Italian Cream Cake
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Italian Cream Cake is a southern-style cake is bursting with pecan, coconut, and almond flavors. It’s frosted with a cream cheese frosting and beautifully decorated to make one impressive and ridiculously tasty dessert! Recipe includes a how-to video.
A Not-So-Italian Cream Cake
By popular request! After a slew of emails asking for an Italian cream cake, I’ve finally created my own recipe that I’m excited to share with you today.
Italian cream cakes are known for having a soft cake crumb loaded with pecans and coconut. I wanted mine to be plush and perfectly dense (but with a crumb closer to vanilla cake than pound cake), sturdy enough to handle three layers and keep chopped pecans suspended in the batter, yet still able to melt in your mouth. Tricky, right? Right.
It took a lot of attempts to nail this one down, and ultimately, I ended up using a modified version of my Chantilly cake. I nixed the brown sugar so that the almond flavor could shine, used the reverse creaming method for a beautiful, soft crumb, and topped everything off with a THICK layer of cream cheese frosting, with only a few small tweaks from my well-loved recipe. You’re going to love it, even if it’s not really Italian (more on that below!).
This Cake Is a Winner in Every Department:
- Flavor: unique, yet still tastes comforting and familiar.
- Looks: three stately layers crowned with luscious cream cheese frosting; it’s almost as impressive as my cheesecake stuffed chocolate cake!
- Texture: the coconut and pecans throughout add a satisfying bite to the otherwise soft crumb.
- Ease: reverse creaming takes a smidge more time, but makes it nearly impossible to damage the crumb of the cake. This recipe is foolproof!
What You Need
Here’s what you’ll need for a super flavorful Italian cream cake:
- Almond extract. Using almond extract in both the frosting and cake gives it a bright and enticing flavor without being overwhelming; you’ll almost wonder what it is that’s giving the cake such a perfectly balanced flavor (if you’ve tried my angel food cake, you know what I’m talking about!)!
- Buttermilk. This ingredient is key for moisture and flavor (and I credit it for being why my chocolate cake recipe has been such a wild success!) If you’re in a pinch, you can use my buttermilk substitute, but I’d really recommend using the real stuff for this one.
- Pecans. If you’d like to use toasted pecans, toast them before you chop, otherwise they’re likely to burn.
- Coconut. We’ll use sweetened coconut in the cake and chopped toasted coconut for the decoration. I shared a post yesterday showing how to toast coconut, so check that out if you’ve never done it before.
- Cream cheese. Use brick-style, full-fat cream cheese; anything else could make your frosting too funny.
SAM’S TIP: I frost my Italian cream cake very generously (thick frosting is sort of a hallmark of the cake, really); if you prefer a more modest amount of frosting and don’t plan to do a decorative border, I suggest you divide the frosting recipe in half.
Remember, this is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe please scroll down to the bottom of the post!
How to Make Italian Cream Cake
- Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl, then mix in the butter one tablespoon at a time (this is the reverse creaming method I use with my caramel cake, as opposed to creaming together the butter and sugar first).
- Whisk the wet ingredients together, then drizzle this mixture into the butter/flour mixture while mixing on low speed.
- Fold in the pecans and coconut with a spatula, then divide the batter between three greased, floured, and parchment-lined pans.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then let the cakes cool in their pans for 10-15 minutes before inverting onto a cooling rack.
- Cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth, then stir in the extracts and salt.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and keep mixing until the icing is smooth and creamy.
- Level your cakes if needed, then spread a thick layer of frosting over the top of one layer. Repeat until all layers have been frosted.
- Spread a thin layer of frosting around the entire cake and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Finish frosting and add decorative swirls on top, if desired.
- Press a mixture of toasted coconut and finely chopped pecans up the sides of the cake and lightly sprinkle any excess on your piped swirls.
SAM’S TIP: Pretty much the only way to mess up this cake is to overbake it, so make sure to test the cake for doneness a minute or two early to be safe!
Frequently Asked Questions
Surprisingly, Italian cream cake is not actually Italian! It’s believed to have originated in the southern USA, which isn’t surprising considering it’s studded with nuts both inside and out (all the best southern cakes seem to incorporate nuts, like my Texas sheet cake).
Even though its not actually from the Mediterranean, it still tastes as bright and flavorful as a true Italian dessert!
Yes, although it should be fine at room temperature in an airtight container for about 48 hours. After that, definitely put it in the fridge (still in an airtight container!).
You could, but classic Italian cream cakes are made with cream cheese icing and I’ve found the cake really benefits from the slight tang of a cream cheese frosting. If you’d like to switch things up, whipped cream frosting or Swiss meringue buttercream would be good alternatives!
So, how did I do? If you asked for this recipe, let me know how you like it in the comments below!
Enjoy!
Let’s bake together! I’ll be walking you through all the steps in my written recipe and video below! If you try this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram, and you can also find me on YouTube and Facebook
Italian Cream Cake
Equipment
Ingredients
For Cake
- 2 ⅔ cups (333 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- 12 Tablespoons (170 g) unsalted butter, softened and cut into 12 pieces
- 1 ½ cups (354 ml) buttermilk, room temperature preferred
- 2 large eggs, room temperature preferred
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup (120 g) sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup (113 g) coarsely chopped pecans
Frosting (yes, it’s a lot, see note)
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 16 oz (453 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
- 8 cups (1000 g) powdered sugar
For decorating, optional
- ½ cup (60 g) pecan halves, finely chopped
- ½ cup (40 g) toasted coconut, finely chopped
Instructions
For Cake
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly grease and flour three 8” (20cm) round cake pans (additionally I like to line the bottoms of each pan with a round of parchment paper to prevent sticking).
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment) and stir until completely combined.2 ⅔ cups (333 g) all-purpose flour, 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon table salt
- With mixer on medium-speed, add butter, one piece at a time, stirring until completely combined after each addition and before adding the next piece. Continue until all butter has been added. Mixture will be sandy once all butter is incorporated.12 Tablespoons (170 g) unsalted butter
- In a large measuring cup, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla and almond extract.1 ½ cups (354 ml) buttermilk, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon almond extract
- With mixer on low-speed, slowly drizzle buttermilk mixture into the batter until completely incorporated. Pause periodically to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are completely combined.
- Use a spatula to stir in coconut and pecans until completely combined.1 cup (120 g) sweetened shredded coconut, 1 cup (113 g) coarsely chopped pecans
- Evenly divide batter into prepared baking pans and transfer to the center rack of 350F (175C) preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs (see note if your oven does not fit all three pans at once, or if you do not have three pans!).
- Allow cakes to cool in their pans for 10-15 minutes, then run a knife around the edge to loosen cake from the pan and invert each layer onto a cooling rack to cool completely before decorating. While cakes cool, prepare the frosting.
Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer (or in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment) combine butter and cream cheese and beat on low-speed until creamy and well-combined,1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, 16 oz (453 g) cream cheese
- Add vanilla extract, almond extract and salt and stir to combine,1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon almond extract, ¼ teaspoon table salt
- With mixer on low-speed, gradually add powdered sugar until all has been added. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl and stir again. Frosting should be smooth and creamy.8 cups (1000 g) powdered sugar
Assembly
- Level cakes if desired/necessary. Place one cake on serving platter and spread a thick, even layer of frosting over the top. Repeat with the next two layers. Smooth a thin layer of frosting evenly around the entire cake to catch the crumbs then place the cake in the refrigerator for 15 minutes (this is your “crumb coat”, it will ensure your outer layer of frosting remains pristine.
- Remove cake from refrigerator and spread an even layer of frosting over the entire cake. Use remaining frosting to pipe decorative swirls on top of the cake (I used the Ateco 846 piping tip).
- If desired, immediately after frosting the cake, mix together finely chopped pecans and toasted coconut and press halfway up the side of the cake. Dust the top of each swirl with a light sprinkling of pecan/coconut mixture.½ cup (60 g) pecan halves, ½ cup (40 g) toasted coconut
Notes
Baking pans
Bake cakes in the center rack of your oven (do not place cake tins on different racks, they won’t bake properly). If your oven does not bake evenly, you may need to rotate the pans halfway through baking or just be aware that some tins may bake faster than others. If your oven does not fit all three tins in the center rack, it’s fine to leave one sitting on the counter until the first two have baked, the lone cake may need a minute less time in the oven. This recipe may also be made in three 9” pans, but will need to bake for less time (start checking at 25 minutes).Icing
Since Italian Cream Cakes are well known for their luscious cream cheese frosting, I wasn’t about to skimp on the amount for my recipe. This recipe as written makes enough frosting to generously cover the entire cake as well as to do the decorative border on top. If you want a more modest amount of frosting and no decorative border, feel free to divide the recipe in half.Storing
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 48 hours or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cake may also be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and frozen.Gluten-Free
Readers have commented that they have successfully made this recipe gluten-free by using Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 GF flour.Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this? Leave a comment below!
This recipe was amazing! My husband’s favorite cake is Italian Cream Cake but since he had to go gluten free it has been awhile for him to have it. I was able to substitute cup 4 cup GF flour and it turned out perfectly. He prefers a lightly iced cake so I only made the half recipe. This is a keeper and will be used to recreate a delightful dessert anytime it is needed. I did have to cook it a little longer than required but I expect that with GF.
Wonderful! Thanks so much for letting us know how that substitution worked for you, Lynn ❤️
Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?
Hi Crystal! That should work just fine 😊
This cake looked so good I just had to try and make it. I did get this cake made and it turned out incredibly well. Next time I need a fancier looking cake I will make this. Thanks for all the detailed instructions and video.
We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the cake so much, Linda! Thanks for coming back to leave a review ❤️
This is absolutely one of the best cakes I have ever made, and I have been baking for 30+ years. This is definitely going in my repertoire of Cakes. The only thing I did different was cut back on the amount of frosting by a quarter. And it was still plenty.
Thanks for letting us know how you liked it, Brenda! We’re so happy it was a hit for you ❤️
I also very much enjoy your hummingbird cake recipe as well. I look for recipes on your site all the time, thanks for everything.
Hello, I was wondering if you had an idea how many 6″ cakes this would make
Hi Kat! It will probably make about 3.5 layers.
Hi Sam! A lot of your other cake recipes call for a combination of butter and oil, which I’ve found keep the cake moist. Is there a reason this cake only uses butter? Do you think replacing some of the butter with oil would work? (Like, maybe 1/3 of it?) or do you think it’s unnecessary/won’t work for this recipe?
Hi Sydney! This cake uses the reverse creaming method (mixing the butter pieces one at a time into the dry ingredients) for a plush, soft cake crumb. It’s perfectly moist thanks to the buttermilk, and we would recommend sticking with the recipe as it was created for best results. Trust us, it’s delicious! 😊
If I need to eliminate the coconut (for fussy eaters), do I need to add anything else to keep the consistency?
Hi Lori! You can just leave out the coconut without issue. 🙂
Do I need to use the reverse creaming method if using gluten free flour
Hi Eileen! I’m not very familiar with baking with gluten free flour, but I’m not sure I’d change the method here.
Hi Sam
Made this a few minutes ago. Now I know why you use parchment paper on the bottom of the cake pans. Generously greased and floured with baking spray but the bottoms stuck on all three. Learned an important lesson this morning. If Sam suggests it, put parchment rounds on the bottom, do it.
Good news is this was a test run prior to making for my wifes bakery fundraiser.
Oh no! We’re so sorry they stuck–parchment rounds should definitely help ❤️
Hi Sam! Looking forward to making this cake for my sister’s birthday.
Could I use fine sea salt instead of table salt and would it be the same amount? My family is a fan of your Millionare’s shortbread. So glad I found you! You’re my go-to for all delicious recipes!
Hi Susana! Yes, that will work fine. It will be the same amount. Thanks so much for loving our recipes ❤️
I made this last night (8/27/22) and it’s the best scratch cake I’ve ever had! SO moist, so flavorful and the frosting was spectacular. This was for a dinner with friends and there were so many other desserts I thought I’d be taking the whole thing home. Nope! It was the only thing eaten out of key lime pie, tiramisu and cannoli! Thank you, I will be keeping this one in my recipe box! P.S. the parchment rounds were life-saving – don’t skip that step!
I’m so glad it was such a hit, Ann! 🙂
Can I make this in a 9×13 inch pan or as cupcakes? If so, what temperature and bake time would you recommend?
Hi Debbie! It will work in a 9 x 13 and as cupcakes. Unfortunately I can’t say for sure how long to bake it in the 9 x 13. I would suspect the cupcakes would take about 17 minutes. The temperature won’t change. 🙂
Can you replace the pecans with walnuts? Has anyone tried that?
That should work just fine here, Jenn! 🙂
Hi Sam can I use this recipe in 10”x3” deep cake tin? I wanna try this cake sooner for our Church Anniversary.
Hi Mary Jane! It may not hold all of the batter, but it can work. Make sure to not overfill your pan and keep an eye on it as I’m not sure on a bake time. 🙂
Hi Sam,
I think the cake is great and I love cream cheese frosting however I found the frosting to be too sweet. I was wondering if there would be a way to reduce the amount of powdered sugar while maintaining enough stiffness to decorate? Thanks in advance!
Hi Elle! Unfortunately I don’t have a recommendation for reducing the sugar and maintaining the consistency. 🙁
Add salt if frostings are too sweet – saw another baker do this and it works great!
Hello I was wondering if I could use a large bundt pan???? I want to make this like right now!!
This cake will bake up in a bundt pan, but I’m not sure on a bake time. 🙂
I may just use 2 bundt pans filled by a whopping half! I have such pretty ones –this sounds like an amazing cake! thanks for the tips on the baking pans too!!!
I’m so sorry this happened, Betsy! The most likely cause of the cake being dry would be over-mixing or over-baking. 🙁
Thank you for this recipe. Made it for my 20th Wedding anniversary. DELISH. I followed your recipe to the T and appreciated the gram measurements which make it easier for people around the world to get it right! I used 3 pans as suggested but halved the icing. It really was sufficient for our family’s preference and honestly with the cost of butter and cream cheese in South Africa, halving the icing made the cake more economical. I was still able to sandwich and completely cover the cake with the icing. One question , i can never get cream cheese icing to a completely smooth texture, it always has a few lumps? What am i doing wrong?
I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Rochell! As far as the lumps in the icing go, they can come from either the cream cheese or the powdered sugar. If your cream cheese isn’t soft enough it could leave some lumps after mixing it, or if your powdered sugar is a little bit clumpy it could lead to some lumps. I hope this helps! 🙂
Thank you Sam, must be the cheese as i sifted the sugar to mitigate clumping. I will play around the brand of cheese
Hi! My family prefers cakes in 9×13 or sheet pan form. Would this cake work in a 9×13?
This will make a bit much for a 9 x 13. As long as you don’t overfill the pan it will work just fine. I’m not sure how long it would need to bake. 🙂
I have sent your recipe to my family, hinting I would like it for my birthday in Spring. 🙂 It looks phenomenal!
We love that idea, Margaret 😄 Hopefully they get the hint!
Hi Sam,
Can this cake be covered in fondant?
Hi Gabi! I think the cake would hold up just fine. 🙂
Sam, do you think this would work in a 9×12 pan?
Thanks,
Shirley
Hi Shirley! I do think it would but honestly have not tried it and am not sure what the exact baking time would be.
Is this the only frosting that compliments this cake? I live in the Caribbean and I’m worried about the stability of CC frosting.
Hi Kim! It is not, I include a few other suggestions in the post but this is the most classic frosting. I will say that my cream cheese frosting is quite stable and comparable to American buttercream in consistency whereas I know many cream cheese frostings are much softer, so while it will still melt it is a bit sturdier than many other options out there. I hope that helps!
Do you have Lane cake recipe?!? This reminds me of it somewhat.
Hi Sarah! I have actually never heard of, or had a lane cake, but after looking it up it does look pretty tasty. I will have to add it to my list. 🙂
Can this recipe be baked in a cupcake tin? If so, does the same temperature and baking time apply.
Thank you,
Cristina
Hi Cristina! I don’t see why not. I would fill cupcake liners about 2/3 – 3/4 full and bake for approximately 17 minutes. Enjoy!
Hi Sam! I’ve never had an Italian Cream Cake before but it checks all of my favorite flavor boxes! Can’t wait to make it! I’ve seen other recipes for it with the pecans and coconut toasted, is there a reason they aren’t here? Just curious if it would change the texture/flavor.
Thanks for another amazing recipe! I plan on making this today!
Hi Gina! You certainly can do toasted coconut and pecans. It will just change the flavor a little bit. 🙂