Neapolitan Ice cream is an ice cream bursting with unique individual flavors that blend together in your mouth to give you that smile of satisfaction. This ice cream lovers’ dream has a fancy name but is super easy to recreate a home with just a few ingredients.
Table of Contents
What is Neapolitan Ice cream?
Neapolitan Ice cream is said to have originated from the city of Naples in Italy. Early Neapolitan immigrants brought this dessert to the United States.
In the Early days Neapolitan Ice was an ice cream with different flavors. Same thing today with the only difference being that the flavors have been specifically narrowed down to Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla flavored ice cream.
This three flavored ice cream would be placed in three layers within the ice cream bowl which is usually in this order chocolate, strawberry and vanilla creating a similar pattern as the Italian flag when served.
With that being said, you don’t have to layer your Neapolitan Ice cream of you don’t want to. I sometimes just make a batch each of my Chocolate ice cream, Vanilla ice cream and strawberry ice cream.
If you want a smoother strawberry ice cream wishing strawberry bits, I share my recipe in this video using strawberry gelatin instead. Both recipes work.
Ingredients
- Heavy cream
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder
- Strawberry flavored gelatin
- Pink food color optional
How to make Neapolitan Ice cream.
One-Bowl Method:
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in the condensed milk and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Divide the mixture evenly into three bowls: Strawberry: Add 1 tablespoon of strawberry-flavored gelatin and a few drops of pink food coloring. Mix until well combined. Chocolate: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and mix well. Leave the vanilla as is.
- Spoon the flavored mixtures side by side into a freezer-safe container, or add them in dollops for a swirled, marbled effect. (Marbling may take away the distinct colors Neapolitan ice cream is known for.)
- Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until firm.
Individual Ice Cream Method:
Make separate batches of my chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream recipes. You can also use store-bought ice cream for this method.
When ready to serve, scoop one or two of each flavor into a cone or ice cream cup to enjoy that classic Neapolitan combination.
If you love ice cream you will definitely love these other no churn ice cream flavors. They are always a hit.
Quick Tips to ensure Recipe Success
- Use cold heavy cream not room temperature. Cold cream whips better.
- Use cold utensils. Especially if you are using a stainless steel bowl to whip the cream. It helps to pop the bowl and whisk into the freezer for about 15 mins before whipping the cream.
- Please Don’t skip the salt. It balances the sweetness in the ice cream.
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Chichi
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Watch how I make the strawberry ice cream used to in this recipe.
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Neapolitan Ice cream

Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp strawberry-flavored gelatin
- A few drops pink food coloring
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
Instructions
- Whip heavy cream in a large bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in the condensed milk and vanilla extract.
- Divide mixture evenly into 3 bowls:
- Bowl 1 (Strawberry): Stir in gelatin and pink food coloring.
- Bowl 2 (Chocolate): Mix in cocoa powder.
- Bowl 3 (Vanilla): Leave plain.
- Layer each flavor side by side in a freezer-safe container, or drop in spoonfuls for a marbled look.
- Freeze for at least 4 to 6 hours or overnight.
Notes
- For best texture, freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours. Overnight is ideal.
- If you prefer a marbled look, spoon the flavors in randomly and swirl gently with a knife, but don’t overmix, or you’ll lose the distinct colors.
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, you can add a few teaspoons of strawberry jam along with the gelatin.
- Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping, especially if frozen solid.
- Keep covered in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks for best flavor and texture.
It’s over 90 degrees here in the shade and I could seriously go for some of this ice cream. It just looks so refreshing and cold. Saved for later
Thanks for saving it. It sure is refreshing and you need it for that weather ?
I love neopolitan ice cream. That looks so good. I am going to have to make this and enjoy it on a hot day.
Oh yes. You should ?
Neapolitan ice cream was invented so we can get away with making 3 of our favorite ice cream flavors at one time! haha I’m always down to make ice cream….mmmm cant’ wait.
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Always a tasty classic flavor that never gets old! Exactly what I needed on a warm spring day!
You bet! ?
The amount of flavors in this deliciousness is just mind-blowing! Such a wonderful recipe for this summer. They say it will be extremely hot… oh well, I think I am ready for it now!
Thanks Laura. This summer heat prediction got me worried I hope the heat will be bearable. ?
This is awesome! Neapolitan is my favorite because you get all the different flavors in one.
Yeah. That what I love about it too. Bit of everything in one ?