Incredibly Delicious Italian Cream Cake



Incredibly Delicious Italian Cream Cake

A Luxuriously Moist Southern Classic with Coconut, Pecans & Cream Cheese Frosting

Italian Cream Cake is the kind of dessert that earns its reputation one bite at a time. Moist yet light, rich without being heavy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, this cake has become a beloved classic across the Southern United States. The combination of tender cake layers, shredded coconut, toasted pecans, and silky cream cheese frosting makes it unforgettable.

These Incredibly Delicious Italian Cream Cake Recipes focus on flavor, texture, and consistency—everything you need for bakery-quality results at home.

What Makes Italian Cream Cake So Incredibly Good?

Italian Cream Cake stands apart from ordinary layer cakes because of its structure and ingredients:

Despite the name, Italian Cream Cake is a Southern American tradition, treasured for celebrations, holidays, and special occasions.

Ingredients

Cake Layers

  • 2½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

  • ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable or canola oil

  • 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar

  • 5 large eggs, separated

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk

  • 1 cup (90 g) sweetened shredded coconut

  • 1 cup (120 g) finely chopped pecans, toasted

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

  • 4½–5 cups (540–600 g) powdered sugar, sifted

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven & Pans

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter, Oil & Sugar

In a large bowl, beat butter, oil, and sugar until pale and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla.

4. Combine Wet & Dry

Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
Mix just until combined. Fold in coconut and toasted pecans.

5. Whip & Fold Egg Whites

In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold into the batter in two additions, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

6. Bake

Divide batter evenly among prepared pans.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth

  2. Gradually add powdered sugar

  3. Add vanilla and salt

  4. Beat until light, fluffy, and spreadable

Assembling the Cake

  1. Level cake layers if necessary

  2. Spread frosting evenly between layers

  3. Apply a thin crumb coat and refrigerate for 20 minutes

  4. Finish frosting the cake smoothly

  5. Garnish with toasted pecans or coconut if desired

Professional Baking Tips

  • Use room-temperature ingredients for smooth batter

  • Toast pecans lightly to intensify flavor

  • Fold egg whites gently to preserve volume

  • Chill before slicing for clean, bakery-style cuts

Delicious Variations

Chocolate Italian Cream Cake

Replace ¼ cup flour with cocoa powder and add ½ teaspoon espresso powder.

Lemon Italian Cream Cake

Add lemon zest to the batter and brush layers with lemon syrup.

Sheet Cake Version

Bake in a 9×13 pan for 35–40 minutes.

Cupcakes

Yields about 24 cupcakes; bake 18–20 minutes.

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Refrigerate up to 5 days

  • Freeze unfrosted layers for up to 2 months

  • Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Italian Cream Cake overly sweet?
No. The tangy frosting and buttermilk keep it perfectly balanced.

Can I make it nut-free?
Yes. Simply omit the pecans.

Why separate the eggs?
Whipped egg whites give the cake its signature light texture.

Final Thoughts

Incredibly Delicious Italian Cream Cake is more than a dessert—it’s a celebration cake that delivers elegance, nostalgia, and unforgettable flavor. Moist, tender, and perfectly balanced, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.

OTHER RECIPES


Italian Cream Cake Recipe Ingredients
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 5 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup flaked coconut
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 2 tablespoons light cream
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut

Italian Cream Cake Recipe Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease three 9 inch round cake pans. 
In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the buttermilk; set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter, shortening and white sugar until light and fluffy. 
Mix in the eggs, buttermilk mixture, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 cup coconut, baking powder and flour. Stir until just combined. 
Pour batter into the prepared pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool.
To Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, 1/2 cup butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla and confectioners' sugar. 
Beat until light and fluffy. 
Mix in a small amount of cream to attain the desired consistency. 
Stir in chopped nuts and remaining flaked coconut. 
Spread between layers and on top and sides of cooled cake...enjoy it !

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