Italian Cream Cake

Italian Cream Cake is a three layer masterpiece of light sponge cakes with pecans,  and luscious cream cheese frosting with toasted coconut, and vanilla and almond flavors!

Looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress your guests at your next party? Look no further than this delicious Italian Cream Cake! With three decadent layers and a sophisticated blend of almond, vanilla, pecan, and coconut, this cake is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Based on a recipe from Melissa’s Southern Style Kitchen, this cake is easy to make and even easier to decorate. The coconut and pecans on the outside of the cake are forgiving and can hide any frosting mistakes. This makes it an excellent option for bakers of all skill levels.

The combination of flavors in this cake is truly amazing. The almond extract gives it a slightly nutty flavor, while the vanilla extract adds a classic sweetness. The pecans and coconut provide a subtle crunch and a tropical twist, making this cake a unique and unforgettable dessert option.

Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something sweet, this Italian Cream Cake is the perfect choice. And with its stunning presentation on a milk glass cake stand, it’s sure to be the talk of the party. So why not give it a try and see for yourself just how delicious and impressive it can be?

Toasted Pecans & Coconut:

• Sweetened Coconut: This is shredded and sweetened coconut that is used to provide the coconut flavor and texture to the cake. The sweetness of the coconut balances the nuttiness of the pecans in the cake.
• Pecans: These are nuts that are chopped and toasted to add a nutty crunch to the cake. Pecans are known for their buttery and sweet flavor, which makes them a great addition to the cake.

Cake:

• Butter: Salted butter is used to provide the cake with richness and flavor. It also helps to tenderize the cake and give it a moist crumb.
• Sugar: Both granulated and light brown sugars are used in the cake to add sweetness and provide moisture.
• Eggs: Separated eggs are used in the cake, with the egg yolks added to the butter and sugar mixture to add richness and flavor. The egg whites are whipped to soft peaks and then folded into the batter to give the cake a light and airy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: This provides the cake with a classic vanilla flavor and aroma.
• Almond Extract: This is added to provide a slightly nutty flavor to the cake and complements the pecans and coconut.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is the main dry ingredient in the cake and provides structure to the cake.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These are leavening agents that help the cake rise and give it a light texture.
• Buttermilk: This is used to provide moisture and acidity to the cake batter, which helps to activate the baking soda and baking powder.
• Toasted Coconut and Toasted Pecans: These are used to add texture and flavor to the cake.

Frosting:

• Cream Cheese: This is used to give the frosting a tangy and creamy flavor and texture.
• Butter: Salted butter is used to add richness and flavor to the frosting, and also helps to stabilize it.
• Confectioner’s Sugar: This is the main sweetener in the frosting and provides it with a smooth and creamy texture.
• Vanilla and Almond Extract: These are used to flavor the frosting and complement the cake.
• Remaining Toasted Coconut and Pecans: These are used to decorate the cake and add texture to the frosting.

Italian Cream Cake is a classic three-layer cake made with toasted pecans, shredded coconut, and a cream cheese frosting. This cake is not only delicious but also a showstopper at any event. It’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, and dinner parties. Let’s dive into each ingredient and step needed to create this delicious cake.

To make toasted pecans and coconut, you’ll need sweetened coconut and pecans. You can chop the pecans into small pieces and then spread them evenly on one of the baking sheets. Then, repeat with the coconut and toast them in a 350F/175C preheated oven for 5-10 minutes. Make sure to check on them frequently because the coconut goes from toasted to burnt very quickly. Toasting the coconut and pecans give a lot of texture to the cake, but if you prefer, you can skip the toasting part.

For the cake, you’ll need salted butter, sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, buttermilk, and the toasted coconut and pecans that you made. You’ll start by creaming the butter and sugars in a large bowl or stand mixer. Add egg yolks and extracts to the butter/sugar mixture and mix until incorporated. Sift together flour, baking powder, and baking soda, and then mix it into the batter alternately with the buttermilk in a few parts. Add coconut and pecans and mix well. Beat egg whites to soft peaks and gently fold them into the batter. Divide the batter evenly between the three pans, bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean, and let the layers cool completely before decorating.

For the frosting, you’ll need cream cheese, butter, confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and the remaining toasted coconut and pecans. In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the butter, extracts, and cream cheese. Slowly add confectioner’s sugar a little bit at a time until it’s all incorporated. Beat the frosting until light and fluffy.

Now, it’s time to assemble the cake. Position the first layer on a cake stand and top it with a hefty dollop of frosting. Spread the frosting evenly across the layer and then top it with the second and third layers in the same fashion. Frost the sides of the cake, use all the amazing frosting, and make it really thick! Don’t worry about making it too pretty; the coconut and pecans will hide any mistakes. Finally, pat handfuls of coconut onto the side of the cake and sprinkle pecans on top of the cake.

In conclusion, making Italian Cream Cake may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple. The results are delicious, and it’s a perfect cake for a special occasion or even for an afternoon treat. You can also customize this cake with different toppings and decorations to make it your own. Follow the steps above, and you’ll have a perfect Italian Cream Cake in no time!