Description
This Italian Cream Cake recipe is a classic Southern dessert made with layers of moist buttermilk cake, sweetened shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and rich cream cheese frosting. A crowd-pleaser for holidays, birthdays, and any special occasion. Keywords: Italian cream cake, coconut pecan cake, Southern cake recipe, cream cheese frosting cake.
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)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease three 8-inch round cake pans. Line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda.
5. Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Stir in vanilla extract.
6. Fold in sweetened shredded coconut and chopped pecans gently until combined.
7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
9. Prepare frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth.
10. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
11. Assemble the cake by layering and spreading frosting between each layer and over the top and sides.
12. Decorate with extra chopped pecans or toasted coconut if desired.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better texture.
Toasted coconut or pecans can be added on top for extra crunch and flavor.
This cake actually tastes better the next day once the flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 52g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg