Prepare to Swoon: The Italian Cream Cake That’s More Addictive Than Your Favorite Netflix Series

Italian Cream Cake Recipe is a showstopper that takes your dessert game to a whole new level. With its fluffy, moist layers filled with a rich cream cheese frosting, this cake is the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, making it an unforgettable treat for any occasion.

It’s speckled with shredded coconut and chopped pecans, giving it a delightful texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Pair it with indulgent Chocolate-Covered Strawberries for a touch of decadence, or enjoy a refreshing glass of Limoncello to cut through the sweetness with its citrusy zest.

This cake has all the right flavors and a bit of Italian flair, making it ideal for special celebrations or when you just need a treat that feels like a celebration.

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)

A slice of the beautifully frosted Italian Cream Cake is served on a dessert plate, set on the white marble cooktop, ready to enjoy.

  • A perfect balance of sweetness: The tangy cream cheese frosting and light cake make it the perfect dessert.
  • A classic with a twist: With coconut and pecans, it’s a unique spin on a traditional favorite.
  • Great for special occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or family gathering, this cake makes any day feel like a celebration.
  • Easy to make but looks impressive: No need for complex techniques—this cake looks stunning every time.
A slice of the beautifully frosted Italian Cream Cake is served on a dessert plate, set on the white marble cooktop, ready to enjoy.

Italian Cream Cake Recipe

A soft and moist coconut cake with a rich, creamy frosting. Topped with chopped walnuts and extra coconut, it’s perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Additional Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 767 kcal

Equipment

  • 3 (9-inch) round cake pans
  • Electric mixer
  • Small Bowl
  • Medium bowl
  • Wire Rack
  • Toothpick

Ingredients
  

Coconut Cake:

  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ cup butter
  • ½ cup shortening
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup flaked coconut
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 tablespoons light cream
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup flaked coconut

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 9-inch round cake pans.

Make Buttermilk Mixture:

  • In a small bowl, combine buttermilk and baking soda. Set aside.
    A small glass bowl on the white marble cooktop with buttermilk and baking soda being stirred together until fully combined.

Prepare Cake Batter:

  • In a large bowl, beat together butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, buttermilk mixture, vanilla, coconut, baking powder, and flour. Mix until just combined.
    A large glass mixing bowl on the white marble cooktop holds butter, shortening, and sugar being beaten into a fluffy mixture, as eggs, buttermilk mixture, vanilla, and coconut are gradually added, along with flour and baking powder.

Bake the Cake:

  • Divide the batter evenly between the three pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    Prepared batter is being evenly divided between three greased cake pans, resting on the white marble cooktop, ready for baking.
  • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
    Baked cakes are cooling on a wire rack over the white marble cooktop, with their golden edges perfectly risen and the pans removed.

Make Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • Beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and confectioners’ sugar in a medium bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually add light cream until you reach the desired frosting consistency. Stir in chopped walnuts and coconut.
    A medium glass bowl on the white marble cooktop contains cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and confectioners' sugar being whipped into a smooth, fluffy frosting, with chopped walnuts and coconut gently folded in.

Frost the Cake:

  • Spread frosting between the cooled cake layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
    The first cake layer is placed on a cake stand over the white marble cooktop, as frosting is spread evenly between layers and then used to coat the top and sides.

Serve & Enjoy:

  • Slice and enjoy this delicious Italian cream cake!
    A slice of the beautifully frosted Italian Cream Cake is served on a dessert plate, set on the white marble cooktop, ready to enjoy.

Nutrition Facts:

NutritionValue
Calories767 kcal
Carbohydrates98 g
Fibre2 g
Fat40 g
Protein8 g
Sugar79 g

Creative Variations for Coconut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!

  1. Tropical Pineapple Coconut Cake
    Add ½ cup of crushed pineapple (drained) to the cake batter for a juicy, tropical twist. You can also fold in a bit of pineapple juice for extra flavor and moisture.
  2. Lemon Coconut Cake
    Incorporate the zest of 1 lemon into the cake batter for a bright citrusy zing. For an extra pop of flavor, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the frosting.
  3. Chocolate Coconut Cake
    Add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolatey base that pairs perfectly with the coconut. Finish with a drizzle of chocolate ganache on top for a decadent touch.
  4. Almond Coconut Cake
    Swap the vanilla extract for almond extract in the cake and frosting for a sweet, nutty flavor. Garnish the cake with slivered almonds for a crunchy texture.
  5. Coconut Cream Cake
    Incorporate 1 cup of coconut cream into the cake batter for a creamier texture and richer coconut flavor. You can also add coconut cream to the frosting for extra indulgence.
  6. Caramel Coconut Cake
    Drizzle homemade caramel sauce between the layers of cake or over the top of the frosting for a rich, buttery addition that complements the coconut beautifully.
  7. Coconut Lime Cake
    Add 2 tablespoons of lime zest and 1 tablespoon of lime juice to the cake batter for a refreshing citrus kick. For the frosting, stir in some lime juice to balance the sweetness.
  8. Coffee Coconut Cake
    Stir in 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder into the cake batter to add a subtle coffee flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the coconut.
  9. Raspberry Coconut Cake
    Layer fresh raspberries between the cake layers for a burst of fruity flavor. Swirl some raspberry jam into the frosting for a touch of tartness that contrasts nicely with the coconut.
  10. Spiced Coconut Cake
    Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a warm, spiced flavor. This pairs well with the coconut and cream cheese frosting, especially during the fall and winter months.

These variations will help you elevate your coconut cake while offering exciting flavor twists!

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Noah Baker

Hi! I’m Noah Baker

I have been a professional chef and restaurant owner for the past 20 years! I love to cook and bake, and I want to share my enthusiasm.

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