Layered Neapolitan Dream Cheesecake
Indulge in a delightful twist on the classic cheesecake with our Layered Neapolitan Dream Cheesecake! This indulgent dessert boasts three distinct layers, inspired by the beloved Neapolitan ice cream, featuring rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, and refreshing strawberry. Each layer is crafted with smooth cream cheese and accented with vibrant flavors and textures, making this cheesecake not only stunning to behold but also a treat for your taste buds. Topped with fluffy whipped cream, colorful sprinkles, and sweet maraschino cherries, it's perfect for celebrations and special occasions or just a sweet surprise any day of the week!
8
Servings
400
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oreo cookie crumbs
1 1/2 cups (crushed)
Unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
Cream cheese
4 (8 ounce) packages (at room temperature)
Sugar
1 cup (granulated)
Eggs
4 large (at room temperature)
Vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (pure extract)
Semisweet chocolate
3 ounces (melted)
Cocoa powder
2 tablespoons (unsweetened)
White chocolate
3 ounces (melted)
Strawberries
1 cup (diced)
Red food coloring
1 drop (for coloring)
Cool Whip
3 cups (divided (1 cup for piping, 2 cups for spreading))
Maraschino cherries
8-10 (for topping)
Candy sprinkles
1/4 cup (for decoration)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8-inch springform pan with cooking spray, line the bottom with parchment paper, and spray the parchment for easy removal.
2
In a medium bowl, mix together the Oreo cookie crumbs and melted unsalted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form an even crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then allow to cool.
3
Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the room temperature cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then blend in the vanilla extract.
4
Divide the cream cheese batter equally into three separate bowls. In the first bowl, mix in the melted semisweet chocolate and cocoa powder until fully incorporated. Pour this chocolate layer into the cooled crust, smoothing the top.
5
In the second bowl, fold in the melted white chocolate until well combined. Pour this vanilla layer carefully over the chocolate layer, smoothing it out as needed.
6
In the final bowl, mix in the diced strawberries and drop of red food coloring, folding until evenly distributed. Spread this strawberry layer on top of the white chocolate layer, smoothing the surface.
7
Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for about 55-60 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for about an hour before removing it to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
8
To decorate, place 1 cup of Cool Whip into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Spread the remaining 2 cups of Cool Whip evenly over the top of the chilled cheesecake, using a spatula to create beautiful swirls. Pipe decorative stars around the edge using the Cool Whip in the piping bag and top each star with a maraschino cherry. Finally, sprinkle a delightful array of candy sprinkles over the center of the cake for a vibrant finishing touch.
9
Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful flavors of this festive layered Neapolitan cheesecake!
Nutrition Information
27g
Fat
34g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Layered Neapolitan Dream Cheesecake?
It is an indulgent dessert featuring three distinct layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry cream cheese on an Oreo crust, topped with whipped cream, cherries, and sprinkles.
How many servings does this cheesecake recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 8 servings.
What are the three flavors of the layers?
The layers are inspired by Neapolitan ice cream and include rich chocolate, creamy vanilla with white chocolate, and refreshing strawberry.
What kind of crust is used for this cheesecake?
The crust is made from 1 1/2 cups of crushed Oreo cookie crumbs and 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
How much cream cheese is required?
You will need four 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, totaling 32 ounces.
What temperature should the oven be for baking the cheesecake?
The cheesecake should be baked at 325°F (160°C) after the crust has been pre-baked at 350°F (175°C).
How long does the Oreo crust need to bake?
The crust should be baked for 8 to 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
What size pan is recommended for this recipe?
An 8-inch springform pan is recommended.
How do I prepare the springform pan?
Spray the pan with cooking spray, line the bottom with parchment paper, and spray the parchment again for easy removal.
Should the cream cheese and eggs be at room temperature?
Yes, for a smooth and creamy texture, ensure both the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
What makes the chocolate layer?
The chocolate layer is created by mixing melted semisweet chocolate and cocoa powder into one-third of the cream cheese batter.
How is the vanilla layer flavored?
The vanilla layer is flavored with pure vanilla extract and 3 ounces of melted white chocolate.
What ingredients are in the strawberry layer?
The top layer features one cup of diced strawberries and a drop of red food coloring for a vibrant look.
What is the correct order for layering the cheesecake?
The chocolate layer goes on the bottom, followed by the white chocolate vanilla layer, and finally the strawberry layer on top.
How long does the cheesecake bake?
The cheesecake should bake for 55 to 60 minutes.
How can I tell when the cheesecake is finished baking?
The edges should be set, but the center should still be slightly jiggly when you turn off the oven.
What is the cooling process for this recipe?
Let it cool inside the turned-off oven for one hour, then cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating.
How long should the cheesecake be refrigerated?
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, for the best flavor and texture.
What is used for the topping and decoration?
The topping uses Cool Whip, maraschino cherries, and candy sprinkles.
How much Cool Whip is needed in total?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of Cool Whip, with 2 cups used for spreading and 1 cup used for piping.
How do I decorate the top of the cheesecake?
Spread Cool Whip in swirls, pipe decorative stars around the edge, top each star with a cherry, and add sprinkles to the center.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 27 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 34 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in one slice?
There are 5 grams of protein per serving.
Is there any food coloring used in this recipe?
Yes, one drop of red food coloring is used to enhance the color of the strawberry layer.
What type of cocoa powder should be used?
The recipe specifies unsweetened cocoa powder.
How are the eggs incorporated into the batter?
Add the 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure proper incorporation.
Can I use a stand mixer?
Yes, a stand mixer with a paddle attachment is recommended for beating the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Should the cheesecake be served warm or cold?
This cheesecake should be served chilled for the best taste and consistency.