Italian wedding cake is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful symphony of flavors that sings to your taste buds with every bite. Imagine layers of moist, tender cake infused with the warm essence of almond and vanilla, lovingly wrapped in fluffy frosting that melts like a sweet hug in your mouth. The visual appeal is undeniably stunning, with its soft white exterior and colorful accent from the sprinkles or fruit garnishes. Trust me, this cake is perfect for weddings, birthdays, or even a Tuesday when you need something sweet to lift your spirits.
I remember the first time I made an Italian wedding cake; my kitchen was filled with laughter and flour as my kids tried to sneak bites of frosting while I was decorating. This cake brings people together, creating joyful memories around the table. It’s an ideal centerpiece for celebrations but equally delightful for cozy family gatherings. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will have you dreaming about each slice!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Italian wedding cake recipe is a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion
- With its rich almond flavor and fluffy texture, it’s sure to impress everyone at your gathering
- The beautiful presentation makes it a showstopper on any dessert table
- Plus, this recipe is versatile enough to customize with your favorite fillings or toppings!
My family couldn’t get enough of this cake during our last celebration; they were practically licking the frosting off the plates!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Cake Flour: This gives the cake its light and fluffy texture—don’t skimp on quality here.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key; choose fine sugar for better blending into the batter.
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Baking Powder: Fresh baking powder helps the cake rise beautifully; check its expiration date!
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without making it salty.
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Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and to achieve that creamy texture.
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Eggs: Large eggs work best in binding everything together while adding richness.
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Almond Extract: A must-have flavor that gives an authentic Italian touch; use pure extract for best results.
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Milk: Whole milk adds moisture—feel free to use buttermilk for extra flavor!
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Vanilla Extract: More flavor depth; again, go for pure extract if possible.
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Powdered Sugar: Essential for making that smooth frosting everyone loves—sift before using!
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Cream Cheese: For a luscious frosting that pairs perfectly with the cake’s fluffiness.
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Heavy Cream: Whipped cream adds volume and lightness to the frosting—make it fresh!
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Decorative Sprinkles or Fruits: Add color and fun—choose whatever matches your occasion!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures easy release after baking.
In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You should notice a change in color as air gets incorporated.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporating air here will give you that lovely rise.
Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl before gradually adding it into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing!
Pour in milk along with almond and vanilla extracts while gently folding until everything blends smoothly without lumps.
Divide this batter evenly between prepared pans and bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and springs back when touched gently.
Once baked, allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
For the frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until fully blended, then pour in heavy cream and mix until fluffy.
Once cakes are cooled completely, spread a generous layer of frosting between them before coating the entire cake with more frosting.
Decorate your masterpiece with sprinkles or fresh fruits—let your creativity shine through!
Now slice yourself a piece of this delightful Italian wedding cake. Sit back and indulge while sharing it with family or friends who will surely ask for seconds!
You Must Know
- Italian wedding cake is a delightful treat that combines layers of flavor with a touch of nostalgia
- The rich almond scent and fluffy texture create a warm atmosphere, perfect for any celebration
- This cake can easily become the star of your dessert table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the dry ingredients first, then cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Combine wet ingredients, followed by alternating flour and milk mixtures while mixing gently.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping out some flour for almond flour for added nuttiness or adding lemon zest for a refreshing twist on flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Italian wedding cake rises beautifully, avoid over-mixing your batter; it should be light and airy
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
- Use high-quality vanilla extract for deeper flavor in your frosting
Sharing my first experience baking this cake was unforgettable; my family couldn’t stop raving about how moist and flavorful it turned out, making me feel like a baking superstar.
FAQ
What is Italian wedding cake traditionally made of?
Italian wedding cake typically consists of almond-flavored sponge layers with buttercream frosting.
Can I make Italian wedding cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake and freeze the layers up to a month before decorating.
Is there a gluten-free version of Italian wedding cake?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour blends to make this delightful cake suitable for everyone.
Italian Wedding Cake
Italian wedding cake is a deliciously moist dessert that combines the warm flavors of almond and vanilla, enveloped in fluffy cream cheese frosting. This cake is not only visually appealing with its soft white exterior and colorful sprinkles but also creates cherished memories during celebrations. Perfect for weddings, birthdays, or any occasion, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup heavy cream (whipped)
- Decorative sprinkles or fruits (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to wet mixture until just combined. Stir in milk, almond extract, and vanilla extract.
- Divide batter between prepared pans; bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and springy.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes; transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and whipped cream until fluffy.
- Frost cooled cakes generously; decorate with sprinkles or fruits as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
