Love at First Bite: Master the Italian Cream Cake with This Simple Recipe
Italian Cream Cake is a rich, moist cake that has won the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide. With its creamy layers, subtle coconut flavor, and the satisfying crunch of pecans, it’s no wonder this cake has become a beloved classic. Although the origins of Italian Cream Cake trace back to Southern American cuisine, the recipe feels reminiscent of Italian dessert traditions, making it a delightful fusion of flavors and textures.
I’ve tested various versions of this cake over the years, aiming to perfect a recipe that’s both easy to follow and gives consistently delicious results. Today, I’ll walk you through my tried-and-true recipe, complete with exact measurements and clear steps. I’ll also include some product recommendations to make your baking experience even more enjoyable.
This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure here to find out more.
What is Italian Cream Cake?
Despite the name, Italian Cream Cake isn’t an Italian dessert—it’s actually a Southern American favorite. The cake is known for its unique combination of ingredients: rich cream cheese frosting, sweet coconut, and crunchy pecans. It has a moist, tender crumb and a lovely balance of sweetness and texture. The result? A cake that feels indulgent and comforting, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Italian Cream Cake
everything you’ll need for a delicious, homemade Italian Cream Cake:
Cake Ingredients:
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
Pro Tip: For the best texture, make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature. This will help everything blend smoothly for a moist and tender cake.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Italian Cream Cake from Scratch
I’ve broken down the process into easy steps. Even if you’re new to baking, these instructions will guide you through creating the perfect Italian Cream Cake.
1: Prepare the Cake Batter
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. If you have baking strips, wrap them around the pans for even layers.
2. Cream the Butter, Shortening, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes). This creaming step is essential for a moist cake.
3. Add the Egg Yolks
Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time, until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking soda. This will help ensure an even texture in the final cake.
5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Gradually add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the batter, alternating between the two and mixing just until combined.
6. Add Vanilla, Coconut, and Pecans
Stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans, mixing until evenly distributed.
7. Whip the Egg Whites
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter, being careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Baking Tips for a Moist Cake
Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
Quick Tip: For even, level layers, consider using Wilton’s Bake Even Strips. These strips wrap around your pans to prevent doming, making it easier to assemble and frost your cake evenly. Find them on Amazon here!
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
This cream cheese frosting is rich and smooth, the perfect complement to the sweet, nutty cake layers.
1. Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until the frosting is fluffy and fully combined. Add vanilla extract and beat until incorporated.
Add Chopped Pecans (optional)
Stir in the pecans if you like a bit of extra crunch in your frosting.
Pro Tip: For a professional look, a cake turntable like the Kootek Aluminum Alloy Revolving Cake Stand is a great tool. It makes frosting easy, allowing you to smooth the sides and top evenly. Check it out on Amazon here!
Assembly and Decoration Tips for a Beautiful Cake
1. Layer and Frost the Cake
Place one layer of cake on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then add the second layer, and repeat until all layers are stacked and frosted.
2. Frost the Top and Sides
Use a spatula to spread the remaining frosting on the top and sides of the cake. For a smooth finish, use the cake turntable to rotate the cake as you frost.
3. Decorate with Additional Coconut and Pecans
If desired, sprinkle toasted coconut or extra chopped pecans on top for added texture and a beautiful presentation.
Product Recommendations to Enhance Your Baking Experience
Making this cake can be even more enjoyable with the right tools. Here are some recommendations I find helpful:
These strips are a game-changer for even cake layers. Simply soak them in water, wrap them around your cake pans, and you’ll get perfectly flat layers every time. They’re especially useful for multi-layer cakes like this Italian Cream Cake.
2. Kootek Aluminum Alloy Revolving Cake Stand
A cake turntable is invaluable for easy frosting and decorating. The Kootek Aluminum Alloy stand is smooth, sturdy, and affordable, making it a must-have tool for both beginner and experienced bakers.
3. "The Cake Bible" by Rose Levy Beranbaum
For anyone who wants to improve their cake-baking skills, this book is an essential. "The Cake Bible" covers everything from basic techniques to advanced decorating tips, and it’s a great resource for learning the science behind baking.
Tips to Make This Recipe Quick and Easy
Making a delicious Italian Cream Cake doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Here are some tips to streamline the process:
1. Measure Ingredients: Pre-measuring ingredients before you start will make the process much smoother.
2. Use a Food Processor for Coconut: If you’re using larger coconut flakes, give them a quick pulse in the food processor for a finer texture that blends seamlessly into the batter.
3. Make Frosting Ahead of Time: Prepare the frosting up to three days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before applying it to the cake.
These time-saving strategies allow you to create a from-scratch Italian Cream Cake without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why This is the Best Italian Cream Cake Recipe
This recipe consistently produces a moist, flavorful cake with the perfect balance of textures. The coconut and pecans add an exciting crunch to each bite, while the cream cheese frosting brings a creamy sweetness that ties everything together. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just a weekend treat, this Italian Cream Cake is sure to impress everyone who tries it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The cake will have a slightly different texture but will still be delicious.
2. How long does this cake stay moist?
This cake will stay moist for up to five days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
3. Can I freeze the cake layers?
Absolutely! Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before frosting.
Making Italian Cream Cake from scratch is a rewarding experience that yields a rich, homemade dessert full of flavor and texture. The process is simple enough for beginners, yet the result tastes like it came straight from a bakery. So whether it’s a special occasion or just an excuse to indulge, this Italian Cream Cake recipe will make any event memorable.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about your experience! Let me know in the comments how it turned out and if you made any personal touches. Happy baking!
Comments
Post a Comment