Its English-language name of Neapolitan arose in the late 19th century due to confusion about its origin given Italy's reputation for ice cream[5] or because its colors—originally green (pistachio), white (vanilla) and red (cherry)—matched those of the Italian flag.

A slice of ice-cream cake made with mousse mixture and ordinary ice cream, presented in a small pleated paper case.

Neapolitan ice cream consists of three layers, each of a different colour and flavour (chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla), moulded into a block and cut into slices.

The following will serve as a guide in arranging: First, vanilla cream, then raspberry or cherry or currant water; coffee or chocolate in the middle; the strawberry cream, with lemon or orange or pineapple water to finish.

They are generally sold small enough to make single ices, but these are much more troublesome to prepare.