Description
This Italian Cream Cake is a rich, ultra-moist layered dessert filled with sweet coconut and toasted pecans, then wrapped in silky cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holidays, birthday celebrations, or whenever you need impressive dessert ideas, this easy recipe delivers bakery-style results at home. With its tender crumb and balanced sweetness, it’s a classic cake recipe that feels both elegant and comforting.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs separated
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans toasted
8 ounces cream cheese softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup butter and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
5. Add dry ingredients alternately with 1 cup buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
6. Fold in 1 1/2 cups coconut and 1 cup chopped pecans.
7. In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into batter.
8. Divide batter evenly between pans and bake 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
9. For frosting, beat 8 ounces cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter until smooth.
10. Gradually mix in 4 cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla until fluffy.
11. Assemble cake by frosting between layers and around the sides. Garnish with 1/2 cup chopped pecans.
Notes
Make sure all refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature before starting for a smooth batter.
Toast the pecans for deeper flavor before folding into the cake.
Chill the frosted cake for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner layers.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 52g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Italian Cream Cake, coconut cake, pecan cake, cream cheese frosting cake, holiday cake recipe, layered dessert