Easy Neapolitan Bars

A closeup of a chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry Neapolitan Bar with more visible in the background.

These Neapolitan Bars feature layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry cake, topped with a sweetened condensed coconut milk glaze.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Diet Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Resting time 10

Total Time 1 10

Servings bars

Calories 210kcal

Author Marly McMillen

Equipment

9x13 Casserole Dish

Ingredients

15 oz can coconut milk divided, (full fat works best)
1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce
15 oz box chocolate cake mix
15 oz box vanilla cake mix
15 oz box strawberry cake mix
1 tablespoon cornstarch
¼ cup sugar

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, letting it extend past each edge of the pan for easy removal and to protect from overflowing. Spray the paper or foil with cooking spray.
Make Chocolate Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine chocolate cake mix, ½ cup applesauce, and ⅓ cup of coconut milk. Mix until a sturdy dough forms. Spread the chocolate dough evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan. Dampen your fingers to press the dough because it's sticky.
Make Vanilla Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine vanilla cake mix, ½ cup applesauce, and ⅓ cup of coconut milk. Spread the vanilla dough over the chocolate layer.
Make Strawberry Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine strawberry cake mix, ½ cup applesauce, and ⅓ cup of coconut milk. Spread the strawberry dough over the vanilla layer.
Prepare Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk: In a large microwave-safe bowl or pyrex measuring cup, add the remaining coconut milk, cornstarch, and sugar. Stir to combine. Microwave for 30 seconds. Then stir to remove lumps. Repeat this process until the lumps are gone. Then microwave for one minute at a time (keeping a close eye on it so it doesn't boil over). Repeat until the mixture thickens. See notes for fixing lumps or stovetop option.
Pour Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed coconut milk evenly over the top layer, ensuring each area is covered.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool. Trim the edges, then cut into bars and serve.

Notes

* Some commercial cake mixes are "accidentally vegan." Look for the ones that don't list animal products such as milk, eggs, animal shortening, etc.

Stovetop coconut sweetened condensed milk

Add the ingredients to a large saucepan and stir over medium-low heat to remove lumps. Then gradually increase heat to medium high, stirring regularly, until the mixture simmers. Cook at a simmer for up to 5 minutes, until it thickens.

If your condensed milk develops lumps, simply use an immersion blender, or transfer it to a blender and pulse until the lumps are removed.

Uneven Baking

The center can sink as it cools. It's ok. Once the bars are cool enough to handle, you can press the edges to better match the center. Or cut away the raised edges to create even pieces in the middle.

Nutrition