The moment you experience the luscious layers of an Italian cream cake, you’ll understand why it’s adored by so many. The moist, fluffy cake, infused with coconut and pecans, creates a heavenly harmony that dances on your taste buds. Picture this: a beautiful slice adorned with rich cream cheese frosting, beckoning you to take a bite.
Now, let me take you back to my first encounter with this delightful dessert. It was at my Aunt Maria’s birthday party, where I made the mistake of thinking one slice would be enough. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t! The creamy texture and nutty crunch had me returning for seconds (and maybe thirds), leading to a sugar-induced happy dance that could only be rivaled by my relatives’ questionable karaoke skills. refreshing summer salads Trust me when I say this Italian cream cake recipe will make any celebration feel like a grand occasion!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Italian cream cake recipe is deceptively easy to whip up, giving you more time for celebrating.
- Each bite bursts with flavor from coconut and pecans, making it irresistible.
- Its stunning layers create an impressive presentation that will wow your guests.
- Perfect for birthdays or just because—who needs a reason?
Ingredients for italian cream cake recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the cake’s structure; use unbleached flour for best results.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter and contributes to that lovely golden color.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your cake rises beautifully.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter; it adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- Eggs: They provide structure and stability; always go for large eggs in baking.
For the Frosting:
- Cream Cheese: A must-have for that rich, tangy frosting; soften before mixing for smoothness.
- Powdered Sugar: Blend with cream cheese for sweetness; adjust based on your taste preference.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla brings an aromatic essence that ties all the flavors together.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make italian cream cake recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans to prevent sticking like it’s trying to escape from your dessert dreams.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. You want them to mingle nicely—think of them as new friends at a party.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, beat the unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about five minutes). This is where the magic happens—fluffiness is key!
Step 4: Add Eggs
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Channel your inner pastry chef here—no egg shells allowed!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter mixture alternately with milk until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix unless you enjoy rubbery cakes (and I doubt you do).
Step 6: Fold in Coconut and Pecans
Finally, gently fold in shredded coconut and chopped pecans into your batter. This step is crucial; it’s like adding confetti to your party cake!
Transfer the batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool completely before frosting with that dreamy cream cheese mixture.
To serve, stack those glorious layers high with frosting in between! Your guests won’t know what hit them when they dive into this Italian cream cake masterpiece!
You Must Know
- This scrumptious Italian cream cake recipe offers not only a delightful taste but also the perfect centerpiece for any occasion.
- With its luscious layers and creamy frosting, it transforms ordinary gatherings into extraordinary celebrations.
- Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, even for novice bakers!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To whip up the most incredible Italian cream cake, start by creaming your butter and sugar. While that’s fluffing away, prepare your dry ingredients and eggs. Once combined, alternate adding the dry mix and wet ingredients. This method ensures a tender crumb and maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this Italian cream cake recipe! Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. You could also swap out vanilla extract for almond extract if you’re feeling adventurous. The cake will still be a hit! For more inspiration, check out this Vanilla Custard Cream Bars recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store your leftover Italian cream cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. Simply let it sit at room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Italian cream cake rises perfectly, always use room temperature ingredients; this helps incorporate air into the batter efficiently.
- Remember to check your oven’s temperature with a thermometer; an incorrect setting can lead to uneven baking.
- Lastly, if you want extra moistness, brush each layer with simple syrup before frosting.
When I first baked this Italian cream cake for my grandmother’s birthday, she nearly shed a tear! It became our family favorite, and now every gathering feels incomplete without it—who knew dessert could spark such joy?
FAQs:
What is an Italian cream cake recipe?
The Italian cream cake recipe is a delightful dessert that features layers of moist, flavorful cake infused with coconut and pecans. This cake often includes cream cheese in the frosting, making it rich and creamy. traditional Italian desserts It’s perfect for birthdays or special occasions, offering a unique twist that sets it apart from traditional cakes.
How do I store leftover Italian cream cake?
To store leftover Italian cream cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep the cake in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness for up to five days. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing individual slices. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Can I make the Italian cream cake recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the Italian cream cake recipe ahead of time. Bake the cake layers a day or two in advance and store them properly wrapped at room temperature. You can also prepare the frosting ahead of time and refrigerate it. Assemble the cake closer to your event for optimal freshness and flavor.
What variations can I try with this Italian cream cake recipe?
You can try several variations with your Italian cream cake recipe. Consider adding different nuts like walnuts or almonds for added texture. You could also incorporate different extracts such as almond or vanilla for additional flavor depth. For a fun twist, try layering fresh fruit between layers or drizzling chocolate ganache on top.
Conclusion for italian cream cake recipe:
In summary, the Italian cream cake recipe offers a deliciously unique dessert experience with its moist layers and creamy frosting. By understanding how to store leftovers and plan ahead, you can enjoy this delightful treat any time. cookie variations to try Experimenting with variations can further enhance its flavor profile, making it an even more exciting addition to your dessert repertoire. Enjoy creating this classic treat that will impress family and friends alike!
Italian Cream Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Italian Cream Cake is a delightful dessert that features layers of moist cake infused with coconut and pecans, all enveloped in a rich cream cheese frosting. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and elegance, making it ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration. Each bite promises a burst of flavor that will leave your guests enchanted and asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk until just combined; do not overmix.
- Gently fold in shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely before frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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