Introduction
Italian Cream Cheese Cake is the epitome of indulgent desserts—a moist, tender cake layered with rich cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with crunchy pecans and sweet coconut. This Southern-Italian-inspired classic is perfect for celebrations, holidays, or simply when you want to treat yourself to a luxurious dessert. Its unique flavor combination and creamy texture make it an irresistible favorite among cake lovers.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create the ultimate Italian Cream Cheese Cake, along with tips, variations, and expert techniques to ensure it’s flawless every time.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Sweet cream cheese frosting complements the nutty, coconut-infused cake.
- Celebration-Worthy: A showstopping dessert for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.
- Rich and Moist: Buttermilk and cream cheese ensure the cake is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe for different tastes or dietary preferences.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
- Fold in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
2. Whip the Egg Whites
- In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter, taking care not to deflate the mixture.
3. Bake the Cakes
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
- Repeat with the second and third layers, frosting the top and sides of the cake.
- Garnish with chopped pecans around the edges and on top for decoration.
Tips for the Best Italian Cream Cheese Cake
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs, high-quality butter, and real vanilla extract enhance the flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: It adds tanginess and keeps the cake moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, use 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
- Whip the Egg Whites Well: This step adds lightness to the cake texture, so don’t skip it!
- Cool the Cake Completely: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the assembled cake for at least an hour before serving helps the flavors meld together.
Variations
- Coconut-Lovers’ Cake:
- Add an extra 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter and sprinkle toasted coconut on top of the frosting.
- Chocolate Italian Cream Cake:
- Add 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolate twist.
- Tropical Version:
- Substitute pecans with macadamia nuts and add a layer of pineapple preserves between the cake layers.
- Gluten-Free Option:
- Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Mini Cakes:
- Bake the batter in cupcake tins for individual servings.
Nutrition Information (Per Slice, Approximate)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 250mg
Conclusion
An Italian Cream Cheese Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. With its moist layers, creamy frosting, and decadent flavor, this cake is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy a slice. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a birthday, or just because, this recipe will become a cherished addition to your dessert repertoire.
Save this recipe for your next baking adventure, and don’t forget to share it with fellow dessert lovers. Happy baking!