Name: Delicious Italian Cream Cake: A Classic Treat
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup vegetable shortening; 2 cups granulated sugar; 5 large eggs, separated; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature; 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut; 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup chopped pecans, for garnish; 1/2 cup toasted shredded coconut, for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Italian Cream Cake is a classic Southern dessert that evokes nostalgia and delight with every slice. This cake features moist layers infused with toasted pecans and shredded coconut, beautifully topped with rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser. Let me guide you through the process of creating this indulgent treat that will surely impress your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Italian Cream Cake

This Italian Cream Cake is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s also packed with flavor and texture. Here are several reasons why you’ll adore this cake:

Moist and Fluffy: The combination of buttermilk and egg whites ensures a light texture.
Rich Flavor: The toasted pecans and coconut add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor.
Versatile: Perfect for various occasions including birthdays and holidays.
Easy to Make: Follow our straightforward steps for a gorgeous cake.
Impressive Presentation: Layered cakes always look stunning on any table.
Customizable: Explore different variations like Italian Cream Cheese Cake or Italian Coconut Cake.

This dessert is not only delicious but also fits within the Vegetarian diet category, making it suitable for a wide range of guests.

Ingredients for Italian Cream Cake

Gather these items:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
2 cups granulated sugar
5 large eggs, separated
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans, for garnish
1/2 cup toasted shredded coconut, for garnish

How to Make Italian Cream Cake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 9-inch round cake pans, line bottoms with parchment paper, and flour them lightly.
Step 2: Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
Step 3: In a stand mixer, cream butter and shortening until fluffy. Add sugar and beat until light.
Step 4: Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 5: Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
Step 6: Fold in shredded coconut and toasted pecans gently with a spatula.
Step 7: Beat egg whites in a separate bowl to stiff peaks. Fold into the batter in thirds.
Step 8: Divide batter evenly into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 9: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Step 10: For frosting: beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until fluffy.
Step 11: Assemble cake by frosting each layer, then covering the sides and top.
Step 12: Garnish with extra pecans and toasted coconut. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Delicious Italian Cream Cake: A Classic Treat - Italian Cream Cake - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Italian Cream Cake

Keep these in mind:

This cake is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or special occasions.
You can make this cake ahead of time and refrigerate it.
For an extra flavor boost, experiment with different extracts like almond or coconut.

Best Ways to Serve Italian Cream Cake

This cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it further by:

Serving with fresh berries and whipped cream for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.

How to Store and Reheat Italian Cream Cake

To keep your cake fresh, refrigerate it in an airtight container. The cake can be stored for up to five days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Cream Cake

What’s the secret to perfect Italian Cream Cake?

The key to a perfect Italian Cream Cake lies in the technique of folding in the egg whites, which adds lightness to the batter. Make sure not to over-mix at this stage.

Can I make Italian Cream Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance. Just ensure it’s stored properly in the refrigerator to maintain its moisture and freshness.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Italian Cream Cake?

To avoid common pitfalls, measure your ingredients accurately and avoid over-mixing the batter. Also, make sure your oven is preheated properly for even baking.

Variations of Italian Cream Cake You Can Try

Here are some delicious ideas to customize your cake:

Italian Coconut Cake: Swap half of the pecans for additional coconut.
Italian Cream Layer Cake: Stack more layers with different fillings to create a multi-textured experience.
Italian Cream Cheese Cake: Incorporate a cheesecake layer between the cake layers for a rich twist.

Each variation maintains the Southern charm of this beloved dessert while adding your unique flair!

Delicious Italian Cream Cake: A Classic Treat - Italian Cream Cake - additional detail

For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our dessert category or try making Grandma Carter’s Peanut Butter Cookies for a classic treat!

For tips on baking techniques, visit King Arthur Baking’s guide on baking tips to enhance your skills!