Description
Homemade Italian Cream Cake combines rich Southern baking traditions with coconut, pecans, and velvety cream cheese frosting. Perfect for family gatherings and special occasions, this moist cake is freezer-friendly and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup toasted pecan pieces
Wet Ingredients:
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup whole buttermilk
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 2 (8 oz) blocks softened cream cheese
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 pounds powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
1. Prepare Baking Equipment:
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- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- Line pan bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
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- In a large bowl, whisk 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
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- In another bowl, beat 1 cup unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar for 5-7 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Separate 5 eggs and incorporate yolks one at a time.
- Gradually add 1 cup buttermilk, vanilla, and almond extracts.
4. Combine Batter:
-
- Add dry ingredients in batches to the wet mixture.
- Fold in 1 1/4 cups shredded coconut and 1 cup toasted pecans.
5. Bake:
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- Divide batter evenly among prepared pans.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool completely before frosting.
6. Prepare Frosting:
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- Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and almond extract until light and fluffy.
7. Assemble Cake:
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- Level cake layers with a serrated knife.
- Spread frosting between layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate with toasted coconut and pecans if desired.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients for best results.
- For a time-saving option, prepare ingredients and pans in advance.
- Cake layers can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw before frosting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx.)
- Calories: 659 kcal
- Sugar: 70 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: ~0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 90 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg