Save this
Our treasured Southern household cake combines velvety layers packed with coconut and pecans all topped with creamy cheese icing. While the name suggests European origins, this sweet masterpiece actually comes from down South where sweet shareable treats aren't just food—they're tradition.
Why This Dessert Stands Out
This treat has been the centerpiece at so many family events in my home. The incredible mix of buttery cake, crunchy nuts and that velvety cream cheese topping creates something unforgettable. You'll want this as your celebration go-to, I promise. And guess what? You can totally nail this at home without professional training.
Essential Components
- Shortening and Butter: 1/2 cup of each whipped with sugar for that soft, delicate texture
- Sugar: 2 cups delivers just enough sweetness
- Eggs: 5 divided whites from yolks for that incredible airy structure
- Buttermilk: 1 cup brings a wonderful subtle zing
- Coconut Shreds: 1 cup adds amazing dimension
- Pecans Chopped: 1/2 cup scattered throughout the layers
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces softened for smooth frosting
- Powdered Sugar: 4 cups creates perfectly balanced sweetness
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons for cozy flavor depth
Baking Together Step By Step
- Creating Your Base
- Warm your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, beat shortening, butter and sugar until light and airy. Add your egg yolks and vanilla, mixing until blended. Go back and forth adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, then stir in your nuts and coconut last.
- Working With Egg Whites
- Beat those whites until soft peaks form but don't overdo it. Mix a small amount into your batter to loosen it up, then carefully fold in the rest without losing that airiness.
- Into The Oven
- Split batter between three 9-inch round pans that you've greased and floured ahead of time. They'll need roughly 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool briefly before removing to a wire rack.
- Frosting Creation
- Mix your cream cheese and butter until completely smooth. Add vanilla and sugar gradually until fluffy, then mix in pecans. Spread this heavenly mixture between cake layers and cover the outside completely.
Custom Touches
I sometimes add a tiny bit of amaretto liqueur to my frosting for extra flavor. Try switching to walnuts if you prefer. When cooking for fewer people, I cut everything in half or turn extra batter into little cupcakes for later.
Storage Tips
Store your finished cake in something airtight in your fridge and it'll stay tasty for up to a week. Need to make it way ahead? Wrap it properly and freeze for up to three months. Just let it thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Don't leave it out too long with that cream cheese topping.
Save this
Common Curiosities
People often wonder about using mascarpone instead of cream cheese and yes, it works wonderfully with a richer result. The nuts and coconut aren't just decorative, they give each bite fantastic texture. Always remember this needs refrigeration to stay fresh.
Satisfaction With Every Bite
This dessert has joined me for so many special moments over the years. The way those soft cake layers work with the sweet creamy frosting just can't be beat. You'll understand why I make it again and again once you try your first slice.
Great Accompaniments
I love enjoying this treat alongside freshly brewed coffee which really brings out all those flavors. Adding some lightly browned coconut on top makes it look even more impressive. It's what I bake when I want to brighten someone's mood.
A Shareable Tradition
From birthdays to Christmas dinners to casual weekend meals, I've brought this cake everywhere. There's something about those textured layers and smooth frosting that pulls folks together. It became my signature sweet treat and might soon be yours too.
Quick Buttermilk Swap
Back when I started baking, I rarely had buttermilk ready to go. Here's my quick trick: add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then fill with milk to the one-cup mark. Wait 5 minutes and you've got homemade buttermilk ready for your batter.
Upgrading Your Icing
I'll often put a few drops of coconut or almond extract in my frosting. These small additions really heighten the nutty coconut flavors. It's amazing what tiny changes can do to transform the whole dessert experience.
Save this
Creating Even Tiers
I always weigh my batter on a kitchen scale when sharing between pans. It's the only way I've found to get those perfectly matched layers. Just a quick smooth with a spatula and they're all set for baking.
Fancy Finishing Touches
I switch up my toppings depending on my mood. Sometimes I scatter toasted pecans across the top, other times I go with flaked coconut. For special occasions, I'll pour warm caramel over everything for a stunning look and amazing taste.
Troubleshooting Tips
Got a heavy cake? Been there too. The trick is in those egg whites - whip them properly and fold them in carefully. If your cake seems too dry, your oven might run hot so check a bit earlier than called for. These small details really matter in the final result.
Adjustments For Dietary Needs
Friends with gluten issues can still enjoy this treat - just swap in your favorite gluten-free flour mix. Need to skip dairy? There are great plant options for both the butter and cream cheese that work really well in this recipe.
Using Every Last Drop
Got batter leftover? Don't waste it! I pour mine into cupcake liners about halfway up and bake at 350°F for around 15 minutes. They make wonderful little gifts and are perfect when you want just a small sweet treat.
Deep Southern Heritage
Though it carries an Italian name, this cake is Southern through and through. The buttermilk, coconut and that amazing frosting tell you where it really comes from. This is the kind of sweet that's traveled through generations of Southern families, each cook adding their personal flair.
Tasty Beverage Matches
This cake tastes amazing with cold milk but hot coffee works wonderfully too. Sometimes I serve it alongside glasses of sweet Moscato wine which pairs so well with those creamy flavors. Finding your favorite combo is part of the fun.
Room For Innovation
Think of this recipe as your starting point. Try mixing in dried berries, swap different nuts or layer in some fruit jam between the tiers. I love seeing how everyone makes this classic their own - it keeps baking fresh and exciting.
Save this
Common Questions
- → Why do I need to separate the eggs in this recipe?
- Breaking eggs apart lets you whip the whites until they form peaks, giving your cake extra lift and softness. The whipped whites pump air into your mix, creating a tender, fluffy texture.
- → Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- You can definitely prep this cake 1-2 days early. Just keep it in the fridge with a cover to make sure the cream cheese icing stays fresh.
- → Why should ingredients be at room temperature?
- Ingredients at room temp mix together way better and make your batter smoother. This helps your cake rise evenly and gives it that nice, consistent texture.
- → Can I freeze this Italian cream cake?
- This cake holds up great in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just wrap it really well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then let it thaw in your fridge overnight.
- → What makes this cake Italian?
- Funny enough, this isn't actually from Italy at all. It's an American cake that got popular down South and picked up its name from how rich and creamy it tastes.