Description
Italian Cream Cake is the perfect balance of rich and light, with a moist texture, delicate coconut flavor, and crunchy pecans. Topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake brings elegance to any celebration or special occasion.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
5 large eggs, separated
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup shredded coconut (for garnish)
1/2 cup chopped pecans (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add buttermilk and vanilla extract, then gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Fold in coconut and chopped pecans.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold egg whites into the batter, ensuring the mixture stays light and fluffy.
- Divide the batter evenly between cake pans and smooth tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool the cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- To make frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and mix until smooth and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Once cakes are completely cooled, place the first cake layer on a serving platter and spread frosting on top. Repeat with remaining layers. Frost the entire cake evenly.
- Garnish with shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Slice and serve!
Notes
Add rum to the cake batter for extra flavor.
Substitute walnuts for pecans for a different nutty flavor.
Incorporate fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot between layers for a fruity twist.
Try coconut frosting or buttercream instead of cream cheese frosting for a different texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
