Description
Italian Cream Cake is a beloved Southern classic known for its incredibly moist texture, rich flavor, and luxurious cream cheese frosting. Despite its name, Italian Cream Cake is actually an American creation that became especially popular throughout the Southern United States. This elegant layer cake combines buttermilk, sweet coconut, crunchy pecans, and velvety cream cheese frosting into a dessert that feels both comforting and sophisticated.
Ingredients
🍰 For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup shortening
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
🧀 For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
🥥 Garnish
- 1 cup toasted coconut
- ½ cup pecan halves
- Additional chopped pecans
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Set aside.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat:
- Butter
- Shortening
Until smooth and fluffy.
Gradually add sugar and continue beating for 4–5 minutes until light and airy.
Add egg yolks one at a time.
Mix well after each addition.
Add vanilla extract.
Step 4: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk.
Begin and end with flour mixture.
Mix until just combined.
Fold in:
- Shredded coconut
- Chopped pecans
Step 5: Whip Egg Whites
In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter.
This step gives the cake its signature light texture.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Divide batter evenly among prepared pans.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool in pans for 10 minutes.
Remove and cool completely on wire racks.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar.
Mix in vanilla extract.
Beat until fluffy and creamy.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
Spread frosting evenly over the top.
Repeat with remaining layers.
Frost the top and sides of the cake.
Press toasted coconut around the sides.
Decorate with pecan halves on top.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients.
- Whip egg whites separately for the best texture.
- Toast coconut before decorating.
- Avoid overmixing the batter.
- Full-fat cream cheese creates the richest frosting.
- Cool layers completely before frosting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 60g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 78g
- Protein: 8g