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Italian Cream Cake

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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 1088
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Cake:
  • 2 ⅔ cups 333g all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 2 cups 400g granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 12 Tbsp 170g unsalted butter, softened & cubed
  • 1 ½ cups 354ml buttermilk, room temp (sub: 1 Tbsp lemon juice + milk to make 1.5 cups)
  • 2 large eggs room temp
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp almond extract optional but recommended
  • 1 cup 120g sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup 113g chopped pecans
  • For the Frosting: Yes, it’s generous!
  • 1 cup 226g unsalted butter, softened
  • 16 oz 453g cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp almond extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 8 cups 1kg powdered sugar, sifted
  • For Decoration Optional:
  • ½ cup 60g chopped pecans
  • ½ cup 40g toasted coconut

Method
 

  1. Bake the Cake:
  2. Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease, flour, and line three 8-inch round pans with parchment.
  3. Dry Mix: Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a stand mixer.
  4. Butter: On medium speed, add butter cubes one at a time until mixture resembles sand.
  5. Wet Mix: In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and extracts. Slowly drizzle into dry mix on low speed until combined.
  6. Fold In: Stir in coconut and pecans by hand.
  7. Bake: Divide batter evenly into pans. Bake 25–30 mins until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 mins, then transfer to a wire rack.
  8. Make the Frosting:
  9. Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add extracts and salt.
  10. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed (to avoid a cloud!), then beat until fluffy.
  11. Assemble the Cake:
  12. Level: Trim cake tops if needed. Place the first layer on a plate and spread with frosting. Repeat.
  13. Crumb Coat: Apply a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake. Chill for 15 mins.
  14. Final Frosting: Cover with remaining frosting. Pipe swirls on top (use an Ateco 846 tip).
  15. Decorate: Press a mix of pecans and toasted coconut onto the sides. Dust tops of swirls.
  16. Pro Tips & Variations
  17. ✅ Room Temp Matters: Cold ingredients can curdle the frosting or make the cake dense.
  18. ✅ Toasting Coconut/Nuts: Spread on a baking sheet at 350°F for 5–8 mins, stirring once, until golden.
  19. ✅ Fewer Pans? Bake in batches—keep unused batter at room temp.
  20. ✅ Make Ahead: Cakes can be baked, wrapped tightly, and frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw before frosting.
  21. ✅ Lighter Frosting: Reduce powdered sugar to 6 cups and add a splash of heavy cream.
  22. Serving & Storage
  23. Serve: Slice with a hot knife for clean cuts. Pair with coffee or bourbon-spiked whipped cream!
  24. Store: Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temp before serving.

Notes

🔹 Baking Pan Essentials
Oven Rack: Always bake on the center rack for even heat distribution.
Small Oven? Bake in batches (leave 3rd pan on counter; batter holds for 30 mins).
Uneven Oven? Rotate pans 180° halfway through baking.
Pan Sizes:
8-inch pans: Bake 30 mins (standard).
9-inch pans: Start checking at 25 mins (thinner layers).
🔹 Frosting Wisdom
Generous Amount: Designed to fully coat + pipe decorative swirls (Ateco 846 tip).
Prefer Less? Halve the recipe for a modest layer (no piping).
Pro Trick: Chill frosting 10 mins before piping for sharper swirls.
🔹 Storage & Extras
Room Temp: Keep in airtight container for 48 hours (ideal texture).
Fridge: Up to 5 days—let sit at room temp 1 hour before serving.
Freezer: Wrap layers individually in plastic + foil; freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.
🔹 Gluten-Free Option
Swap flour with Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 GF Blend (verified by readers).
Add ½ tsp xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.
🔹 Troubleshooting
Dry Cake? Overbaking or overmeasuring flour (spoon & level!).
Dense Texture? Ensure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are room temp.
Frosting Too Soft? Chill bowl/beaters before mixing.
Why This Works
✅ Precision: Specific pan sizes and bake times prevent under/overcooking.
✅ Flexibility: Batch baking and GF options cater to all kitchens.
✅ Pro Frosting: Enough for drama, but adjustable for simplicity.