Description
This moist and fluffy Italian Cream Cake is a timeless Southern classic layered with sweetened shredded coconut, toasted pecans, and a tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s the perfect combination of texture, flavor, and nostalgia—ideal for birthdays, holiday dessert tables, or when you just need a showstopping treat. If you’re looking for quick breakfast inspiration, easy dinner dessert ideas, or a celebratory bake, this easy recipe hits all the marks. Sweet, nutty, and irresistible, it belongs on your list of must-try food ideas.
Ingredients
0.5 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
0.5 cup shortening
2 cups granulated sugar
5 large eggs, separated
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 cup chopped pecans, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Separate the eggs and beat the yolks into the creamed mixture one at a time.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda. Alternate adding flour and buttermilk to the batter, starting and ending with flour. Stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans.
5. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold them into the batter.
6. Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
8. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until fluffy.
9. Frost between layers and on top and sides of cake. Sprinkle with remaining chopped pecans.
Notes
Let your eggs come to room temperature before starting; this helps them incorporate better and makes for a lighter cake.
Don’t skip toasting the pecans! It intensifies their flavor and adds a deeper crunch.
For clean layers when frosting, chill the cake layers before assembling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern / Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 48g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg