Name: Irresistible Italian Cream Cake Recipe to Delight You
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 cup salted butter (softened); 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp almond extract; 5 large eggs; 1 cup whole buttermilk; 14 oz sweetened flaked coconut (divided); 1 1/2 cups pecan pieces (toasted, divided); 2 8 oz blocks cream cheese (softened at room temperature); 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 lbs powdered sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp almond extract; reserved coconut (toasted); 1/2 cup reserved toasted pecans

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Italian Cream Cake is a delightful dessert that never fails to impress. This cake features layers of creamy frosting, toasted coconut, and crunchy pecans, creating a taste sensation that’s both rich and satisfying. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion, this cake will have your guests begging for the recipe! Let’s dive into how to create this irresistible treat.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Cream Cake

This Italian Cream Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. Here are some reasons to love this cake:

Rich flavor from pecans and coconut.
Moist texture that melts in your mouth.
Perfect for celebrations with its stunning appearance.
Easy to make at home with simple ingredients.
Versatile with variations like Italian Coconut Cream Cake.
Can be made ahead for convenient entertaining.

With its appealing flavors, this cake falls into the category of Dessert, making it a fantastic choice for any sweet tooth.

Ingredients for Italian Cream Cake

Gather these items:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup salted butter (softened)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
5 large eggs
1 cup whole buttermilk
14 oz sweetened flaked coconut (divided)
1 1/2 cups pecan pieces (toasted, divided)
2 8 oz blocks cream cheese (softened at room temperature)
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 lbs powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
reserved coconut (toasted)
1/2 cup reserved toasted pecans

How to Make Italian Cream Cake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp baking powder.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened salted butter, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup light brown sugar until light and fluffy – about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Beat in 2 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp almond extract, and 5 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with 1 cup of whole buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
Step 6: Gently fold in 7 oz of sweetened flaked coconut and 3/4 cup of toasted pecan pieces.
Step 7: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
Step 8: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 9: In a bowl, beat together 2 (8 oz) blocks of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of softened unsalted butter until fluffy.
Step 10: Gradually mix in 2 lbs of powdered sugar, followed by 2 tsp vanilla extract and 1/2 tsp almond extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Step 11: Spread frosting between the cooled cake layers, then frost the top and sides.
Step 12: Finally, sprinkle the reserved toasted coconut and 1/2 cup of reserved toasted pecans on top.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Italian Cream Cake

Keep these in mind:

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Use high-quality vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Consider chilling your frosted cake for a bit to set the frosting properly.

Best Ways to Serve Italian Cream Cake

This cake is perfect for serving at:

Birthday parties with friends and family.
Holidays like Christmas or Easter.
Special occasions as a grand dessert centerpiece.

How to Store and Reheat Italian Cream Cake

To store, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. It can last in the refrigerator for up to a week. For meal prep, consider making it a day ahead of your event to allow flavors to meld.

Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Cream Cake

What’s the secret to perfect Italian Cream Cake?

The secret lies in using fresh ingredients and ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a fluffy batter that bakes beautifully.

Can I make Italian Cream Cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cake layers a day in advance and frost them just before serving. This allows the flavors to develop, making it even more delicious!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Italian Cream Cake?

Be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added, as this can result in a dense cake. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate for even baking.

Variations of Italian Cream Cake You Can Try

If you want to mix things up, consider these variations:

Italian Cream Cheesecake: A rich cheesecake version of the classic.
Southern Italian Cream Cake: Add a hint of bourbon for a Southern twist.
Italian Cream Layer Cake: Stack multiple layers for an impressive dessert.
Italian Coconut Cream Cake: Use coconut cream in the frosting for an extra tropical flavor.

Irresistible Italian Cream Cake Recipe to Delight You - Italian Cream Cake - main visual representation

For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our desserts category or try making Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler for a seasonal treat!

Irresistible Italian Cream Cake Recipe to Delight You - Italian Cream Cake - additional detail

For more tips on baking, you can refer to this cream cheese guide for insights on using cream cheese in your recipes.