Description
Silky quick Italian cream cake delights dessert enthusiasts with rich layers of creamy elegance. Nutty pecans and smooth cream cheese frosting create an irresistible Southern-Italian American fusion you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) white or yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) buttermilk
- ⅓ cup (80 ml / 2.7 fl oz) vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (80 g) sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup (60 g) chopped pecans
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) heavy cream (optional, for spreading consistency)
- Additional chopped pecans (optional)
- Toasted coconut flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and generously prepare two 9-inch cake pans with grease, flour, or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Batter Creation: Vigorously whisk cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract for two minutes until achieving a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
- Texture Enhancement: Gently fold shredded coconut and chopped pecans into the batter, maintaining its delicate consistency and ensuring even distribution.
- Baking Process: Evenly distribute batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Confirm doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge completely clean.
- Cooling Stage: Rest cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing for proper texture development.
- Frosting Preparation: Blend softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, gradually incorporating powdered sugar on low speed to create a velvety base.
- Frosting Refinement: Whip in vanilla extract on high speed, adjusting consistency with heavy cream if necessary to achieve a light, airy texture.
- Cake Assembly: Place first cake layer on serving plate, spread generously with frosting, then carefully position second layer on top.
- Final Presentation: Frost entire cake exterior with precision, optionally garnishing with toasted coconut flakes and chopped pecans for added visual and textural appeal.
Notes
- Measure Ingredients Precisely: Accurate measurements ensure the cake’s texture and taste remain consistent, especially with buttermilk and cake mix.
- Control Mixing Technique: Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake, so fold ingredients gently and mix just until combined for a light, tender crumb.
- Monitor Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify accurate heat, preventing uneven baking or dry edges that can compromise the cake’s moisture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs, buttermilk, and cream cheese to sit at room temperature for smoother blending and better incorporation, resulting in a more uniform batter and frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg