Classic Italian Cream Cake Recipe

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Sure! Here’s a long, beautifully detailed recipe for Italian Cream Cake, complete with history, ingredients, method, tips, and more. It’s a dessert with roots in the American South, inspired by Italian flavors like coconut and pecans. Let’s dive in!

Classic Italian Cream Cake Recipe

Introduction

Italian Cream Cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s rich, moist, and incredibly flavorful. Despite its name, the cake isn’t traditionally Italian. It’s actually a beloved Southern classic with “Italian” flair thanks to ingredients like coconut and pecans, and a rich, creamy frosting made with cream cheese and butter. Often served at holidays, birthdays, weddings, and family gatherings, this cake is cherished by dessert lovers everywhere.

History

Though its origins are somewhat mysterious, Italian Cream Cake made its way into Southern cookbooks during the mid-20th century. It likely earned its name due to the use of ingredients popular in Italian baking—nuts, coconut, and creamy frostings—combined with Southern baking traditions. It’s become a cultural dessert staple, handed down through generations, a symbol of warmth, love, and family gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 (16.25 oz) package white cake mix (like Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans (lightly toasted)
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda (for extra lift)

For the Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted for smoothness)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for fluffier texture)
  • Extra chopped pecans and coconut for decoration

Method

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract.
  2. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium and beat for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
  3. Gently fold in shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and baking soda.
  4. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

Step 3: Bake

  • Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

  1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
  2. Gradually add in powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well.
  3. Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream (if using) for extra silkiness.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
  2. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
  3. Repeat with the second and third layers, frosting the top and sides of the cake.
  4. Press extra pecans and coconut into the sides and sprinkle some on top.

Tips & Tricks

  • Toast the pecans: Lightly toasting them enhances flavor.
  • Chill the cake for 30 minutes after frosting to set the structure.
  • Use room-temperature ingredients for the best texture.

Formation

This cake is all about balance—sweet, nutty, tangy, and creamy all in one bite. It’s layered, decadent, and crafted with care. Each component—the moist cake, the fluffy frosting, the crunch of pecans, the soft chew of coconut—forms a harmony of textures and flavors.

Conclusion

Italian Cream Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a memory-maker. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or treating yourself on a weekend, this cake delivers rich flavor, stunning presentation, and pure joy in every bite. It brings people together, and that’s what baking is all about.

For the Lovers of Italian Cream Cake

To all the dessert lovers, cream cheese frosting fanatics, and those who treasure Southern comfort sweets—this cake is a love letter to you. It’s a warm hug in cake form. Share it, savor it, and don’t forget to save this recipe—because once you make it, everyone will ask for more.

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