Italian Cream Cake Recipe (Classic Southern Coconut Pecan Dessert)
Italian Cream Cake is a rich, moist layer cake filled with coconut and pecans and finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Despite its name, this beloved dessert is actually a Southern favorite that frequently appears at holidays, birthdays, and family celebrations.
Origins of Italian Cream Cake
Despite its name, Italian Cream Cake is generally considered an American Southern dessert rather than a traditional Italian cake. Its exact origins are unclear, but the cake became especially popular in the Southern United States during the 20th century, where rich layer cakes featuring ingredients like buttermilk, coconut, pecans, and cream cheese frosting were common at holidays, weddings, and family gatherings. Some stories suggest the recipe may have been introduced or popularized by an Italian baker or Italian-American family, which could explain the name, but there is little documentation confirming this. Today, Italian Cream Cake is best known as a classic Southern-style layer cake with moist coconut cake, crunchy pecans, and thick cream cheese frosting.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Classic Southern dessert
Rich cream cheese frosting
Loaded with coconut and pecans
Perfect for holidays
Moist and flavorful
Beautiful layer cake
Ingredients
Cake
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup shortening
2 cups granulated sugar
5 large eggs, separated
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
Cream Cheese Frosting
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish
Toasted pecans
Shredded coconut
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans.
Step 2
Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Set aside.
Step 3
Beat butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add egg yolks one at a time.
Mix in vanilla.
Step 4
Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk.
Mix until combined.
Fold in coconut and pecans.
Step 5
Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold into the batter.
Step 6
Divide batter among prepared pans.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Cool completely.
Step 7
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar.
Mix in vanilla.
Step 8
Frost between layers and over the top and sides.
Garnish with toasted pecans and coconut.
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Variations
Pineapple Italian Cream Cake
Add crushed pineapple to the batter.
Coconut Pecan Cake
Double the coconut topping.
Strawberry Italian Cream Cake
Add diced strawberries between layers.
Italian Cream Sheet Cake
Bake in a 9x13-inch pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Italian Cream Cake?
Despite the name, the cake is most closely associated with Southern baking traditions.
What does Italian Cream Cake taste like?
It has a rich buttery flavor with coconut, pecans, and tangy cream cheese frosting.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Many bakers prefer making it a day ahead.