Quick Italian Cream Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, offering rich coconut and pecan flavors with a velvety cream cheese frosting in a straightforward recipe that saves you time.

Quick Italian Cream Cake begins with a few simple pantry staples for an amazing result. This recipe gives you the famous Southern dessert with its characteristic coconut and pecan flavors, but without all the complex steps. You can create a rich, moist cake topped with a dreamy, tangy cream cheese frosting that everyone will love. The classic recipe is adapted here to make the baking process straightforward and very enjoyable for you.

Key Takeaways

The recipe uses a boxed mix to save you significant preparation time.
Buttermilk adds essential moisture and a desirable tang to the cake batter.
A classic cream cheese frosting, blended with vanilla, makes the perfect topping.
Chilling the cake for two hours is crucial for a clean, professional slice.

Quick Italian Cream Cake is a sweet, tender layer cake featuring moist vanilla cake layers mixed with shredded coconut and chopped pecans. The layers are spread with a thick, tangy cream cheese frosting. You prepare the cake quickly using a boxed mix and chill it completely before serving. This ensures the cake is firm, stable, and ready to be sliced cleanly for guests.

Quick Italian Cream Cake Baking Essentials

To successfully bake this cake, you will want to gather all your tools and ingredients first. Having everything ready on your countertop is called mise en place and it makes baking less stressful. You should grease your cake pans well to prevent the layers from sticking when it is time to turn them out. A well-greased pan means a beautifully shaped cake for you.

The total time for this recipe is three hours and thirty minutes, but most of that is inactive chilling time. Your active baking and preparation time is much shorter thanks to using a cake mix. You can check out more easy desserts like this one by visiting our Desserts Category.

Selecting Your Cake Mix and Ingredients

You should start with one package of plain white or yellow cake mixture for the best base. The flavor of the cake mix should be neutral since the coconut and pecans will provide the dominant flavor. You are going to enrich this mix significantly with the addition of buttermilk, eggs, and oil.

The required ingredients also include three large eggs, one and a quarter cups of buttermilk, and a quarter cup of vegetable oil. You need one can of shredded coconut and two-thirds of a cup of chopped, toasted pecans. If you like, you can also have three tablespoons of rum ready to brush on your warm cake layers.

Preparing the Quick Italian Cream Cake Batter

Combining the wet and dry ingredients correctly is key to ensuring a tender crumb. You will want to use an electric beater to mix the components efficiently and make a very smooth batter. Beating the mixture for the correct amount of time is important for the cake’s structure.

Add the white cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil to a large mixing bowl. Use an electric beater set to a medium speed to beat these ingredients together. Continue to beat the mixture for exactly two minutes until it is perfectly combined and free of any large lumps. Remember that you do not want to over-mix the batter.

Folding in the Coconut and Pecans

After your batter is smooth, you can incorporate the famous textures of the Quick Italian Cream Cake. You are adding both the flaked coconut and the chopped pecans at this stage of the process. This step is about integrating these pieces gently into your prepared batter.

Now, gently add the flaked coconut and the chopped toasted pecans into your bowl. Use a spatula to mix these ingredients well, carefully folding them in until they are evenly distributed. You should avoid stirring too vigorously as this can develop the gluten and create a tough cake. The pecans should be toasted for a deeper flavor.

Baking the Quick Italian Cream Cake Layers

The baking process requires you to prepare your pans and maintain an accurate oven temperature. The goal is to bake the layers until they are set in the center and lightly golden on the edges. Getting the layers right is important because they form the foundation of your beautiful cake.

Take three identical cake pans and make sure to grease them generously before you pour the batter inside. Dividing the mixture evenly among the three prepared pans is also important for flat layers. Bake the mixture in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for the suggested time.

Time and Temperature for Quick Italian Cream Cake

The suggested baking time is between fifteen and seventeen minutes, but this can vary depending on your oven. You will need to bake until the cake is cooked through completely from the inside out. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when the layers are done.

Once the baking time is complete, take the cake pans out of the oven immediately. Allow them to cool in the pans for about ten minutes before you attempt to remove them. After this initial cooling, turn the cakes out onto wire racks to finish cooling completely before applying any frosting.

Optional Rum Soaking and Layer Preparation

Adding a light brushing of rum is an optional but highly recommended step that adds a layer of depth to the Quick Italian Cream Cake. This liquid soaks into the warm cake, making the layers even moister and contributing a subtle, sophisticated flavor. You can skip this step if you prefer an alcohol-free cake.

If you choose to use the rum, brush it evenly onto the top surfaces of all three cake layers. You can use a pastry brush for this task or simply drizzle it on sparingly. Then, set the layers aside on the wire racks for about ten minutes to allow the rum to absorb fully into the cake. This subtle touch enhances the overall flavor profile.

Creating the Cream Cheese Frosting

The cream cheese frosting is the luxurious counterpoint to the sweet cake and provides essential tanginess. This creamy topping is simple to make and requires only a few ingredients that should be at room temperature. You need to achieve a light and fluffy texture for the best spreading results.

In a separate large bowl, combine one package of cream cheese and half a cup of butter. You need to beat this mixture at a medium speed until it becomes smooth and velvety. Ensure both the cream cheese and butter are softened, otherwise, you will have lumps in your frosting. This base needs to be perfectly smooth before you add the sugar.

Whipping the Quick Italian Cream Cake Frosting

Slowly incorporating the powdered sugar into the cream cheese mixture is the next step to creating a perfect frosting. Adding the sugar gradually helps prevent clouds of dust and ensures the ingredients blend evenly. This will make your final frosting easier to manage and spreadable.

Start slowly adding one package of powdered sugar and continue to beat the mixture until it turns wonderfully fluffy. Next, pour in two teaspoons of vanilla extract and one cup of chopped toasted pecans. Beat for just a few seconds to incorporate these final flavors. You can find more useful tips and tricks on our Pinterest account.

Assembling and Chilling the Cake

The final assembly of the Quick Italian Cream Cake requires careful layering and a good coating of frosting. It is important that your cake layers are completely cooled before you start this process. Warm cake will melt the frosting and cause the layers to slide.

Place your first layer on your serving plate or cake stand and apply a generous amount of cream cheese frosting. Place the second layer on top and repeat the frosting process, then add the final cake layer. You should then frost the entire top and all the sides of the cake for a complete, smooth covering.

The Importance of a Chill Period

After the cake is fully frosted, it must go into the refrigerator to chill for at least two hours. This step is mandatory for the best results and is not one you should rush past. Chilling allows the frosting to set firmly and the cake layers to become stable.

This setting period makes the cake much easier to slice neatly without the layers shifting or the frosting smearing. Do not slice your Quick Italian Cream Cake before this chilling time is complete if you want beautiful, clean slices. You can learn about the history of this dessert on Wikipedia.

Decorating and Serving the Dessert

The final look of your Quick Italian Cream Cake should be simple and elegant, showcasing the flavors inside. You can choose to leave the sides lightly covered for a “naked” look or use a full, traditional crumb coat and frosting. Your choice should reflect the occasion you are baking for.

Use any remaining chopped, toasted pecans to lightly decorate the top edge or border of the cake. A simple scattering of pecans gives a visual cue to the flavors inside and makes a pretty presentation. You can also press some pecans into the sides, especially near the bottom edge. Check out our baking category for more recipes.

Tips for Perfect Slicing and Presentation

When you are ready to serve the chilled cake, use a long, sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut. This technique ensures a smooth, clean slice every time, preventing the frosting from sticking to the blade. You should always slice this cake while it is completely cold.

Presenting this cake on a clean, attractive stand truly elevates the look of your dessert table. The contrast between the white frosting and the specks of brown pecans makes for a wonderful display. The flavors pair perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or tea. You can see more beautiful presentations on our Instagram page.

Adjusting the Quick Italian Cream Cake Recipe

You may want to make minor adjustments to this Quick Italian Cream Cake recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For example, if you are not a fan of rum, you can substitute a little vanilla extract mixed with milk or simply use a sugar syrup. Small modifications allow you to personalize the finished cake.

If pecans are not available or you have a nut allergy concern, you can use chopped walnuts or simply omit the nuts entirely. You could also substitute the shredded coconut with finely chopped white chocolate chips if you want a richer, less textured filling. Your adjustments should always aim to maintain the original moisture of the cake.

Troubleshooting Common Cake Issues

Sometimes, cake layers dome in the middle or sink after coming out of the oven, but these issues have easy fixes. If your layers are domed, you can use a serrated knife to carefully level the tops once they are cool. If the layers are too flat, it might indicate overmixing or an incorrect measurement of the buttermilk.

If your cream cheese frosting is too runny, try adding a little more powdered sugar or place the bowl in the refrigerator for twenty minutes to firm up. If the frosting is too stiff, beat in a teaspoon of milk or cream until it reaches your desired consistency. Knowing these simple fixes gives you confidence in the kitchen. For another layered cake, try this recipe for German Chocolate Cake.

Storing Your Leftover Cake

Knowing how to store your leftover Quick Italian Cream Cake correctly will ensure it stays fresh and delicious for days. Because the cake contains cream cheese frosting, it must always be stored in the refrigerator. Proper storage prevents the frosting from spoiling and keeps the cake moist.

You should place any leftover slices in an airtight container or cover the entire cake stand with plastic wrap. Stored in the refrigerator, this cake will stay fresh and tasty for up to four days. You can also freeze individual slices for longer storage if you plan on keeping them for a future treat. For another Southern dish, check out this recipe for Southern Fried Chicken.

Quick Italian Cream Cake truly delivers the perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and rich texture that makes it a favorite. By using a convenient cake mix, you save time without sacrificing any of the classic flavor you love. You have successfully created a show-stopping dessert that is worthy of any celebration. The blend of coconut, pecans, and creamy frosting is an indulgence you and your guests will certainly enjoy.