Italian Cream Cake A Southern Classic with Italian Flair

by

Italian Cream Cake: A Southern Classic with Italian Flair

Introduction

Italian Cream Cake is a luscious dessert layered with tender, buttery cake, shredded coconut, crunchy pecans, and a rich cream cheese frosting. Despite its name, this cake is actually Southern American in origin, not Italian. Its luxurious texture and flavor have made it a beloved treat at birthdays, weddings, and Sunday dinners alike.

Whether you’re enjoying it with family or impressing guests at a dinner party, Italian Cream Cake is a timeless showstopper that brings together texture, sweetness, and elegance in every bite.

History of Italian Cream Cake

The name suggests an Old World origin, but Italian Cream Cake is proudly Southern. Most culinary historians agree it first emerged in Texas in the early 1900s. It was likely dubbed “Italian” due to the use of coconut and pecans, both of which were exotic and luxurious ingredients at the time.

In the 20th century, the cake gained popularity through church cookbooks and potluck gatherings, becoming a cherished recipe passed down through generations of Southern bakers.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 5 large eggs, separated
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, for topping)
  • Additional coconut (optional, for garnish)

Instructions & Method

Cake Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, cream butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Separate the eggs. Beat the yolks in one at a time into the creamed mixture.
  4. In another bowl, sift together the flour and baking soda.
  5. Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
  6. Stir in the vanilla, coconut, and pecans.
  7. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the batter.
  8. Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Frosting Method:

  1. Beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
  2. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and beat until fluffy.
  4. Frost between layers, then the top and sides of the cooled cake.
  5. Garnish with pecans and coconut if desired.

Benefits of Italian Cream Cake

While it’s definitely indulgent, Italian Cream Cake does offer a few benefits:

  • Pecans: Rich in healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants.
  • Coconut: Provides fiber and adds a delicious tropical note.
  • Egg whites: Help create a light texture without adding fat.

And most importantly — it’s a cake that nourishes the soul. Joy, celebration, and comfort are all part of the package.

Formation of the Cake

Italian Cream Cake is traditionally a three-layered cake, though some prefer two or even four layers for more frosting in every bite. The formation includes alternating layers of tender, nutty cake and tangy cream cheese frosting, often garnished with toasted pecans or coconut flakes for that perfect texture contrast.

You can form it into:

  • A classic tiered round cake
  • Cupcakes (for portion control!)
  • A sheet cake for easy slicing

Italian Cream Cake Lovers

This cake has a cult following. Some of its biggest fans include:

  • Southerners who grew up with this cake on their Sunday table
  • Cream cheese frosting enthusiasts
  • Holiday bakers who love a festive, nutty cake
  • Wedding dessert lovers who choose this cake for its elegance and rich taste

It’s also become a staple in family reunions, potlucks, and even bakeries across America.

Nutrition (Approximate per slice, 1/12 of cake)

  • Calories: ~600
  • Total Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Carbohydrates: 72g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 50g
  • Protein: 6g

It’s a treat — best enjoyed in moderation. But it’s worth every bite.

Conclusion

Italian Cream Cake is an American classic disguised with a European name, full of Southern soul and rich, nutty, creamy flavor. It’s a cake of celebration, of comfort, of love.

Whether you’re making it for a birthday, the holidays, or just a special weekend, this cake is bound to win hearts and tastebuds. It’s not just dessert — it’s a tradition.

Final Word on Lovers

Italian Cream Cake is for:

  • Lovers of decadence
  • Lovers of cream cheese frosting
  • Lovers of nostalgic desserts
  • And those who believe that the best moments in life are celebrated with cake.

Leave a Comment