Indulge in the irresistible decadence of Italian Cream Cake, a Southern classic that's as beautiful as it is delicious. This beloved dessert boasts a moist, tender crumb infused with the warm notes of pecans and coconut, perfectly complemented by a creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting. Forget dry, disappointing cakes; this recipe delivers a truly unforgettable experience, a symphony of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for slice after slice. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
The secret to its exceptional moistness lies in the careful balance of ingredients and a few baking tricks we'll uncover together. Get ready to experience the perfect blend of sweet and nutty, soft and creamy, in every single bite. Ready to create your own masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step process and bake the most amazing Italian Cream Cake you've ever tasted!
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Food processor
- Stand mixer with whisk attachment
- 8-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Baking spray
- Ice cream scoop (optional)
- Kitchen scale (optional)
- Serrated knife (optional)
- Spatula
- Cake stand or cake board
- Pastry bag with open star tip
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (285g)
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon (3g)
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon (5g)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Pecans: 1 cup (115g)
- Sweetened shredded coconut: 1 cup (120g)
- Unsalted butter: 6 oz (170g)
- Granulated sugar: 2 cups (450g)
- Pure vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
- Pure almond extract: 1 teaspoon
- Light olive oil: 1/4 cup
- Eggs: 4
- Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup
- Whole milk: 1/2 cup
- Cream cheese: 1 lb (455g)
- Confectioners' sugar: 8 cups (2 lbs)
- Toasted shredded coconut (for garnish): 1 cup
- Chopped toasted pecans (for garnish): 1 cup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Cake Batter
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Toast pecans at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, then pulse in a food processor until finely chopped.
- Combine chopped pecans and shredded coconut.
- Cream together butter, sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and olive oil in a stand mixer.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
- Whisk together yogurt and milk.
- Add yogurt mixture to batter, followed by coconut and pecan mixture.
- Divide batter evenly among prepared cake pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 27-30 minutes, rotating pans halfway through.
- Let cakes cool completely before frosting.
Step 2. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Make the frosting by creaming together butter and cream cheese.
- Add vanilla and almond extracts, then gradually add confectioners' sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Step 3. Assemble and Frost the Cake
- Assemble the cake by layering cake, frosting, and repeating.
- Apply a crumb coat, chill for 15-20 minutes.
- Toast coconut for garnish.
- Apply final layer of frosting, then coat the sides with toasted coconut and pecans.
- Pipe rosettes on top, garnish with extra coconut and pecans.
Step 4. Chill and Serve
- Chill for another 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Read more: Castagnaccio Recipe: Authentic Tuscan Gluten-Free Cake
Tips
- To keep the cake moist, add both olive oil and butter.
- Greek yogurt and milk can substitute for buttermilk.
- Cake layers can be frozen for up to a month.
- Make sure cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Chilling the frosting helps it set before decorating.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! The cake layers can be baked a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost just before serving for best results.
2. What can I substitute for the pecans?
Walnuts or macadamia nuts work well as substitutes for pecans. You could even use a mix of nuts for added flavor and texture.
3. Why is my Italian Cream Cake dry?
This is usually due to overbaking. Check for doneness with a toothpick – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
So there you have it – a perfectly moist, tender, and undeniably delicious Italian Cream Cake! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite, impressing both seasoned bakers and newcomers alike. Enjoy every last crumb!