Easy Italian Cream Cake Recipe That’s Simply Heavenly

Decadent layers of creamy goodness await you in this quick Italian cream cake that promises pure indulgence.

Sweet notes of vanilla and coconut dance together, creating a dessert that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Soft, moist, and incredibly rich, this cake brings southern charm straight to your kitchen.

cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch that makes every bite unforgettable.

Nuts sprinkled throughout provide a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the cake smooth texture.

Each slice tells a story of comfort and tradition, inviting you to savor every single moment.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible dessert that turns an ordinary day into something extraordinary.

Why Cream Cake Fans Love This One

• This Italian Cream Cake is a culinary delight that promises pure joy and simplicity.
• Even novice bakers can confidently create this delectable dessert with minimal kitchen skills and standard ingredients.
• Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and special celebrations where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Packed with toasted pecans and shredded coconut, this cake delivers an irresistible combination of crunch and softness that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients for Italian Cream Cake

• White Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides a light and fluffy foundation for the cake.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and provide structure to the cake.
• Buttermilk: Adds richness and creates a tender, moist texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains soft and prevents dryness.

• Shredded Coconut, Chopped Toasted Pecans: Add delightful texture and nutty flavor to the cake.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a smooth and creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, aromatic flavor to the frosting.
• Chopped Pecans: Offer an extra crunch and nutty accent to the frosting.

Instructions for Cream Cake Success

Step 1: Craft The Cake Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine white cake mix with eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil.

Use an electric mixer to blend everything into a smooth, creamy batter for about 2 minutes.

The buttermilk will make your cake incredibly moist and delightful.

Step 2: Enhance With Crunch

• Shredded coconut
• Chopped toasted pecans

Ensure these additions are evenly distributed throughout the batter for maximum flavor and texture.

Step 3: Prepare For Baking

Grease three cake pans thoroughly using butter and flour to prevent sticking.

Distribute the batter equally among the pans.

Slide the pans into an oven preheated to 350°F and bake for 15-17 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 4: Cool Down The Layers

Allow cakes to rest in their pans for 10 minutes.

Carefully transfer them to wire racks and let them cool completely.

Patience is key to prevent frosting disasters.

Step 5: Create Creamy Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Butter

Beat until smooth.

Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, continuing to mix until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Stir in vanilla extract and additional chopped pecans for an extra flavor punch.

Step 6: Build Your Masterpiece

Place the first cake layer on a serving plate.

Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.

Repeat with remaining layers.

Cover the entire cake with frosting, ensuring an even, luxurious coating.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set the frosting and allow flavors to meld.

Pro Tips for Italian Cream Cake

• Use fresh, high-quality cream cheese and real butter for the most authentic, rich flavor in your frosting.
• Grease cake pans thoroughly with butter and a light dusting of flour, or use parchment paper for guaranteed easy cake removal.
• Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the cake's texture.
• Never overmix the batter; blend just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough, dense texture.
• Add powdered sugar gradually and stop mixing once the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency to avoid a grainy or runny result.

Save & Reheat Italian Cream Cake

• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool temperature helps preserve the cream cheese frosting and keeps the cake moist.
• Carefully wrap the entire frosted cake in two layers of plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.
• For best results, let refrigerated or frozen cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cake tough and dry out the frosting.

Sweet Pairings for Cream Cake

• Pair Creamy Dessert Wine: Select a sweet Moscato or Sauternes to complement the cake's rich, creamy texture and enhance its nutty coconut flavors.
• Brew Complementary Coffee: Choose a medium-roast Colombian or Brazilian coffee with caramel and nutty undertones that will beautifully match the cake's pecan and coconut profile.
• Serve Elegant Side Treat: Add a small scoop of vanilla bean gelato or toasted almond sorbet to provide a cool, refreshing contrast to the dense, sweet cake.
• Offer Nutty Liqueur Pairing: Introduce a hazelnut or amaretto liqueur as a delightful digestif that echoes the cake's pecan and coconut notes while adding a sophisticated alcoholic touch.

New Takes on Cream Cake Recipe

• Gluten-Free Cream Cake: Swap white cake mix with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or rice flour blend. Use certified gluten-free ingredients to ensure safe consumption for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Dairy-Free Version: Replace buttermilk with coconut milk or almond milk. Use dairy-free cream cheese and margarine instead of traditional cream cheese and butter. These substitutions maintain the cake's rich texture while accommodating dairy-free diets.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Eliminate pecans completely or substitute with sunflower seeds for crunch. Use seed-based cream cheese frosting to keep the recipe safe for those with nut allergies. The cake remains moist and flavorful without traditional nuts.
• Low-Sugar Option: Utilize a sugar-free cake mix and replace powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the cake's delicious taste, perfect for diabetic or low-sugar dietary needs.

FAQs

• What makes this Italian Cream Cake different from traditional recipes?

This version uses a white cake mix as a shortcut, making it easier and quicker to prepare while still delivering rich, classic flavors of traditional Italian Cream Cake.

• Can I use low-fat ingredients in this recipe?

While you can substitute some ingredients, using full-fat buttermilk and cream cheese will provide the best texture and richness. Low-fat alternatives might change the cake’s moisture and density.

• Do I need any special baking equipment for this cake?

You’ll need three 9-inch cake pans, an electric mixer, and wire cooling racks. These are standard baking tools most home bakers already have in their kitchen.

• Is this cake suitable for advanced bakers or beginners?

This recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. The use of cake mix and straightforward instructions make it especially friendly for beginners wanting to try a delicious layer cake.

Quick Italian Cream Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Italian Cream Cake beckons with rich, velvety layers of Southern charm and traditional Italian sweetness. Creamy coconut and nutty pecans create a luscious dessert perfect for celebrations or quiet moments of pure culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 package white cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups (296 ml) buttermilk
• 1/4 cup (59 ml) vegetable oil

Coconut and Nuts:

• 1 can shredded coconut
• 2/3 cup chopped toasted pecans
• 1 cup chopped toasted pecans

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 package cream cheese
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter
• 1 package powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Combine the white cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil in a large mixing bowl. Utilize an electric mixer to blend the ingredients thoroughly for approximately 2 minutes until the batter achieves a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
2. Gently incorporate shredded coconut and chopped toasted pecans into the batter, ensuring even distribution for optimal flavor and texture.
3. Prepare three cake pans by generously greasing them with butter and flour to prevent sticking. Divide the batter equally among the pans.
4. Place the pans in a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for 15-17 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cakes are fully baked.
5. Allow the cakes to rest in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to wire cooling racks. Permit the layers to cool completely before frosting.
6. Create the cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
7. Stir vanilla extract and additional chopped pecans into the frosting for enhanced flavor and texture.
8. Assemble the cake by placing the first layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting between each cake layer, then cover the top and sides completely.
9. Refrigerate the assembled cake for a minimum of 2 hours to allow the frosting to set and the flavors to meld together.

Notes

• Swap buttermilk with yogurt or plant-based milk for a dairy-free version that maintains moisture and tenderness.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile in the cake.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and cream cheese to ensure smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting and maintain a clean, professional-looking finish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg