Name: Italian Cream Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 5 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut; 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup butter, softened (for frosting); 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

If you’re after a dessert that’s pure Southern charm with a splash of Italian influence, this Italian Cream Cake is going to win you over from the first bite. With layers of moist, buttery cake speckled with toasted pecans and sweet coconut, and a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that wraps it all together, every slice feels like a celebration.

This cake isn’t overly complicated, but it delivers elegance and bold flavor in every bite. Whether you’re bringing it to a holiday gathering or making it “just because,” it always steals the spotlight on the dessert table. That blend of creamy, crunchy, and nutty notes is simply irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Cream Cake

This cake is a sweet tooth’s dream and a texture lover’s paradise. You get the warm, nutty crunch of pecans, the chewy surprise of coconut, and the soft, fluffy crumb of the cake layers. The cream cheese frosting? Silky smooth, not too sweet, and perfectly balanced with a bit of tang.

It’s the kind of cake that looks impressive but comes together with pantry staples. No fancy equipment needed. It keeps beautifully in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead option for entertaining.

What Kind of Nuts or Coconut Should I Use?

For the most flavor, use toasted pecans rather than raw. Toasting brings out their natural sweetness and deepens the flavor. As for the coconut, sweetened shredded coconut works best in this recipe, adding moisture and just the right hint of sweetness.

If you prefer a bit more texture, feel free to use larger coconut flakes, though they’ll be more pronounced in the cake. And if you’re not into pecans, walnuts are a fine substitute.

Ingredients for the Italian Cream Cake

This cake leans on baking basics, but a few standout ingredients give it its signature flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this classic cake to life:

All-purpose flour – The base of the cake, giving it structure without making it too dense.

Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps create that golden-brown crust.

Butter – Adds richness and a moist crumb.

Eggs – Provide structure and help the cake rise.

Buttermilk – Keeps the cake tender and adds a slight tang that pairs perfectly with the frosting.

Baking soda – Helps the cake rise and gives it a light, fluffy texture.

Vanilla extract – Enhances all the other flavors.

Sweetened shredded coconut – Brings a chewy texture and tropical hint.

Toasted pecans – Add a buttery crunch and nutty flavor.

Cream cheese – For the rich, tangy frosting that makes this cake iconic.

Powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting without making it gritty.

How To Make the Italian Cream Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by toasting the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant. Let them cool, then chop roughly. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda.

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. Gently fold in the coconut and toasted pecans.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. Add vanilla extract and beat again. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to adjust the consistency.

Step 5: Assemble and Decorate

Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread with frosting, then repeat with the remaining layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake, then garnish with extra pecans or coconut if desired.

How to Serve and Store Italian Cream Cake

Italian Cream Cake is best served slightly chilled. The cream cheese frosting holds its shape better, and the flavors have time to meld. This cake feeds about 12 to 14 people, making it ideal for birthdays, holiday dinners, or any event where dessert needs to shine.

To store, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight cake container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Italian Cream Cake?

Fresh Berries

The tartness of raspberries or strawberries offers a nice contrast to the rich cake.

Espresso or Coffee

A strong brew cuts through the richness and complements the cake’s sweet nuttiness.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

A scoop on the side adds an extra creamy dimension that pairs perfectly with the texture of the cake.

Lemon Sorbet

If you’re looking to cleanse the palate, lemon sorbet brings a refreshing citrusy zing.

Sparkling Wine

Try a sweet sparkling wine like Moscato for a festive feel.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream makes every forkful even more indulgent.

Caramel Sauce Drizzle

Just a touch brings a luxurious finish and blends nicely with the pecan flavor.

Roasted Figs

They bring an earthy sweetness that complements the cake’s southern tones beautifully.

Want More Cake Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Italian Cream Cake, you might enjoy these other indulgent bakes:

Delicious Lemon Cake to Die For with a tangy punch and dreamy glaze.
Butter Pecan Pound Cake for a dense, nutty slice of heaven.
Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes if you want a single-serve version of a classic.
Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler for a fruit-forward Southern classic.
Cherry-Topped Coconut Macaroons if you love coconut as much as we do.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you double the frosting? Try it with walnuts instead? I’m always curious how others bring their twist to this Southern-Italian fusion.

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