A slice of Italian Cream Cake is like a soft whisper of the South mixed with a hint of Italian romance. It boasts rich layers of buttery cake filled with chopped pecans and shredded coconut, slathered in smooth cream cheese frosting. The texture is plush and tender, with the pecans adding a subtle crunch and the coconut lending an almost tropical aroma that makes every bite feel celebratory.

This cake has a nostalgic charm to it. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday table, or just because, it delivers comfort with a touch of elegance. It’s a classic southern favorite that wins people over again and again, and once you make it at home, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Cream Cake

Italian Cream Cake has everything a great dessert should offer. It starts with a moist crumb that stays soft for days, thanks to the buttermilk and coconut. The balance between sweet and tangy is just right, especially once the rich cream cheese frosting hits your tongue. And with toasted pecans tucked into each layer, it has a bit of complexity that keeps you going back for more.

The frosting is silky, fluffy, and not too heavy, which lets the flavors of the cake come through. It’s the kind of cake that feels both indulgent and approachable—perfect for family gatherings or as a homemade gift for someone special.

What Kind of Coconut Should I Use?

For the most traditional flavor and texture, go with sweetened shredded coconut. It blends beautifully into the batter and adds just the right amount of chew and sweetness. You can toast it lightly before folding it in for a little extra depth. If you prefer less sweetness, unsweetened coconut works too, but it does make the cake a touch drier and more nutty.

Ingredients for the Italian Cream Cake

Name: Italian Cream Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup butter; 2 cups granulated sugar; 5 large eggs; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut; 1 cup chopped pecans; 8 ounces cream cheese; 1/2 cup butter (for frosting); 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

This cake might look fancy, but the ingredients are simple pantry staples with a few delightful additions. Each one plays a key role in creating that iconic flavor and texture.

Butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Buttermilk
Vanilla extract
Sweetened shredded coconut
Chopped pecans
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar

How To Make the Italian Cream Cake

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease three 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 3 to 4 minutes and helps create a soft, airy crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. This helps bind the batter and build structure in the cake.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter, starting and ending with the dry mix. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Fold in Coconut and Pecans

Gently fold in the sweetened shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth, then add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip until light and fluffy.

Step 8: Assemble and Frost

Layer the cakes with generous amounts of cream cheese frosting between each, and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate with extra pecans if desired.

How to Serve and Store Italian Cream Cake

This cake is rich but balanced, so serve slices slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. It easily feeds 10 to 12 people, making it ideal for dinner parties or special occasions. The layers hold up beautifully, so it slices cleanly even after a day or two.

To store, keep the cake covered in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to five days and actually improves in flavor as the frosting seeps into the layers. If you need to freeze it, wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to a month.

What to Serve With Italian Cream Cake?

Coffee or Espresso

A strong cup of coffee or a shot of espresso cuts through the richness of the cake.

Fresh Berries

Add a pop of brightness and color with a side of raspberries or strawberries.

Sparkling Wine

A crisp glass of Prosecco pairs surprisingly well with the creamy texture.

Whipped Cream

For those who want something extra soft and pillowy alongside each bite.

Lemon Sorbet

Tart and refreshing, it offers a cool contrast to the dense, sweet cake.

Vanilla Ice Cream

You can’t go wrong with a classic scoop to complement the coconut and pecan flavors.

Caramel Drizzle

A touch of caramel sauce over the top adds a cozy, buttery finish.

Spiced Tea

A warm chai or cinnamon tea brings a comforting note alongside every forkful.

Want More Cake Ideas?

If you love this Italian Cream Cake, here are some other rich, flavor-packed cakes and bakes to explore:

Southern Hummingbird Cake for another nutty, fruit-filled Southern gem.
Hot Fudge Brownie Bread if you crave dense chocolate decadence.
Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls for something fruity and creamy in every bite.
Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies to keep things crispy, chewy, and nostalgic.
No Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake if you love creamy desserts with a Southern twist.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add toasted coconut on top? Try it with a layer of lemon curd in the middle?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Italian Cream Cake is one of those desserts that brings warmth, tradition, and celebration to the table. It’s full of comforting flavors, from the sweet coconut and pecans to the tangy cream cheese frosting, and every forkful tastes like home. Whether you’re baking it for a special event or just to brighten the week, it’s a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again.