Neapolitan Millionaire Roll Cake Recipe

Heavenly Neapolitan Millionaire Roll Cake Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet dreams come alive with a decadent Neapolitan millionaire roll cake that combines layers of pure indulgence.

Chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry swirl together in a delightful dance of flavors.

Each slice promises a journey through creamy textures and nostalgic memories.

Delicate sponge layers bring sophisticated charm to this classic dessert.

Unexpected touches make this roll cake a showstopper at any gathering.

Rich cream and vibrant colors create a stunning visual masterpiece.

Prepare to wow everyone with this irresistible treat that turns ordinary moments into extraordinary celebrations.

Neapolitan Millionaire Roll Cake: Swirl of Fun

  • Bake with Ease: This Neapolitan Millionaire Roll Cake breaks down complex steps into simple, manageable tasks perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines multiple delightful flavors like chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla that appeal to everyone's taste buds, making it ideal for family gatherings and special celebrations.
  • Customize with Creativity: Offers flexible decorating options with potential variations in garnishing, allowing bakers to personalize the cake's final presentation and express their unique style.
  • Impress Without Stress: Despite looking sophisticated, the recipe provides clear instructions that make creating a stunning dessert feel surprisingly achievable for home bakers.

Gather Ingredients for Neapolitan Roll Cake

Main Ingredients:

Cake Base:
  • All Purpose Flour: The foundation for creating the soft chocolate cake layer.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep brown color.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and softness in the cake.
Filling Components:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and creamy base for the strawberry filling.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and smooth texture to the cheesecake mixture.
  • Heavy Cream: Essential for creating both mousse and icing layers.
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
  • Buttermilk, Eggs, Boiling Water: Help bind ingredients and provide structure to the cake.
  • Vanilla Extract, Vanilla Bean Paste: Enhance overall flavor profile of the dessert.
Coloring and Flavoring Ingredients:
  • Strawberry Extract: Provides distinct strawberry flavor for the filling.
  • Red Food Coloring: Optional ingredient for creating vibrant pink color.
Stabilizing Ingredients:
  • Gelatin: Helps set and stabilize the mousse layer.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the whipped icing.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Baking Soda, Salt: Crucial for proper cake leavening and flavor balancing.

Make Neapolitan Roll Cake at Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Grab a 12×17-inch baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.

Give it a light spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Cake Base

Ingredients for dry mix:
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Sift all these ingredients together in a mixing bowl until they’re perfectly blended and lump-free.

Step 3: Blend Liquid Components

Ingredients:
  • Egg
  • Buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk these ingredients in a separate bowl until they’re completely combined and smooth.

Step 4: Form Cake Batter

Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients.

Stir gently, then add boiling water and mix until the batter becomes silky and consistent.

Step 5: Bake Chocolate Layer

Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet.

Slide into a preheated oven at 350F and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Allow the cake to cool completely.

Step 6: Craft Strawberry Cheesecake Filling

Ingredients:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sugar
  • Flour
  • Sour cream
  • Eggs
  • Strawberry extract
  • Red food coloring

Blend cream cheese, sugar, and flour until smooth.

Incorporate remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly.

Step 7: Create Vanilla Mousse

Ingredients:
  • Gelatin
  • Heavy cream
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla bean paste

Dissolve gelatin in cold water.

Warm some cream and mix in the gelatin.

Whip remaining cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.

Gently fold in gelatin mixture.

Step 8: Whip Luxurious Icing

Ingredients:
  • Heavy cream
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla bean paste
  • Vanilla extract

Whip these ingredients until stiff, glossy peaks develop.

Step 9: Assemble Roll Cake

Spread strawberry cheesecake mixture over the cooled chocolate cake.

Carefully roll into a log shape.

Step 10: Layer Mousse

Cover the rolled cake with vanilla mousse.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set firmly.

Step 11: Final Decoration

Coat the entire cake with the whipped icing.

Add any decorative touches you desire.

Step 12: Serve And Enjoy

Remove from refrigerator, slice, and serve this decadent Neapolitan-inspired masterpiece.

Roll Cake Expert Tips

  • Roll the cake while it's still warm to avoid splitting or breaking during the rolling process.
  • Adjust sugar levels in each component to balance the overall sweetness of the Neapolitan roll cake.
  • Bring all dairy ingredients to room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more consistent filling and mousse.
  • Add food coloring gradually to achieve the perfect strawberry-pink hue without overwhelming the natural flavor.
  • Allow sufficient refrigeration time to help layers set properly and enhance the cake's structural integrity.

Neapolitan Roll Cake Flavor Combos

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Roll: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cake's rich chocolate flavor.
  • Vegan Strawberry Delight: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut cream instead of dairy cream, and replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese alternative for a plant-based adaptation.
  • Low-Sugar Neapolitan Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar, reducing overall calorie content while keeping the classic layered cake structure.
  • Dairy-Free Chocolate Roll: Swap dairy ingredients with coconut milk, coconut cream, and dairy-free cream cheese to create an allergen-friendly dessert that preserves the original recipe's essence.

Plate Neapolitan Roll Cake Beautifully

  • Sweet Slice Companions: Pair this decadent Neapolitan roll cake with fresh strawberries or a scoop of vanilla gelato for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
  • Beverage Buddies: Complement the rich cake with a steaming cappuccoon, chilled strawberry milk, or a light champagne to enhance the dessert's elegant profile.
  • Presentation Perfection: Dust the cake with powdered sugar, drizzle chocolate sauce, or add fresh mint leaves for a stunning visual appeal that makes the dessert Instagram-worthy.
  • Celebration Centerpiece: Serve this luxurious roll cake at summer gatherings, birthday parties, or as a sophisticated dessert that will impress guests with its layers and refined taste.

Neapolitan Cake: Best Storage Ideas

  • Store the Neapolitan Millionaire Roll Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Carefully wrap the cake in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to protect from freezer burn.
  • Transfer the frozen cake to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the cake's texture and prevents condensation.

FAQs

  • What is the origin of this Neapolitan Millionaire Roll Cake?

This dessert combines classic Neapolitan flavors with a modern roll cake technique, featuring layers of chocolate cake, strawberry cheesecake, and vanilla mousse that represent the traditional Neapolitan ice cream colors.

  • Can I make this cake without strawberry extract?

Yes, you can substitute strawberry extract with strawberry puree or omit it entirely. The red food coloring can help maintain the strawberry-like appearance if desired.

  • Is this cake difficult to make for beginners?

While it requires multiple steps, the recipe is manageable with careful attention to instructions. Breaking down the process into separate components makes it easier to handle, even for home bakers with moderate experience.

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Neapolitan Millionaire Roll Cake Recipe

Neapolitan Millionaire Roll Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Silky layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry intertwine in this Neapolitan Millionaire Roll Cake, creating a nostalgic dessert that whisks memories from childhood. Sweet indulgence meets elegant design, inviting you to savor each delightful slice of this classic Italian-inspired treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base Ingredients:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup boiling water

Cheesecake Layer Ingredients:

  • 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons strawberry extract
  • Red food coloring (optional)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons gelatin powder
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cold water

Cream and Icing Ingredients:

  • 2 1/3 cups heavy cream (for mousse)
  • 1/2 cup sugar (for mousse)
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
  • 2 cups heavy cream (for icing)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (for icing)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 12×17-inch baking sheet with parchment paper, lightly greasing the surface to prevent sticking.
  2. Sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together in a mixing bowl to ensure even distribution and remove any lumps.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk egg, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined and smooth.
  4. Gradually incorporate wet ingredients into dry mixture, then carefully stir in boiling water until batter becomes uniform and silky.
  5. Evenly distribute batter across prepared baking sheet, then bake for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cake to cool completely.
  6. Create cheesecake filling by beating cream cheese, sugar, and flour until smooth. Gently blend in sour cream, eggs, strawberry extract, and food coloring.
  7. Activate gelatin by sprinkling over cold water and letting it sit for 5 minutes. Warm 1/2 cup cream and dissolve gelatin mixture completely.
  8. Whip remaining cream with sugar and vanilla bean paste until soft peaks form. Fold in dissolved gelatin gently.
  9. Prepare icing by whipping heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks develop.
  10. Spread strawberry cheesecake mixture across cooled cake, then carefully roll into a log shape, ensuring even distribution.
  11. Apply vanilla mousse over rolled cake surface, then refrigerate for minimum 2 hours to set and stabilize structure.
  12. Before serving, generously coat cake with prepared whipped icing and add desired garnishments for final presentation.

Notes

  • Gluten-Free Option Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free blend to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
  • Temperature Precision Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure perfect cake doneness and prevent overbaking.
  • Gelatin Substitution Replace gelatin with agar-agar for a vegetarian-friendly mousse that sets similarly.
  • Color Enhancement Natural food coloring like beet powder can replace artificial red food coloring for a healthier alternative.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 398 kcal
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 184 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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