The Best Italian Cream Cake Recipe Ready in 30 Minutes

Sweet and decadent, quick Italian cream cake brings Southern elegance to dessert tables with its luxurious texture and rich, creamy profile.

Generations of bakers have treasured this delightful confection as a centerpiece of celebratory gatherings.

Soft layers promise a melt-in-your-mouth experience that balances delicate crumb with velvety frosting.

Distinctive nutty undertones and smooth cream cheese create a harmonious blend of flavors that dance across your palate.

The cake heritage speaks to culinary traditions merging classic techniques with contemporary twists.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dessert revolutionizes ordinary moments into memorable experiences.

You’ll fall in love with its irresistible combination of subtle sweetness and indulgent charm.

Quick Italian Cream Cake That Feels Fancy But Is So Simple

• Savor Southern Sophistication: This Italian cream cake captures the essence of traditional Southern baking with its rich, indulgent layers and classic flavor combination that feels like a warm culinary hug.
• Craft Effortless Elegance: The recipe simplifies complex cake-making by using a white cake mix as a base, allowing even novice bakers to create a stunning dessert that looks professionally prepared with minimal technical skills.
• Celebrate Textural Delight: Each bite offers a perfect symphony of soft, moist cake layers complemented by crunchy toasted pecans and creamy cream cheese frosting, creating an irresistible textural experience that dances on your palate.
• Customize with Confidence: The optional rum drizzle and flexible ingredient additions make this recipe a versatile canvas for personal creativity, letting home bakers put their unique spin on a classic Southern favorite.

Ingredients to Whip Up a Quick Italian Cream Cake

• White Cake Mix: Convenient base for a quick and consistent cake texture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake batter.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a soft and moist cake texture.

• Pecans, Shredded Coconut: Add delightful crunch and tropical flavor to the cake.

• Rum: Enhances flavor and adds moisture to the cake layers.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a tangy and creamy frosting base.
• Butter: Provides richness and smooth consistency to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor to the frosting.

• Toasted Pecans: Offer a nutty crunch and depth to the cream cheese frosting.

Easy Instructions for This Soft, Nutty, Sweet Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease three 8-inch round cake pans with butter and dust with flour. Set aside baking tools and ingredients.

Step 2: Create Cake Batter

• White cake mix
• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Chopped pecans
• Shredded coconut

Combine cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil in a large mixing bowl. Use electric mixer to blend on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add Nutty Texture

Gently fold in chopped pecans and shredded coconut into batter. Ensure even distribution throughout mixture.

Step 4: Bake Cake Layers

Divide batter equally among three prepared cake pans. Spread evenly to create uniform layers. Bake for 15-17 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool Cake Layers

Remove pans from oven. Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes. Transfer layers to wire cooling racks. Allow to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 6: Optional Rum Soak

Optional step: Drizzle tablespoon of rum over each cake layer. Let sit for 10 minutes to absorb flavor.

Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

• Softened cream cheese
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Toasted chopped pecans

Beat cream cheese and butter in large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy.

Step 8: Finish Frosting

Stir in vanilla extract. Fold in toasted chopped pecans for added crunch.

Step 9: Assemble Cake

Place first cake layer on stand. Spread generous layer of cream cheese frosting. Add second layer and repeat frosting process.

Step 10: Final Decoration

Cover entire cake with remaining frosting, ensuring even coating on top and sides. Smooth surface with offset spatula.

Step 11: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate cake for minimum 2 hours to set frosting. Slice and serve chilled for best flavor and texture.

Tips for Moist Cake and Creamy Frosting

• Toast Pecans Perfectly: Gently toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning and enhance their rich, nutty flavor.
• Ensure Smooth Cake Batter: Bring eggs and buttermilk to room temperature before mixing to create a more uniform and silky cake texture.
• Prevent Coconut Clumping: Lightly coat shredded coconut with a bit of flour before folding into the batter to distribute evenly and prevent sinking.
• Check Cake Doneness Accurately: Use the toothpick test by inserting it into the cake's center; if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Frost Like a Pro: Keep cream cheese frosting at a cool room temperature for optimal spreading and use an offset spatula to create smooth, even layers.

How to Store and Enjoy Leftover Italian Cream Cake

• Refrigerate: Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Slice cake, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Store in freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Let refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore optimal texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out the delicate cream cheese frosting.

Beverages and Treats to Enjoy Alongside

• Pair with Rich Espresso: Serve a bold, dark espresso alongside this decadent Italian cream cake. The intense coffee flavor cuts through the cake's sweetness, creating a perfect balance of rich, creamy textures.
• Complement with Sweet Dessert Wine: Choose a Moscato d'Asti or a sweet late-harvest Riesling. These wines enhance the cake's nutty coconut notes and provide a delightful complementary sweetness.
• Match with Toasted Nutty Beverage: Enjoy a warm almond milk latte or a hazelnut-infused hot chocolate. These drinks echo the pecan and coconut flavors, creating a harmonious taste experience that celebrates the cake's nutty undertones.
• Cool Down with Creamy Accompaniment: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cool, smooth texture contrasts beautifully with the cake's warm, rich profile, elevating each bite with a luxurious touch.

Variations for a New Take on This Classic Italian Cake

• Tropical Paradise Cake: Replace shredded coconut with crushed pineapple and add toasted macadamia nuts for a Hawaiian-inspired version. Swap vanilla extract with coconut extract in the frosting for extra tropical flavor.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Mix cocoa powder into the cake batter and add dark chocolate chips. Use chocolate cream cheese for the frosting and garnish with chocolate shavings.
• Spiced Autumn Edition: Incorporate cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger into the cake batter. Replace pecans with walnuts and add a hint of maple extract to the cream cheese frosting for a cozy fall feel.
• Southern Bourbon Cake: Substitute rum with bourbon and add a bourbon glaze between cake layers. Sprinkle candied pecans on top for extra crunch and southern charm.

Quick Italian Cream Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Silky Italian cream cake beckons with Southern charm and creamy indulgence. Rich layers of coconut and cream cheese create a luxurious dessert that melts in your mouth, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

Primary Ingredients:

• 1 package white cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cups (296 ml) buttermilk
• ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 can shredded coconut
• ⅔ cup (75 g) chopped toasted pecans
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) rum (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 package (8 ounces / 226 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (113 g) butter, softened
• 1 package (16 ounces / 454 g) powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 cup (113 g) chopped toasted pecans

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Instructions

1. Prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them thoroughly, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Combine cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil in a spacious mixing bowl, using an electric mixer to blend ingredients into a silky, uniform batter for approximately two minutes.
3. Gently incorporate chopped pecans and shredded coconut into the cake mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
4. Carefully distribute the cake batter among the prepared pans, maintaining equal volume in each pan for consistent baking.
5. Position the cake pans in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 15-17 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and free of raw batter.
6. Allow cakes to rest in their pans for 10 minutes, then delicately transfer to wire cooling racks to reach room temperature.
7. Optional rum application: Softly drizzle rum over each cake layer, permitting the liquid to permeate the sponge for enhanced flavor complexity.
8. Prepare cream cheese frosting by whipping softened cream cheese and butter until achieving a smooth, luxurious texture.
9. Gradually introduce powdered sugar into the cream cheese mixture, continuing to beat until achieving a light, fluffy consistency.
10. Incorporate vanilla extract and fold in toasted pecans, creating a rich, nutty frosting.
11. Position the first cake layer on a decorative cake stand, spreading a generous layer of cream cheese frosting across the surface.
12. Carefully place the second cake layer atop the frosted base, repeating the frosting process and ensuring even coverage on top and sides.
13. Refrigerate the assembled cake for a minimum of two hours, allowing flavors to meld and frosting to set for optimal serving presentation.

Notes

• Prep ahead by softening cream cheese and butter at room temperature for smooth, lump-free frosting.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cake.
• Use room temperature eggs for better cake batter integration and a more uniform texture.
• Allow cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of the cream cheese layer.
• Chill the cake for at least 2 hours to help the frosting set and make slicing easier.
• Store leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 352
• Sugar: 33 g
• Sodium: 304 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 54 mg