Neapolitan Ice Cream Recipe: A Classic Trio of Flavors

Neapolitan ice cream is a timeless classic that combines three popular flavors—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—layered side by side. This delicious frozen treat originates from Italian immigrants in the 19th century, bringing the tradition of combining multiple flavors in a single dessert. Whether you’re making it for a summer treat, a party, or just to enjoy at home, this homemade Neapolitan Ice Cream Recipe is sure to impress. Making it from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a creamy texture and rich flavor.

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In this recipe, we will guide you step by step through creating each flavor separately and layering them together to achieve the perfect balance. Let’s dive into the ingredients, instructions, and all the details to make this delightful treat at home.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Active Time: 40 minutes
• Resting Time: 6 hours (for freezing)
• Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Dessert
• Servings: 10
• Calories per Serving: 250 kcal

Equipment Needed

• Three mixing bowls
• Medium saucepan
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Ice cream maker
• Rubber spatula
• Loaf pan or airtight container
• Plastic wrap or parchment paper

Ingredients

Base Ice Cream Custard:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Layer:

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 ounces melted dark chocolate

Vanilla Layer:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (additional)

Strawberry Layer:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ice Cream Base

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream and whole milk over medium heat until it starts to steam but not boil.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
3. Gradually pour the warm cream into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent scrambling.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (around 170°F).
5. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl and let it cool completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Layer

1. Divide the chilled ice cream base into three equal portions.
2. In one portion, whisk in the cocoa powder and melted dark chocolate until fully combined.
3. Pour this mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Transfer to a loaf pan and spread evenly.
5. Freeze for 1 hour before adding the next layer.

Step 3: Make the Vanilla Layer

1. Churn the second portion of the ice cream base in the ice cream maker.
2. Spread it evenly over the chocolate layer.
3. Freeze for another hour.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Layer

1. Puree the fresh strawberries with sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
2. Mix the puree into the remaining ice cream base and churn in the ice cream maker.
3. Spread the strawberry ice cream evenly over the vanilla layer.
4. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until fully set.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. To serve, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes for easy scooping.
2. Use an ice cream scoop to get all three flavors in each serving.
3. Enjoy your homemade Neapolitan ice cream!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 45mg
• Sugar: 25g

Conclusion

Homemade Neapolitan ice cream is a delightful and rewarding treat, offering a perfect balance of flavors in every scoop. By making it from scratch, you get a fresher, creamier, and more customizable dessert than store-bought versions. Whether enjoyed in a cone, a bowl, or as part of a sundae, this classic trio of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry never fails to please.

Try this Neapolitan Ice Cream Recipe today and experience the joy of homemade ice cream!

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Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.