Italian Cream Cake is like a warm hug on a plate, merging velvety cream cheese, nutty pecans, and shredded coconut into a symphony of flavors that dance merrily on your taste buds. Imagine slicing into its soft layers, revealing a cloud-like interior that whispers sweet nothings to your senses. enjoy alongside Spinach Lasagna The aroma wafts through the kitchen, luring everyone in, promising that each bite is a delightful escape to a sunny Italian bakery, even if you’re just in your own home.
This cake isn’t just dessert; it’s an experience! I still remember the first time I tasted Italian Cream Cake at my cousin’s wedding—everyone was raving about it. It’s perfect for celebrations or cozy family dinners, where every slice brings smiles and perhaps a few happy tears of joy. Trust me; once you dig into this cake, there’s no turning back! For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Cheesecake Squares recipe.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Italian Cream Cake is easy to prepare and will impress your guests with its rich flavor. Its beautiful layers make it visually stunning for any occasion. The combination of flavors ensures everyone will come back for seconds. You can customize it by adding different nuts or fruits based on personal preferences. [/info_box]
My friends couldn’t get enough of this cake during our last potluck—it vanished faster than you can say “Italian Cream Cake”!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Flour: Use all-purpose flour for a perfect balance of structure and tenderness.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create that lovely fluffy texture.
Baking Powder: This is your leavening agent; make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
Salt: A pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs help incorporate air for a lighter cake.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tanginess to the cake; don’t skip it!
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without making it greasy. try with Shawarma Chicken.
Cream Cheese: Essential for frosting that’s creamy and slightly tangy.
Pecans: Chopped pecans add delightful crunch and nutty richness throughout the cake. For more inspiration, check out this Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake recipe.
Shredded Coconut: Sweetened coconut gives extra texture and flavor; opt for unsweetened if you prefer less sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Powdered Sugar: For frosting; its fine texture creates a smooth finish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round 9-inch cake pans with butter or nonstick spray to ensure easy removal later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout your batter.
Create the Batter: In another bowl, beat sugar and vegetable oil together until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate buttermilk and vanilla extract until fully blended.
Add Dry to Wet Ingredients: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture using gentle strokes to maintain airiness in the batter. Mix until just combined—overmixing will lead to a dense cake.
Add Pecans and Coconut: Gently fold in chopped pecans and shredded coconut until evenly distributed throughout the batter. This will give your cake its signature flavor profile.
Bake Until Golden: Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top; poke with a toothpick—it should come out clean when done. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks.
Create Frosting: While cakes cool, beat cream cheese in a bowl until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until smooth. serve with Fluffy Pancake Casserole Add more vanilla if desired—this frosting is irresistible!
With these steps complete, you’re ready to assemble your Italian Cream Cake! Enjoy every moment as you transform simple ingredients into something truly special! pair it with Tiramisu cookies.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Mastering Italian Cream Cake involves patience and a sense of humor. The rich flavors and textures will impress everyone at your next gathering. It’s a delightful way to elevate your dessert game, turning any occasion into a celebration. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the layers separately for even cooking. While they cool, whip up the frosting for a seamless assembly. This strategy saves time and ensures delicious results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add chopped pecans or coconut to the batter for extra texture. You can also experiment with flavored extracts like almond or vanilla for unique twists.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For best results, let it come to room temperature before serving again.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] To achieve fluffy layers, use room temperature ingredients for better emulsification. When frosting, apply a crumb coat first to catch loose crumbs. Always taste your frosting—it should be sweet yet balanced! [/info_box]
Creating my first Italian Cream Cake was an adventure! Friends raved about it, and I learned that patience—and maybe a bit of extra frosting—goes a long way!
FAQ
What makes Italian Cream Cake unique?
Italian Cream Cake is known for its rich cream cheese frosting and nutty flavor profile.
Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Cream Cake?
Yes, you can use different nuts or even dairy-free alternatives for a twist.
How do I ensure my cake stays moist?
Adding sour cream or buttermilk helps maintain moisture in Italian Cream Cake layers.
Italian Cream Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
Description
Italian Cream Cake is a luscious dessert that combines creamy frosting, crunchy pecans, and sweet coconut for an unforgettable treat. This cake’s soft layers create a delightful experience that transports you straight to an Italian bakery. Perfect for celebrations or family gatherings, each slice promises smiles and joy. With its rich flavor and stunning presentation, this cake is sure to impress everyone at your next event!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round 9-inch cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix sugar and vegetable oil until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then buttermilk and vanilla.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Gently stir in pecans and coconut.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar until smooth.
- Assemble the cake by layering with frosting in between and on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
