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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Gently incorporate shredded coconut and chopped toasted pecans into the batter, ensuring even distribution for optimal flavor and texture.
- Prepare three cake pans by generously greasing them with butter and flour to prevent sticking. Divide the batter equally among the pans.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Stir vanilla extract and additional chopped pecans into the frosting for enhanced flavor and texture.
- 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.
- 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