Italian Cream Cake

Authentic Italian Cream Cake Recipe - The Ultimate Dessert

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Italian Cream Cake is a decadent and delicious dessert that is perfect for any special occasion. This rich and moist cake is made with a combination of white cake mix, vanilla pudding, pecans, and coconut. Topped with a creamy and sweet cream cheese frosting, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Italian Cream Cake is believed to have originated in the southern United States, despite its name suggesting an Italian origin. The cake is thought to have been created by Italian immigrants who settled in the southern states and adapted their traditional recipes to include local ingredients such as pecans and coconut. Over time, the recipe has evolved to become a popular dessert enjoyed by many.

Ingredients

1 box white cake mix
1 small box instant vanilla pudding
1.33 cups water
4 eggs
0.5 cup vegetable oil
1 cup chopped pecans
2 cups coconut

Frosting

4 tbsp butter, softened
8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, softened
3 tbsp canned milk
3.5 cups confectioners' sugar
2 cups coconut

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, water, eggs, and oil. Beat on low speed for 4 minutes.
Stir in the nuts and coconut, then pour the mixture into a rectangular cake pan that has been greased and floured.
Bake the cake at 350°F (177°C) for 40 minutes.
In another bowl, combine all the frosting ingredients and spread it evenly on the cooled cake.

Variations

Add a splash of rum or rum extract to the batter for a boozy twist.
Substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
Drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce over the cake for an extra touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting the recipe to ensure a smooth and even batter.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense and tough cake.

- Toasting the pecans and coconut before adding them to the batter can enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch to the cake.

- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off the cake.

Serving Suggestions

Italian Cream Cake is best served chilled with a cup of hot coffee or tea. It can also be enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Cooking Techniques

Beating the batter on low speed for 4 minutes helps to incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a light and fluffy cake.

- Greasing and flouring the cake pan ensures that the cake does not stick to the pan and can be easily removed after baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use a homemade white cake batter instead of a boxed mix for a more personalized touch.

- If you are allergic to nuts, you can omit the pecans and substitute them with additional coconut or another type of nut.

Make Ahead Tips

Italian Cream Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the top of the cake with additional toasted coconut and pecans for a beautiful and elegant presentation. You can also garnish with fresh berries or edible flowers for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Italian Cream Cake pairs well with a glass of sweet dessert wine such as Moscato or a cup of hot cocoa. It also goes well with a scoop of fruity sorbet or a slice of tangy lemon tart.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Italian Cream Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 1g

- Sugars: 33g

Fats

- Total Fat: 18g

- Saturated Fat: 8g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 4g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 6%

- Vitamin C: 0%

- Calcium: 6%

- Iron: 4%

Alergens

Contains: Tree nuts, dairy

Summary

Italian Cream Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of protein and provides some essential vitamins and minerals. However, it is important to enjoy this cake in moderation due to its high calorie content.

Summary

Italian Cream Cake is a classic dessert that is loved for its rich and creamy texture. With a combination of white cake mix, vanilla pudding, pecans, and coconut, this cake is a delicious treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with a scoop of ice cream, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was tucked away in an old cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother, passed down through the generations. The pages were yellowed and fragile, filled with handwritten notes and splatters of ingredients long since forgotten. As I read through the instructions for Italian Cream Cake, I could almost smell the rich aroma of butter and vanilla wafting through the air.

I had always been drawn to baking, ever since I was a little girl watching my own grandmother in the kitchen. She was a master baker, able to whip up the most delicious treats with just a few simple ingredients. I would sit on a stool next to her, my eyes wide with wonder as she worked her magic. Her hands moved with such grace and precision, a sight to behold.

As I grew older, I began to experiment with baking on my own. I would spend hours poring over cookbooks, trying out new recipes and techniques. But it wasn't until I stumbled upon the recipe for Italian Cream Cake that I truly found my calling. There was something about the combination of flavors – the tender crumb of the cake, the creamy richness of the frosting – that spoke to my soul.

I set to work gathering the ingredients, carefully measuring each one out as I followed the instructions step by step. The batter came together like a dream, smooth and velvety as I poured it into the cake pans. As the cakes baked in the oven, the scent of toasted coconut and pecans filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Once the cakes had cooled, I set to work on the frosting. Cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar – the simple ingredients came together to create a luscious, decadent frosting that I could hardly resist sneaking spoonfuls of. I spread it generously between the layers of cake, watching as it oozed and dripped down the sides in a tantalizing cascade.

As I took my first bite of the finished cake, I knew I had found something truly special. The flavors danced on my tongue, a symphony of sweetness and richness that made me close my eyes in bliss. I could almost hear my great-grandmother's voice whispering in my ear, guiding me through each step with wisdom and love.

Since that day, Italian Cream Cake has become a staple in my baking repertoire. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, delighting in their reactions as they take their first bite. Each time I make it, I feel a connection to the past, to all the women who came before me and passed down their knowledge and love through the simple act of baking.

As I sit here now, looking back on all the cakes I have baked over the years, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and pride. The recipe for Italian Cream Cake may have come from a dusty old cookbook, but it has become so much more than that to me. It is a link to my past, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

And so, I will continue to bake this cake for as long as I am able, passing the recipe down to future generations and sharing the love and joy that it brings with all who are lucky enough to taste it. After all, there is nothing quite like a homemade cake to warm the heart and nourish the soul.