If you’re in search of a showstopping dessert that’s moist, rich, and bursting with flavor, the Italian Cream Cake recipe is an indulgent treat that deserves a place in your baking repertoire. Despite its European-sounding name, this cake is a true Southern classic, known for its tender layers, sweet coconut, crunchy pecans, and a generous spread of luscious cream cheese frosting.
Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any celebration, Italian Cream Cake combines old-world flavor with down-home Southern charm in every bite.
What is Italian Cream Cake?
Italian Cream Cake is a three-layer dessert made with buttermilk, coconut, and pecans, finished with tangy cream cheese frosting. The name might suggest Mediterranean origins, but the recipe has deep Southern roots. It gained popularity in American kitchens for its irresistible combination of textures and flavors—fluffy cake, nutty crunch, and creamy frosting.
What makes this cake stand out from other layer cakes is the thoughtful balance of ingredients. Buttermilk adds tanginess and moisture, while shredded coconut and pecans create a satisfying bite. The frosting, made with cream cheese and powdered sugar, ties the cake together with a smooth, rich finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Texture: Moist cake layers with added crunch from pecans and chewiness from coconut.
- Bold Flavors: A perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and nutty.
- Beautiful Presentation: A classic centerpiece for any dessert table.
- Frosting to Love: Tangy, creamy frosting made from real cream cheese and butter.
Key Ingredients and Why They Matter
Understanding each component helps you achieve bakery-level results.
Cake Flour
Cake flour has less protein than all-purpose flour, yielding a finer crumb. It’s what gives Italian Cream Cake that classic soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk brings moisture and tang to the batter. Its acidity also reacts with baking soda to create a light, airy structure.
Butter and Sugar
Creaming softened butter with granulated sugar introduces air, giving rise to the cake layers and enhancing flavor.
Eggs
Eggs provide richness and help bind the batter. Room-temperature eggs blend more easily and ensure a smooth consistency.
Shredded Coconut
Sweetened coconut flakes contribute moisture and a subtle sweetness. Finely shredded coconut is ideal for even distribution.
Pecans
Chopped pecans bring a nice crunch and a cozy, nutty taste that perfectly balances out the cake’s sweetness. Toasting the nuts before use deepens their flavor.
Cream Cheese
For the frosting, full-fat block cream cheese is essential. It adds tanginess and creaminess that complements the sweet cake layers.
Powdered Sugar
Used in the frosting, powdered sugar ensures a smooth, fluffy finish and balances the tang of the cream cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans or line with parchment rounds.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, sift together:
- 2½ cups cake flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer:
- Beat 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) with 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Add 5 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Step 5: Alternate Flour and Buttermilk
- Slowly mix in the flour blend, alternating with 1 cup of buttermilk, until everything is smooth and well combined. Begin and end with dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined.
Step 6: Fold in Coconut and Pecans
Gently stir in:
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup chopped toasted pecans
Step 7: Bake
- Divide batter evenly into pans.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean and crumb-free.
- Let the cakes rest in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully move them to wire racks to cool all the way down.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add butter and continue to beat until fluffy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- If needed, thin with 1 tbsp milk or cream.
Assembling and Decorating
- Level cake layers if needed using a serrated knife.
- Spread frosting between each layer.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Garnish with extra coconut flakes and chopped pecans.
Optional Tip: Chill the cake for 20 minutes before serving to firm up the frosting.
Tips for Success
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature—this helps everything mix together smoothly for a better batter.
- Give your pecans a quick toast to deepen their nutty flavor and add extra richness to the cake.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overworking the flour can lead to a dense texture.
- Let the cake cool all the way before adding frosting—if it’s still warm, the cream cheese frosting will melt right off.
- Use parchment paper rounds: Prevents sticking and helps release cakes cleanly from pans.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the toasting step: Raw pecans won’t have the same depth of flavor.
- Using tub-style cream cheese: It contains too much moisture and results in runny frosting.
- Overbaking: Check for doneness at the 25-minute mark to avoid a dry cake.
- Using cold butter or cream cheese: Can cause lumpy batter or frosting.
Serving and Storage
- Serving: Let the cake sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes if stored in the fridge.
- Storing: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freezing: Wrap slices or whole cake tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Conclusion
The Italian Cream Cake recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of texture, flavor, and tradition. With its soft, moist layers filled with pecans and coconut, topped with rich cream cheese frosting, this cake is a feast for the senses. While the name may hint at Italian roots, the real story is one of Southern comfort and heartfelt baking.
Whether you’re making it for a birthday, holiday, or just to treat yourself, this cake is guaranteed to impress. By following the steps above and using the best ingredients, you’ll create a dessert that tastes as incredible as it looks.
So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake a cake that will leave everyone asking for seconds.