Italian Cream Cake

An easy, elegant moist layer cake that will leave your guests feeling utterly pampered. Coconut flakes and pecans add a beautiful texture that perfectly compliments generously layered cream cheese frosting. This is one of those cakes that has everyone asking for seconds.

Course Dessert

Cuisine Southern

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 45

Total Time 55

Servings

Calories 415kcal

Author Imma

Ingredients

10 ounces (283g) unsalted butter
1¾- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
6 large egg whites (beaten to soft peaks)
6 large egg yolks
2½ cups (266.5g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (240g) buttermilk, or sour cream
1½ teaspoons (12g) baking soda
½ teaspoon (4g) salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup (85g) coconut flakes
¾–1 cup (113g) pecans, chopped (or more to garnish)

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

4 ounces (113g) unsalted butter, softened
8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
4-6 cups (440-660g) powdered sugar, or icing sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

The Cake

Preheat the oven to 325°F/160°C. Grease three 9-inch pans generously with cooking spray and set aside.
Cream the butter and sugar at high speed in a stand mixer for 2-3 minutes. Add the egg yolks a little at a time and continue mixing for another 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the eggs, one at a time, beating the mixture well between each addition. Sift the flour, salt, and baking soda into the batter, and then add milk and vanilla extract.
Stir well until everything is fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl.
Using a spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the batter. Follow with the coconut flakes and chopped pecans, and continue folding for about 30 seconds.
Divide the batter between the greased cake pans into three equal parts. Tap pans on the work surface to eliminate any large air bubbles.
Bake at 325℉/163℃ until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean – about 30-35 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Whisk cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until creamy. You may use a mixer if desired.
Gradually sieve in powdered sugar, and mix as you go along until smooth.
Finally, stir in the pecans.

Assembling the Cake

Place a cake layer on a serving platter. Spread about 1½ cups of cream cheese frosting over the first cake layer. Top with second layer, and more frosting over the second cake layer.
Top with the remaining cake layer. Then spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Garnish with pecans.
If desired, use crushed pecans to garnish the side or pipe more frosting in a cool design.

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