Italian Cream Cake Recipe (2024)

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All good bakers, let’s have a moment of silence for the Italian cream cake’s awesomeness. All new bakers, join in too because you’ll be a pro once you get this baby on your table and enjoy the cheers (and empty plates) it brings.

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Italian Cream Cake Recipe (1)This cake is a wow-er. A wow-zer. A “what in the world did you do there?” kind of thing.And you’ll see why it should only be made for special occasions when you get to the ingredients.

It would kill you if you ate it more than that.

All I can do is recommend that you just close your eyes and eat it and don’t think about the calories. Why ruin such a good thing?

I know this isn’t truly the easiest recipe I’ve ever posted. But I hope you’ll stay with me on it. Every once in awhile we have those times when we need something amazing. And this is just the thing.

If you’re new to baking, I believe you can do this. See below for some links to helpful videos for how to work with egg whites if you’ve never done that. And of course, if you have ANY questions at all, I’m only an email or a comment away.

Italian Cream Cake Recipe (2)

Now warning: this cake has coconut and pecans. If you don’t like those, don’t make this because it won’t be the same cake. You could, possibly, sub the pecans for walnuts I guess…

But if you make it according to the instructions, sit back and enjoy. This cake is rich, but not overly sweet. It’s dense, but it’s moist at the same time.

A couple of tips to keep in mind about your Italian cream cake:

Remember to separate the eggs, then whip the egg whites to stiff peaks.(Check this helpful little snippet if you’re not sure how. Or take a look at my ultra helpful post on everything you need to know to bake cakes like an old Southern woman.

FOLD in your egg whites to keep as much air in the batter as possible. If you don’t know how to fold, you can watch this video–nothing like a random YouTube guy to get your lesson from. Maybe one of these days you’ll get a lesson from me.

This recipe takes a few most of the bowls in your kitchen. Sorry about that. And the calories? Well, this just isn’t something you should eat when you’re counting. I just wanted to warn you.

A note on the frosting: If you want a thick frosting, make a double batch. I find a thin skim is plenty on this ultra-rich cake, so plan accordingly if you want more. If your frosting is thick, feel free to thin it slightly with one teaspoon at a time of milk if it’s hard to spread.

Italian Cream Cake Recipe (3)

Italian Cream Cake Recipe (4)

Italian Cream Cake

Rich, sweet and an amazing showstopper for any event, this cake is made totally from scratch.

Prep Time 35 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour

Servings 12 people

Author Rachel Ballard

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 2 cups self rising flour
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, divided
  • 6 egg whites beaten to stiff peaks

For the frosting

  • 1/4 cup butter softened
  • 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
  • 1 pound powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350.

  • Grease and flour 3 8-inch cake pans. Set aside.

  • In a large bowl, cream the butter and shortening until smooth. Add the sugar and beat well.

  • Add the egg yolks and mix well.

  • Sift the flour and add into the sugar and butter mixture one-third at a time, alternating with the milk.

  • Stir in the vanilla, 1 cup of coconut and the pecans.

  • Fold in the egg whites carefully until no pockets remain.

  • Divide evenly between the three prepared pans.

  • Bake 25 minutes and turn out to a wire rack to cool completely

  • While the cakes bake, sprinkle one cup of coconut on a baking sheet and toast it in the oven alongside your cakes until brown and nutty, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir it every couple of minutes to make sure it doesn’t burn. Then set aside to cool

For the frosting:

  • Cream the butter and cream cheese until well mixed. Add the vanilla and powdered sugar and mix until well combined.

    Spread between layers of cake and on top and sides.

    Use your hands to press the toasted coconut all around the sides.

    Sprinkle pecans over the top.

Notes

If you like your frosting very thick, it’s fine to make a double batch.

Nutrition

Calories: 917kcal

Tried this recipe?Tag us on Instagram @feastandfarm and hashtag it #feastandfarm

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Italian Cream Cake Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is an Italian cream cake made of? ›

Ingredients for Italian Cream Cake

Shortening: Shortening helps tenderize the cake, retain moisture, and give the cake its light, fluffy texture. Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake. Large eggs: Binds the batter and gives the cake structure. Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor to the cake.

Does Italian cream cake need to be refrigerated? ›

Due to the cream cheese frosting, the cake needs to be refrigerated. Keep any leftovers, loosely covered with plastic wrap, in the fridge for up to 1 week. If you have a cake keeper, you can use that. If not, the dollops of frosting on top might get a little squished from plastic wrap.

What is the name of the classic cake that originated in Italy? ›

Pan di Spagna is a classic Italian cake that is widely used in confectionery as a base for many elaborate sweets, such as zuccoto or cassata. Fragrant and soft, this simple sponge cake is made with only a few ingredients: eggs, sugar, flour, and flavorings such as vanilla or lemon zest.

What is a creme cake? ›

You will find crème cakes in many bakeries and donut shops. It is a combination of a high ratio cake type batter and custard or pudding (now you know why it is called crème cake).

What is the most famous dessert in Italy? ›

Perhaps the most iconic Italian dessert, tiramisu appears on menus at restaurants not only throughout Italy but also all over the world.

Why is it called Italian cream cake? ›

Despite it's name this cake does not hail from Italy and it does not contain cream. It actually comes from the South in America where items like pecans grow easily and cream cheese frosting graces the sides of many of its most popular cakes like red velvet cake.

What does Italian cream cake taste like? ›

Italian Cream Cake is a southern-style cake is bursting with pecan, coconut, and almond flavors. It's frosted with a cream cheese frosting and beautifully decorated to make one impressive and ridiculously tasty dessert!

Can you leave Italian cream cake out overnight? ›

If you plan to consume the Italian cream cake within a day or two and your kitchen is relatively cool (around 70°F or below), you can leave the cake at room temperature. However, be mindful of the temperature and avoid exposing the cake to direct sunlight or warm environments.

What are Italian cakes called? ›

NameDescription
CassataRound sponge cake moistened with fruit juice
CavallucciPastry made with anise, walnuts, candied fruits, coriander, and flour
CiambellaRing-shaped cake made using flour, milk, sugar, and vanilla flavoring
Colomba di Pasqua
8 more rows

What is the oldest Italian dessert? ›

How about panforte? This is one of the oldest Italian desserts on the list, believed to date back to 13th century Tuscany.

What cake do Italians eat for breakfast? ›

Ciambella is one of the most popular Italian breakfast cakes. It's traditionally baked in the shape of a ring and topped with icing or dusted with sugar. It usually includes one of Italy's favorite flavors: lemon.

What do Italians typically eat for breakfast? ›

  • Cappuccino, Coffee and Croissant. A cornetto, together with an espresso or with a cappuccino becomes the joy of lots of Italians who love to have a breakfast in a café, in their favourite pastry shop or at the cafeteria just outside the office. ...
  • Bread and Jam. ...
  • Milk and Cereals. ...
  • Yoghurt and Fruit.

What is Alaska cake? ›

Baked Alaska is a cake topped with ice cream and caramelized meringue. It's so delicious and a great way to wow your guests! You can use your favorite flavor of ice cream or a combination of flavors.

What is a cake without cream called? ›

Oil Cake. Oil cakes follow the same principles as butter cakes, but use oil as the source of fat. Because oil is liquid at room temperature, oil cake recipes skip the step of creaming the fat and sugar; usually the oil is incorporated into the wet ingredients, which are whisked or folded into the dry ingredients.

What is the difference between a cream cake and a normal cake? ›

Your cream cakes are very light in terms of weight but the fondant cakes are heavy. Cream cakes could easily melt soon but the fondant that got hard consistency, tough to melt. Normally fondant cakes are prepared by using artificial flavors and colors and cream cakes just utilize natural ingredients.

What is Italian sweet cream? ›

Italian Sweet Crème is a blend of creamy gelato mixed with decadent buttercream frosting flavors, creating an indulgent sweet cream flavor. Available in a 4 x 50 count dispenser box and a 180 count box.

What is thickened cream in Italy? ›

In Italy, the equivalent of heavy cream is known as "panna da cucina" or simply "panna." It is a rich, thick cream used in cooking and baking, similar to heavy cream in other parts of the world. Panna is often used to add creaminess and richness to sauces, soups, desserts, and various Italian dishes.

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