Italian Cream Cake Recipe
This Italian Cream Cake is a rich, moist, and tender layered cake packed with toasted pecans, coconut, and a buttery cream cheese frosting. A beloved dessert across celebrations and holidays, this classic cake brings texture and flavor together with every bite.
If you’re searching for an authentic Italian Cream Cake recipe, moist layer cake with cream cheese frosting, or southern-style coconut and pecan cake, this version delivers all the decadent flavor with easy-to-follow steps.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Cream Cake
✔️ Light and tender crumb
✔️ Sweet coconut and crunchy pecans
✔️ Cream cheese frosting with rich flavor
✔️ Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions
✔️ Classic recipe with bold, delicious flavor
This cake is as beautiful as it is delicious — ideal for dessert buffets, family gatherings, and celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon almond extract
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1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
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1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
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1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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4 cups powdered sugar
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 cup shredded coconut (optional, for topping)
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½ cup chopped pecans (optional, for topping)
How to Make Italian Cream Cake
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans (or two 9-inch pans for a two-layer cake).
2. Prep Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
4. Add Eggs and Flavor
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
5. Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture in three parts alternately with buttermilk (beginning and ending with flour). Mix until just combined — do not overmix.
6. Fold in Coconut and Pecans
Gently fold in shredded coconut and toasted pecans until evenly distributed.
7. Bake the Cake
Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
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In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
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Add powdered sugar gradually, beating on low until combined, then increase speed until smooth and creamy.
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Beat in vanilla extract.
Assemble the Cake
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Place the first cooled cake layer on a serving plate.
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Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
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Repeat with remaining layers.
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Frost the top and sides of the cake.
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Sprinkle extra shredded coconut and chopped pecans over the cake if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Italian Cream Cake with:
🍓 Fresh berries
🍦 Vanilla ice cream
☕ Coffee or tea
🍷 Sweet dessert wine
It’s a show-stopping dessert that pairs beautifully with light beverages and festive occasions.
Tips for Best Results
✔️ Toast pecans before folding into batter for deeper flavor.
✔️ Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing and texture.
✔️ Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist and tender.
✔️ Chill briefly before slicing for clean cake layers.
Variations to Try
Mini Italian Cream Cupcakes
Bake batter in cupcake tins and frost individually for bite-sized treats.
Coconut-Only Version
Omit pecans for a pure coconut cake.
Almond Cream Cake
Add more almond extract and sliced almonds for a nutty twist.
Storage & Freshness
Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep covered up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes it “Italian” Cream Cake?
Despite the name, this recipe is a Southern American classic — rich with coconut and pecans, similar in texture to Italian desserts.
What’s the difference between this and a regular vanilla cake?
Italian Cream Cake has added coconut and pecans plus a cream cheese frosting for extra richness.
Can I make this without buttermilk?
Yes — combine 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

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