Irresistible Italian Cream Cake Recipe: Sweet Magic

Decadent layers of velvety goodness await you in this quick Italian cream cake recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Soft, moist, and bursting with rich flavors, this dessert brings a slice of Italian bakery magic right to your kitchen.

The delicate balance of cream cheese, coconut, and pecans creates a symphony of textures that dance on your palate.

Effortlessly elegant and surprisingly simple to prepare, this cake turns an ordinary afternoon into a celebration of sweet delights.

Every forkful promises a luxurious experience that will transport you to a charming café in Sicily.

The aroma of toasted nuts and creamy frosting will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this irresistible treat and let your taste buds embark on a delicious Italian culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 17 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 13

Quick Italian Cream Cake: Ingredient Guide

• White Cake Mix: Provides a light, tender foundation with minimal effort.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and create structure for a fluffy texture.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a soft, moist crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and prevents the cake from drying out.

• Pecans: Bring a rich, nutty crunch and depth of flavor to the cake.
• Shredded Coconut: Introduces tropical sweetness and interesting texture.
• Rum (Optional): Infuses a warm, sophisticated flavor and keeps cake moist.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a tangy, luxurious base for the frosting.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, spreadable consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a classic, aromatic flavor enhancement.
• Toasted Pecans: Offer a crunchy garnish and nutty flavor contrast.

Must-Have Tools for Quick Italian Cream Cake

• Electric Mixer: Essential for blending cake batter and creating smooth, creamy frosting.
• Cake Pans (3 x 8-inch round): Perfect for baking even cake layers with consistent thickness.
• Wire Cooling Racks: Allows cakes to cool completely and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Needed for preparing cake batter and frosting with ample mixing space.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities for perfect cake texture.
• Spatula: Helps fold in pecans and coconut, and spreads frosting evenly.
• Toothpicks: Confirms cake doneness by checking for clean insertion.
• Cake Stand: Provides an elegant platform for assembling and presenting the finished cake.

Instructions for Baking Quick Italian Cream Cake

Tropical Paradise Delight

• Oven Preparation Kitchen Warmth

Warm your kitchen by setting the oven to a cozy temperature. Gently prepare cake pans with a light coating of grease and flour to ensure smooth cake release.

• Batter Magic

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cake ingredients, blending them with an electric mixer until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth texture. Sprinkle in crunchy pecans and delicate coconut flakes, folding them gently into the batter.

• Baking Adventure

Carefully divide the batter among three pans, creating equal layers of deliciousness. Slide the pans into the warm oven and let them bake until golden and a small tester comes out clean.

• Cooling Moment

Allow the cake layers to rest and cool, first in their pans, then transferring to wire racks. Optional rum drizzle adds a hint of exotic flavor during this waiting period.

• Frosting Bliss

Whip cream cheese and butter into a dreamy, smooth mixture. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar until the frosting becomes light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla and toasted pecans for an extra layer of richness.

• Cake Assembly

Stack the cooled layers, generously spreading frosting between each. Cover the entire cake with a smooth layer of creamy frosting, creating a stunning masterpiece.

• Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake to let flavors meld and frosting set. Slice and enjoy this heavenly tropical creation with friends and family.

Quick Italian Cream Cake Tips and Tricks

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even cake texture. This helps create a more consistent batter and prevents lumps.
• Lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet before chopping to enhance their nutty richness and add a subtle roasted undertone to the cake.
• Swap shredded coconut with toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch, or experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds to personalize the recipe.
• Keep the frosted cake refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting and bring out the cake's full flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Quick Italian Cream Cake

• Rustic Dessert Companion: Pair this Italian cream cake with a strong espresso or cappuccino to enhance the rich, nutty flavors and create an authentic Italian dining experience.
• Festive Party Centerpiece: Showcase this elegant cake at special gatherings like birthdays, bridal showers, or holiday celebrations where its luxurious texture and decadent frosting will impress guests.
• Elegant Garnish Options: Sprinkle additional toasted pecans around the cake's base, dust with powdered sugar, or add fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a beautiful and delicious visual contrast.
• Complementary Side Treat: Serve small slices alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to elevate the dessert's creamy and indulgent profile.

Planning and Storage Tips for Quick Italian Cream Cake

• Refrigerator Sanctuary: Store your Italian cream cake in an airtight container, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool environment helps maintain the creamy frosting and delicate cake texture.
• Freezing Finesse: Wrap individual cake slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for a maximum of 3 weeks, ensuring a delightful dessert is always ready for unexpected guests or sweet cravings.
• Room Temperature Strategy: Remove the cake from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow it to soften and reach the perfect serving temperature. This helps restore the cake's original moisture and brings out its rich flavors.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake layers and frosting a day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Assembly can be done just before serving, keeping the cake looking fresh and maintaining its optimal texture.

Heavenly Italian Cream Cake

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Silky quick italian cream cake combines Southern charm with Italian elegance, delivering rich mascarpone and cream cheese flavors. Nutty pecans and coconut create delightful texture, making this dessert irresistible for those craving a luxurious sweet experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pkg white cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) buttermilk
• ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 can shredded coconut
• ⅔ cup (75 g) chopped toasted pecans
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) rum (optional)
• 1 pkg (8 oz / 226 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (113 g) butter, softened
• 1 pkg (16 oz / 454 g) powdered sugar
• 2 tsps (10 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 cup (113 g) chopped toasted pecans

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Instructions

1. Pan Preparation: Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans meticulously, ensuring comprehensive non-stick coverage.
2. Batter Creation: Blend cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil using an electric mixer for two minutes until achieving a smooth, silky consistency.
3. Ingredient Incorporation: Fold chopped pecans and shredded coconut into the batter, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.
4. Baking Process: Divide batter equally among prepared pans and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-17 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean.
5. Cooling Stage: Rest cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely; optionally drizzle rum over layers for enhanced flavor profile.
6. Frosting Development: Whip softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, gradually adding powdered sugar while beating to create a light, fluffy texture.
7. Final Assembly: Add vanilla extract and toasted pecans to frosting, then layer cakes on a decorative stand, spreading frosting between and around each layer with precision.
8. Finishing Touch: Refrigerate assembled cake for minimum two hours to allow flavors to meld and frosting to set, creating a perfect serving presentation.

Notes

• Master Even Baking: Use room temperature ingredients and evenly distribute batter to guarantee consistent cake layers without dry or undercooked spots.
• Prevent Stick and Crumble: Thoroughly grease and flour pans, allowing cakes to cool completely before removing to maintain structural integrity.
• Enhance Moisture Technique: Optional rum drizzle adds depth and prevents cake from drying out, creating a more luxurious and flavorful dessert experience.
• Frosting Pro Tip: Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened at room temperature for smoother, lump-free frosting that spreads easily and looks professionally finished.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg