Heavenly Italian Cream Cake Recipe: A Dreamy Homemade Treat

Baking an authentic italian cream cake transports you to a world of delightful sweetness and creamy indulgence.

Soft layers whisper tales of rich culinary traditions passed through generations.

Velvety textures promise a decadent experience that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Delicate ingredients blend harmoniously, creating a dessert that feels like a warm embrace from italy.

Subtle notes of vanilla and cream dance together, promising pure comfort in every bite.

Unexpected hints of coconut add a surprising twist to this classic treat.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet extraordinary cake that turns ordinary moments into memorable celebrations.

Italian Cream Cake Highlights

• Craft a Showstopper Dessert: This Italian Cream Cake transforms ordinary baking into an extraordinary culinary experience that wows friends and family with its professional-looking presentation.
• Master Complex Techniques Easily: Breaking down intricate steps like separating eggs, whipping whites to stiff peaks, and creating a silky cream cheese frosting becomes surprisingly manageable for home bakers of all skill levels.
• Celebrate Special Moments Deliciously: Perfect for milestone birthdays, wedding showers, holiday gatherings, or any occasion demanding a sophisticated yet comforting dessert that feels like a warm culinary hug.
• Customize with Personal Flair: Flexible recipe allows creative variations by adjusting nut types, adjusting frosting consistency, or experimenting with complementary flavor additions like almond extract or different garnishes.

Ingredients for Italian Cream Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental dry ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Butter: Adds richness and contributes to the cake's tender crumb.
• Shortening: Helps create a soft and moist cake texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and assists in creating a tender cake.
• Egg Yolks: Adds richness, color, and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Egg Whites: Creates a light and fluffy texture when whipped.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and helps activate the baking soda.

• Coconut, Toasted Pecans: Provide texture and a nutty, tropical flavor to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the cake's flavor profile.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy base for the frosting.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Provides a light and airy texture to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the frosting's flavor.

• Toasted Coconut, Pecan Crumbs: Adds visual appeal and extra crunch to the cake's exterior.

Step-by-Step Italian Cream Cake Instructions

Step 1: Separate and Warm Eggs

Carefully divide egg yolks from egg whites. Let both rest and reach room temperature naturally.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Station

Line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper circles. Generously grease pan sides, paying extra attention to corners.

Heat oven to 350°F.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Set mixture aside.

Step 4: Create Creamy Base

• Butter
• Shortening
• Sugar
• Vanilla and almond extracts

Whip until mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Egg Yolks

Add egg yolks one at a time, ensuring each is well integrated before adding the next.

Step 6: Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually mix dry ingredients and buttermilk into the batter. Alternate thirds of dry mix with buttermilk.

Mix thoroughly but avoid overmixing.

Step 7: Whip Egg Whites

Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.

Be careful not to overwhip.

Step 8: Fold in Add-ins

• One-third whipped egg whites
• Coconut
• Toasted pecans

Incorporate remaining egg whites carefully.

Step 9: Bake Cake Layers

Distribute batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake 25-30 minutes until a testing skewer comes out clean.

Step 10: Cool Cake Layers

Let cakes rest briefly in pans, then transfer to cooling racks.

Step 11: Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture

Cream cheese until smooth and silky.

Step 12: Whip Cream Frosting

• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip until stiff peaks form.

Step 13: Combine Frosting

Fold whipped cream into cream cheese in thirds, ensuring complete integration.

Step 14: Level Cake Layers

Trim cake tops to create flat surfaces.

Step 15: First Layer Assembly

Place first cake layer on serving plate.

Spread one cup of frosting evenly.

Step 16: Second Layer

Add second cake layer and repeat frosting process.

Step 17: Final Layer Placement

Position final cake layer. Smooth out any exposed frosting edges.

Refrigerate 15-20 minutes.

Step 18: Complete Exterior Frosting

Frost entire cake exterior.

Press toasted coconut onto sides for elegant finish.

Step 19: Decorate Top

Pipe remaining frosting along cake’s top edge.

Sprinkle with pecan crumbs.

Step 20: Serve and Store

Refrigerate cake until serving.

Remove 1-2 hours before serving to reach room temperature.

Helpful Tips for Italian Cream Cake

• Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for optimal volume and texture when whipping.
• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients like real butter and pure vanilla extract for the best flavor profile.
• Carefully fold egg whites to maintain their airiness, preventing the cake from becoming dense or tough.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cake.
• Refrigerate the cake between frosting layers to stabilize the structure and make decorating easier.

Variations of Italian Cream Cake to Try

• Gluten-Free Italian Cream Cake: Replace traditional flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the cake remains moist and fluffy while catering to those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Coconut Dream Cake: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter and coconut cream, and substitute dairy with almond milk to create a completely dairy-free version.
• Low-Sugar Italian Cream Delight: Utilize monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of granulated sugar, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cake's rich flavor profile.
• Nutless Cream Celebration Cake: Eliminate pecans entirely and replace with toasted coconut flakes or white chocolate chips for those with nut allergies or preferences.

Pairings to Enjoy with Italian Cream Cake

• Pair this decadent Italian Cream Cake with a rich, smooth espresso or cappuccino. The robust coffee cuts through the cake's sweetness, creating a balanced flavor profile that enhances both the dessert and drink.
• Select a sweet dessert wine like Moscato or a late-harvest Riesling. These wines complement the cake's pecan and coconut notes, bringing out the subtle nutty undertones and creating a luxurious tasting experience.
• Enjoy a cold glass of whole milk or a creamy vanilla milkshake alongside the cake. The cool, smooth texture provides a refreshing counterpoint to the cake's rich frosting and dense texture.

Best Storage Tips for Italian Cream Cake

• Store the Italian Cream Cake in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring the cake remains moist and fresh.
• Wrap the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

• Why are egg whites and egg yolks separated in this recipe?

Separating egg whites allows for creating a lighter, airier cake texture. Whipping egg whites introduces more volume and helps the cake rise beautifully, resulting in a softer, more delicate crumb.

• How do I know if I've overmixed the batter?

Overmixing causes gluten development, making the cake dense and tough. Stop mixing when ingredients are just combined, and no flour streaks remain visible. Gentle folding preserves the cake’s light structure.

• What's the purpose of alternating dry ingredients and buttermilk?

Alternating prevents flour clumping and ensures even moisture distribution. This technique creates a smoother batter with consistent texture, helping the cake bake more evenly and maintaining its delicate structure.

Italian Cream Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy Italian cream cake delights dessert enthusiasts with its rich, luxurious layers of pure indulgence. Southern hospitality meets European elegance in this classic confection that promises pure bliss for you.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 large eggs
• 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (95g) shortening
• 2 cups (414g) sugar
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 1 1/4 cups (91g) sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup (106g) toasted pecan pieces
• 20 oz (565g) cream cheese
• 2 cups (480ml) cold heavy whipping cream
• 1 1/2 cups (173g) powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups (148g) toasted sweetened shredded coconut
• Pecan crumbs

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Instructions

1. Separate egg yolks and whites, letting them reach room temperature for optimal mixing consistency.
2. Prepare three 8-inch cake pans by lining with parchment paper and greasing sides thoroughly. Heat oven to 350°F.
3. Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, creating the dry ingredient base.
4. Cream butter, shortening, sugar, and extracts in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
5. Add egg yolks one at a time, fully incorporating each before introducing the next.
6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk in thirds, mixing until just combined to maintain batter’s delicate texture.
7. Whip egg whites to stiff, glossy peaks, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
8. Gently fold egg whites, coconut, and toasted pecans into the batter, maintaining its airiness.
9. Distribute batter evenly among prepared pans, smoothing tops for uniform baking.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a inserted skewer comes out clean.
11. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
12. Whip cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
13. Prepare frosting by whipping heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to stiff peaks.
14. Carefully fold whipped cream into cream cheese, creating a light, airy frosting.
15. Level cake layers by trimming any domed tops for a professional finish.
16. Place first cake layer on serving plate, spreading a generous layer of frosting.
17. Add second layer and repeat frosting process, ensuring even coverage.
18. Position final layer, then apply a thin crumb coat of frosting and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
19. Frost entire cake, covering sides and top smoothly.
20. Press toasted coconut onto sides and decorate top with pecan crumbs.
21. Refrigerate cake until serving, allowing it to sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before slicing.

Notes

• Room temperature eggs separate more easily and whip better, creating a lighter, fluffier cake texture.
• Use a non-stick cooking spray with flour for an extra-reliable cake release and clean edges.
• Alternate dry ingredients and buttermilk slowly to prevent overmixing, which can make the cake dense and tough.
• Whip whites to stiff peaks carefully, stopping just before they become grainy or start to separate.
• This cake freezes beautifully for up to a month when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container.
• Swap regular flour for gluten-free flour blend and use dairy-free alternatives for a gluten-free and vegan-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 547
• Sugar: 44 g
• Sodium: 142 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg