Italian Cream Cake: A Luxurious Southern Delight

Description

Indulge in a slice of heaven with this Italian Cream Cake, a classic Southern dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion. Featuring three fluffy layers of cake infused with toasted pecans and coconut, this stunning dessert is wrapped in a rich and velvety cream cheese frosting. The contrast between the light, airy cake and the smooth, creamy frosting makes this cake an unforgettable treat. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, birthday, or just craving a decadent dessert, this Italian Cream Cake is sure to impress.

Who is This Recipe For?

This recipe is perfect for:

• Bakers who love making stunning layered cakes.
• Fans of Southern desserts looking for a crowd-pleasing treat.
• Those celebrating special occasions such as birthdays, holidays, or weddings.
• Cake enthusiasts who enjoy working with rich textures and flavors like coconut, pecans, and cream cheese frosting.

Why It’s Great

✅ Decadent Layers – Light and fluffy cake layers complemented by a rich frosting.
✅ Perfect for Special Occasions – A showstopper for birthdays, weddings, and holiday gatherings.
✅ Tropical Flavor – The addition of coconut and toasted pecans brings a unique, delightful taste.
✅ Make-Ahead – The cake can be baked ahead of time and refrigerated for convenience.
✅ Customizable Decoration – Add a personal touch with different toppings and piping designs.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 9-inch round cake pans (3)
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Whisk
• Piping bag and tips
• Cooling racks
• Parchment paper

Ingredients

For the Cake Layers:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, room temperature
• 5 large eggs, separated
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 1/2 cups pecans, toasted and chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 9 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Decoration:

• 1 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped
• 1 cup coconut, toasted
• Extra pecan halves for top decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions

For the Cake Layers:

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

2. Toast the Pecans and Coconut
   Toast the pecans and coconut for decoration in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently. Set aside to cool.

3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

4. Whip the Egg Whites
   In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

5. Cream the Butter and Sugar
   In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

6. Add Egg Yolks and Extracts
   Add the egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.

7. Combine Ingredients
   Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture (3 additions of flour and 2 of buttermilk). Mix until just combined.

8. Fold in Coconut and Pecans
   Gently fold in the shredded coconut and chopped toasted pecans.

9. Add Egg Whites
   Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter until fully incorporated.

10. Bake
    Divide the batter evenly between 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 them to wire racks to cool completely.

For the Frosting:

1. Prepare the Frosting
   Beat the cream cheese and butter together in a stand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla and almond extracts, followed by the powdered sugar and salt. Beat on medium speed for about 5 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Assembly:

1. Level the Cake Layers
   If needed, level the cake layers to ensure they are even.

2. Assemble the Cake
   Place the first cake layer on a cake plate, spread with 1 cup of frosting. Repeat with the second layer and another cup of frosting.

3. Crumb Coat
   Add the final cake layer and apply a thin crumb coat to seal in any loose crumbs. Chill the cake for 15 minutes to firm up the crumb coat.

4. Final Frosting
   Frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.

5. Decoration
   Press the toasted coconut and pecans around the bottom half of the cake. Pipe a decorative border on top and garnish with whole pecan halves for an elegant finish.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: Unfrosted cake layers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge before frosting and serving.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate them, then frost and assemble when ready to serve.

Q: Can I use a different type of nut?
A: While pecans are traditional, you can use walnuts or almonds as a substitute if preferred.

Q: How can I adjust the sweetness?
A: To make the frosting less sweet, reduce the amount of powdered sugar by 1-2 cups, but keep the butter and cream cheese ratio the same for the desired creamy consistency.

Q: Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
A: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.

Conclusion

This Italian Cream Cake is a showstopper dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion. With its fluffy cake layers, creamy frosting, and the perfect blend of coconut and pecans, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite at your next gathering. Its rich flavor and stunning appearance make it an ideal choice for birthdays, holidays, or celebrations of all kinds. With a bit of patience and care, you’ll have a dessert that’s truly worth celebrating!

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