Italian Cream Cheese Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for the best Italian Cream Cheese Cake recipe, this classic layered dessert is a showstopper. It’s incredibly moist, fluffy, and rich, packed with sweetened coconut, crunchy pecans, and tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Cream Cheese Cake
- Ultra moist texture thanks to buttermilk and whipped egg whites
- Rich, creamy flavor from the cream cheese frosting
- Crunchy texture contrast from pecans and coconut
- Perfect layer cake for celebrations
- A true Southern-style cream cheese cake classic
Ingredients
Cake Batter:
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 2 cups sugar
- 5 large eggs (separated)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 11 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 3/4 cup butter (softened)
- 6 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy (about 5–7 minutes). Beat in egg yolks and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, mix flour and baking soda. Add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Stir in coconut and pecans.
Step 2: Whip Egg Whites & Bake
In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold 1/4 of the egg whites into the batter, then carefully fold in the rest.
Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until fluffy, then stir in chopped pecans.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Spread frosting between each layer, then cover the top and sides of the cake. Refrigerate before serving for best texture and flavor.
Expert Baking Tips
- Room temperature ingredients ensure smoother batter and frosting
- Don’t overmix after adding flour—keeps the cake light and fluffy
- Fold egg whites gently to maintain volume
- Chill the cake before slicing for clean layers
- Toast pecans for deeper, nuttier flavor
Delicious Variations
- Coconut Lovers Version: Add extra 1/2 cup coconut for more texture
- Caramel Twist: Drizzle caramel sauce between layers
- Chocolate Upgrade: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter
- Nut-Free Option: Skip pecans and replace with extra coconut
- Cupcake Version: Bake in cupcake tins for individual servings
Serving Ideas
- Serve chilled for a firmer frosting texture
- Pair with coffee or sweet tea
- Garnish with extra toasted pecans or coconut flakes
