Italian Cream Cake Recipe Speediest Delight for Sweet Tooths

Sweet memories of nonna’s kitchen dance through my mind when I think about this quick italian cream cake that brings comfort and joy.

Rich, velvety textures promise a delightful experience for anyone seeking a decadent dessert.

Creamy layers hint at traditional italian baking techniques passed down through generations.

Soft and indulgent, each slice tells a story of culinary passion and warm gatherings.

Subtle hints of vanilla and coconut weave magic into this classic treat.

Baking this cake feels like a celebration of simple pleasures and heartwarming connections.

You’ll fall in love with how effortlessly this recipe comes together, creating a masterpiece that looks and tastes extraordinary.

Prepare to savor every incredible bite of this nostalgic italian cream cake.

Quick Italian Cream Cake for Last-Minute Celebrations

• Perfect for novice bakers who want impressive results without complicated techniques.
• Combines classic southern flavors of coconut and pecans that appeal to multiple generations, making it ideal for family gatherings and potlucks.
• Uses cake mix as a base, reducing preparation time while maintaining homemade taste and texture, allowing busy home cooks to create a stunning dessert quickly.
• Suitable for birthdays, holidays, or casual weekend treats, transforming ordinary moments into special memories with its rich cream cheese frosting and delightful mix-ins.

Must-Have Ingredients for Quick Italian Cream Cake

• Cake Mix: Provides the foundational structure for a quick and easy cake.
• Eggs: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Buttermilk: Creates a tender, moist texture with a slight tangy flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a smooth, soft cake with added moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with a warm, sweet note.

• Shredded Coconut: Adds tropical texture and sweet flavor.
• Chopped Pecans: Provides a nutty crunch and rich, earthy taste.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the frosting's flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Helps adjust frosting consistency if needed.

• Chopped Pecans, Toasted Coconut Flakes: Decorative and adds extra texture to the cake.

Follow These Steps for Quick Italian Cream Cake

Step 1: Prep The Oven And Pans

Heat the oven to 350°F. Coat two round cake pans with butter and dust with flour. Alternatively, line pans with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix The Magical Batter

• Cake mix
• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

• Shredded coconut
• Chopped pecans

Step 3: Bake To Perfection

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out clean. Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 4: Create Heavenly Cream Cheese Frosting

• Softened cream cheese
• Butter

Whip until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed. Splash in vanilla extract and beat until fluffy. If needed, add heavy cream to achieve perfect spreading consistency.

Step 5: Assemble The Cake Masterpiece

Place first cake layer on serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting. Carefully position second layer on top. Frost entire cake with remaining cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and toasted coconut flakes for extra charm.

Step 6: Serve And Savor

Slice this decadent Italian Cream Cake and enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Watch faces light up with pure delight!

Simple Tips for Fluffy and Rich Italian Cream Cake

• Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use standard measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate proportions, which guarantee the cake's perfect texture and flavor.
• Room Temperature Matters: Allow eggs, cream cheese, and butter to sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing, helping them blend smoothly and create a more consistent batter.
• Prevent Coconut Sinking: Lightly coat shredded coconut and chopped pecans with a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from settling at the bottom during baking.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Wait until cake layers are entirely cool to room temperature to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting or sliding off the cake.
• Adjust Frosting Consistency: Add heavy cream or powdered sugar gradually to achieve the desired frosting thickness- start with small amounts and mix thoroughly between additions.

Store and Serve Quick Italian Cream Cake Easily

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Protect individual slices or whole cake by wrapping securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Remove frozen cake from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours. For best results, transfer to the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Avoid overheating to maintain the cake's moisture and prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.

Try These Toppings with Quick Italian Cream Cake

• Sweet Symphony for Italian Cream Cake
• Rich espresso or smooth cappuccino amplifies the cake's creamy sweetness, cutting through the rich frosting with bold flavor notes.
• Choose a crisp moscato or sweet riesling that balances the cake's nutty coconut texture and provides a delicate wine-dessert harmony.
• Chilled vanilla almond milk creates a smooth, cool contrast against the warm cake's rich cream cheese frosting, enhancing each decadent bite.
• Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries to introduce a tangy brightness that cuts through the cake's dense, sweet profile.

Flavor Enhancements for Quick Italian Cream Cake

Gluten-Free Version: Replace standard cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Check that pecans and coconut are processed in a gluten-free facility.

Vegan Italian Cream Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free cream cheese alternative, replace butter with vegan margarine, and select plant-based cake mix. Select coconut cream for frosting thickness and use almond milk instead of buttermilk.

Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free cake mix, replace powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener in frosting. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor profile by increasing vanilla and adding cinnamon for depth.

Nut-Free Adaptation: Eliminate pecans completely from recipe. Replace nutty crunch with toasted coconut flakes or sunflower seeds. Use seed-based alternatives to maintain textural complexity without compromising cake’s traditional Italian cream cake characteristics.

Quick Italian Cream Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy Italian Cream Cake brings Southern charm and Italian elegance to dessert tables, blending rich mascarpone and delicate coconut. Sweet nostalgia meets sophisticated flavor in this irresistible Southern-Italian fusion you’ll crave after the first heavenly bite.

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Ingredients

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Cake Components:

• 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) white or yellow cake mix
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fluid ounces) buttermilk
• ⅓ cup (80 ml / 2.7 fluid ounces) vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Mix-Ins:

• 1 cup (80 g) sweetened shredded coconut
• ½ cup (60 g) chopped pecans

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) heavy cream (optional, for spreading consistency)

Optional Garnish:

• Additional chopped pecans
• Toasted coconut flakes

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cake-baking environment by warming the oven to 350°F and meticulously coating two 9-inch cake pans with grease and flour or parchment paper.
2. Create a luxurious batter by whisking together cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract for approximately two minutes until achieving a silky, uniform texture.
3. Integrate shredded coconut and chopped pecans into the batter using gentle folding techniques to maintain the mixture’s delicate consistency.
4. Distribute the batter evenly between prepared pans, ensuring uniform depth for consistent baking.
5. Slide the pans into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge completely clean.
6. Allow cakes to rest in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.
7. Craft the decadent cream cheese frosting by blending softened cream cheese and butter until achieving a smooth, creamy foundation.
8. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, mixing on low speed and pausing between additions to create a luscious, velvety texture.
9. Enhance the frosting with vanilla extract, whipping on high speed until achieving a light, airy consistency. Adjust thickness with heavy cream if needed.
10. Construct the cake by positioning the first layer on a serving plate and lavishing it with a generous frosting spread.
11. Crown the cake with the second layer, then meticulously frost the entire exterior for a polished presentation.
12. Optionally embellish with sprinkled chopped pecans and toasted coconut flakes for textural intrigue.
13. Slice and serve, ideally accompanied by a warm beverage to complement the cake’s rich flavors.

Notes

• Swap regular cake mix with gluten-free alternatives for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.
• Toast pecans and coconut beforehand to intensify their nutty, caramelized flavors and add extra depth to the cake’s texture.
• Chill cream cheese and butter at room temperature for smoother, lump-free frosting that spreads effortlessly across cake layers.
• Adjust sugar content in frosting by taste-testing, allowing flexibility for those preferring less sweetness while maintaining creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg