flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. This combination adds a rich variety to each bite.

Can I use different frostings on my Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of frosting. Buttercream, cream cheese, or whipped cream can all enhance your cupcakes’ taste.

How do I make Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How should I store leftover Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes?

Leftover cupcakes should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or wrapped individually and frozen if you plan to keep them longer.

Final Thoughts

Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines three classic flavors into one charming dessert. Their versatility allows you to customize them with different frostings or toppings, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these beautiful, delicious treats!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes

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• Author: Saphira
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 cupcakes 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes, where three classic flavors—vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry—come together in a charming treat that’s sure to impress. These vibrant cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to casual summer gatherings. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, enhanced by colorful frosting and fun toppings. Easy to make, this recipe invites bakers of all skill levels to create a scrumptious dessert that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Customize your cupcakes with unique toppings for an extra touch of creativity. With Neapolitan Ice Cream Cupcakes, every gathering becomes a celebration!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups caster sugar
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp fine salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp strawberry essence
• 2–3 drops pink food dye
• Red candy balls
• 10 vanilla wafer biscuits
• Chocolate sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a cupcake tin with liners.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy; add eggs one at a time.
3. Mix in milk, vegetable oil, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, salt, and strawberry essence.
5. Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet mixture until just incorporated.
6. Divide batter into three bowls; flavor one with cocoa for chocolate, one with strawberry essence and pink food dye for strawberry, and leave one plain for vanilla.
7. Fill cupcake liners with alternating batters for a fun presentation.
8. Bake for about 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Allow cooling before frosting with your favorite buttercream.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cupcake (60g)
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg