Irresistible Italian Cream Cake Recipe: A Slice of Heaven

Indulging in a slice of Italian cream cake is like taking a trip to the heart of Italy without leaving your kitchen. Imagine layers of fluffy vanilla cake, rich cream cheese frosting, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut that dances on your taste buds. Each bite is a celebration of creamy decadence, inviting you to savor every moment with its delightful blend of textures and flavors.

This Italian cream cake recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience that transforms any gathering into a special occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just a Tuesday that needs some extra cheer, this cake brings joy and smiles all around.

I remember the first time I made this Italian cream cake; my friends practically staged a mini food festival in my living room. Their reactions were priceless – one even claimed it was “life-changing.” Little did I know that baking this cake would become my secret weapon for winning hearts (and stomachs) at every potluck.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: This is your go-to flour for achieving that light and fluffy texture in the cake.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter perfectly; opt for organic if possible for better flavor.

• Baking Powder: A must-have leavening agent that helps the cake rise beautifully.

• Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances flavors wonderfully.

• Unsalted Butter: Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar; this adds richness to the cake.

• Eggs: Fresh eggs are crucial for binding ingredients together and providing structure.

• Buttermilk: This magical ingredient adds moisture and tanginess, making the cake incredibly tender.

• Shredded Coconut: Sweetened or unsweetened works here; either way, it adds delightful texture and flavor.

• Pecans or Walnuts: These nuts add crunch and depth; toast them lightly for enhanced flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Essential for the frosting, providing creaminess and that signature tangy flavor.

• Powdered Sugar: This sweet dust will give your frosting its lovely smooth consistency.

• Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances all the flavors beautifully; use pure extract if possible.

• Heavy Cream: Whip this to elevate your frosting to cloud-like peaks—because who doesn’t love whipped cream?

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Baking Essentials

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or nonstick spray. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Create the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, beat together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes should do it. Add in eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding another.

Add Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into your butter-sugar mixture while alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.

Add Coconut and Nuts

Gently fold in shredded coconut and chopped pecans or walnuts using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate that airy batter you worked so hard on!

Bake Until Golden

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown—and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool Down Time

Once baked, remove cakes from oven and let them cool in pans for about 10 minutes. Carefully transfer them onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

Create Your Creamy Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing at low speed until combined. Finally, add vanilla extract followed by heavy cream; whip until fluffy peaks form.

Assemble Your Masterpiece

Once cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting generously on top before adding the second layer. Frost the top and sides with remaining frosting—don’t skimp; we want glamour here!

Add Finishing Touches

For an extra touch of flair, sprinkle toasted coconut on top of your frosted masterpiece! Feel free to add more nuts if you desire—a little crunch never hurt anyone.

Now stand back and admire your creation because you’ve just made an Italian cream cake worthy of applause!

And there you have it—a delectable journey into baking bliss with this Italian cream cake recipe! Enjoy every bite as you share it with friends or keep it all for yourself (no judgment here!).

Perfecting the Cooking Process

For the best results, bake the cake layers first while preparing the cream cheese frosting. This ensures everything is fresh and ready for assembly once the layers cool down.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this Italian cream cake recipe by adding nuts, coconut, or even a splash of almond extract to enhance flavor and texture.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For optimal taste, enjoy it chilled or let it sit at room temperature before serving.

Sharing this Italian cream cake recipe reminds me of my Aunt Maria’s birthday parties where everyone would gather around, eagerly awaiting that first slice of her heavenly creation.

FAQ

Can I make this Italian cream cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake and frost the cake a day in advance for convenience.

What’s the best way to frost my Italian cream cake?

Use an offset spatula to spread frosting evenly between layers and all over the top.

How do I know when my cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!

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Italian Cream Cake

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Indulge in the creamy delight of Italian cream cake, where fluffy vanilla layers meet rich cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of toasted coconut. This indulgent dessert transforms any gathering into a festive celebration, leaving everyone craving more. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply to brighten up a regular day, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress guests with its stunning presentation and delicious flavors.

• Author: Ethan Carter
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (lightly toasted)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
3. In another bowl, sift flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
4. Fold in coconut and nuts gently.
5. Divide batter between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
6. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
7. For frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla; whip in heavy cream until fluffy.
8. Assemble by layering cakes with frosting in between and covering the top and sides.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 32g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 75mg