Best 5 Italian Cream Cake Old Family Recipes

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Indulge in the delectable symphony of flavors that is Italian cream cake, a classic dessert that tantalizes taste buds with its layers of moist, tender sponge cake, luscious custard filling, and fluffy coconut pecan frosting. This iconic cake, born from the culinary heritage of Italy and America, has captured hearts and palates for generations. With its elegant appearance and irresistible taste, Italian cream cake is a centerpiece for special occasions, a delightful treat for everyday indulgence, and a cherished family recipe passed down through generations.

In this comprehensive guide, we present a collection of Italian cream cake recipes that cater to diverse preferences and skill levels. From the traditional Southern Italian cream cake, renowned for its rich, custard-like filling, to the lighter, airier versions that incorporate whipped cream or cream cheese, our recipes offer a range of textures and flavors to satisfy every craving.

Whether you're a seasoned baker seeking to perfect your technique or a novice yearning to create a stunning dessert, our detailed instructions and helpful tips will guide you through each step of the process. Discover the secrets to achieving perfectly moist cake layers, a velvety smooth custard filling, and a frosting that strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and coconut-pecan flavor.

Our collection includes a gluten-free Italian cream cake recipe for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring that everyone can savor the joys of this classic dessert. Additionally, we've included a section dedicated to troubleshooting common challenges faced by bakers, providing solutions to help you overcome any hurdles and achieve a flawless final product.

Embark on a culinary journey as you explore the world of Italian cream cake. With our carefully curated recipes and expert guidance, you'll be able to recreate this timeless dessert in the comfort of your own kitchen. Prepare to impress your family and friends with a homemade masterpiece that will leave them craving more.

Let's cook with our recipes!

INCREDIBLY DELICIOUS ITALIAN CREAM CAKE



Incredibly Delicious Italian Cream Cake image

This is an old recipe from my aunt. It is both famous and infamous in our family. It is absolutely irresistible.

Provided by Rory

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h35m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ cup butter
½ cup shortening
2 cups white sugar
5 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup flaked coconut
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups all-purpose flour
8 ounces cream cheese
½ cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons light cream
½ cup chopped walnuts
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease three 9 inch round cake pans. In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the buttermilk; set aside.
  • In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter, shortening and white sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs, buttermilk mixture, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 cup coconut, baking powder and flour. Stir until just combined. Pour batter into the prepared pans.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool.
  • To Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, 1/2 cup butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla and confectioners' sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. Mix in a small amount of cream to attain the desired consistency. Stir in chopped nuts and remaining flaked coconut. Spread between layers and on top and sides of cooled cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 766.7 calories, Carbohydrate 98 g, Cholesterol 139.8 mg, Fat 39.7 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 8.2 g, SaturatedFat 20.4 g, Sodium 397.2 mg, Sugar 78.5 g

EASTER LAMB CAKE



Easter Lamb Cake image

My grandmother started the tradition of making this molded Easter lamb cake when I was little. We continue to make it every Easter. The memory is so special that I keep the lamb mold in my kitchen next to my cookbooks as a decoration. Make sure to grease and flour the mold really well so that the cake does not stick. - Debra Waggoner, Grand Island, Nebraska

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h5m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 large egg whites
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup 2% milk
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
FROSTING:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
3-3/4 to 4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Assorted decorations: Sweetened shredded coconut, sprinkles and jelly beans

Steps:

  • Place egg whites in a small bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes., Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°. Thoroughly grease and flour inside of a 3D lamb cake pan. , In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. In another bowl, sift flour, baking powder and salt together twice; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition., Add cream of tartar to egg whites; with clean beaters, beat on high speed just until stiff but not dry. Fold a fourth of the whites into batter, then fold in remaining whites., Gently transfer to bottom half of mold (the bottom half is the face of the lamb). Place top mold (back of lamb) on top, interlocking seams (make sure half with vent hole is on top to permit steam to escape). Place on a baking sheet., Bake until a toothpick inserted in vent hole comes out clean, 45-50 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely., For frosting, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Frost cake. Attach sprinkles for eyes and nose; sprinkle body with coconut. If desired, decorate with additional coconut and jelly beans.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 377 calories, Fat 17g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 46mg cholesterol, Sodium 286mg sodium, Carbohydrate 54g carbohydrate (41g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 4g protein.

ITALIAN CREAM CAKE (OLD FAMILY RECIPE)



Italian Cream Cake (old family recipe) image

This recipe has been in my family for years, and in my opinion is the best Italian Cream Cake! It's very moist and always gets lots of compliments!

Provided by Kim D.

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h5m

Yield 14 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/4 lb butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
5 eggs, separated
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 lb butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 box powdered sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
  • For cake: Cream butter, shortening and sugar.
  • Add egg yolk one at a time, beating after each addition (this is an important step!) Stir in baking soda and buttermilk.
  • Add sifted flour into batter, alternating with the buttermilk mixture.
  • Add vanilla, coconut and chopped pecans.
  • Beat egg whites and fold into batter.
  • Pour into a greased and floured 9X 13-inch cake pan for a sheet cake, or two 9-inch round cake pans for a round layered cake.
  • Bake for 45 minutes, or until cake tests done.
  • Remove from oven, cool completely before frosting.
  • For frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter.
  • Add vanilla, powdered sugar, and pecans.
  • Continue to beat until you get a spreading consistency.

ICED ITALIAN CREAM CAKE



Iced Italian Cream Cake image

Provided by Trisha Yearwood

Categories     dessert

Time 50m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
2 cups sugar
5 large eggs, separated
1 cup buttermilk, well shaken
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Cooking spray
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, at room temperature
1 pound confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Steps:

  • For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and lightly flour three 9-inch cake pans.
  • Sift the flour and baking soda together and set aside.
  • With an electric mixer, cream the butter and shortening with the sugar until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well between each addition. With the mixer on medium speed, add the flour and buttermilk alternately, beginning and ending with buttermilk. Add the vanilla, coconut and nuts, and stir well to incorporate.
  • In a separate bowl with clean beaters, whip the egg whites to stiff peaks. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter, just until blended.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25 minutes. Test for doneness by touching the top of the cake with your finger. The cake is done if it bounces back up. Cool the layers on wire racks sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  • For the frosting: With an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese with the butter on high speed until fluffy. Reduce the speed to medium and blend in the sugar and vanilla. Beat well until the frosting is smooth.
  • When the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting between the layers and on the sides and top of the cake. Sprinkle on the nuts.

ITALIAN CREAM CAKE



Italian Cream Cake image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 1h15m

Yield 12-15 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

CAKE:
Crisco® Flour No-Stick Spray
1 cup Crisco® All-Vegetable Shortening or 1 stick Crisco® All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks
2 cups sugar
5 large eggs, separated
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups Pillsbury BEST® All Purpose Flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1 1/2 cups flaked coconut (4 oz.)
1 cup finely chopped pecans
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
12 oz. cream cheese or 1 1/2 (8 oz.) pkgs., softened
6 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsps. vanilla extract
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup flaked coconut, if desired
1/4 cup chopped pecans, if desired

Steps:

  • For Cake: HEAT oven to 350 degrees F. Spray three 9-inch round cake pans with no-stick cooking spray with flour. Beat shortening in large bowl at medium speed of electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar. Add egg yolks, one at a time; beat until blended after each addition. Add vanilla; beat until blended.
  • COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt; stir well. Add to shortening mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition. Stir in coconut and pecans.
  • BEAT egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into batter. Pour batter into prepared baking pans. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes; remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.
  • For Frosting: MIX cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla and butter in large bowl at low speed of electric mixer until ingredients are well combined. Beat at high speed until light and fluffy. Spread frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. Garnish top of cake, if desired, with coconut and pecans and sprinkle coconut around bottom of cake. Chill several hours or until serving time.

Tips for Making the Best Italian Cream Cake:

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients whenever possible. This includes fresh butter, eggs, milk, and cream.
  • Cream the Butter and Sugar Together: This will help to create a light and fluffy cake. Be sure to cream them together for at least 2 minutes.
  • Add the Eggs One at a Time: This will help to prevent the cake from curdling.
  • Mix in the Dry Ingredients Gradually: This will help to prevent the cake from becoming tough.
  • Bake the Cake at the Correct Temperature: The cake should be baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Make the Glaze While the Cake is Baking: This will give the glaze time to cool slightly before you pour it over the cake.
  • Allow the Cake to Cool Completely Before Frosting It: This will help to prevent the frosting from melting.

Conclusion:

Italian cream cake is a delicious and classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its moist and fluffy layers, creamy filling, and rich glaze, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a special dessert to make, give Italian cream cake a try. You won't be disappointed!

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