Italian Cream Cheese Cake
Italian Cream Cheese Cake is a rich, moist dessert featuring a blend of coconut, chopped nuts, and a tender crumb. Its delicate sweetness and nutty flavor make it perfect for special occasions or a cozy teatime treat. The cake boasts a unique texture with fluffy egg whites and creamy ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the buttermilk and soda and let stand.
- Beat egg whites until stiff.
- Cream sugar, oleo, and shortening.
- Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add the buttermilk mixture alternately with flour to the creamed mixture.
- Stir in vanilla.
- Fold in beaten egg whites.
- Gently stir in chopped nuts and coconut.
- Pour the batter into 3 or 4 layer pans.
- Bake at 325°F for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a lighter cake, be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the egg whites. You can substitute the shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter if desired. For a twist, consider adding a splash of almond extract along with the vanilla. This cake pairs beautifully with Granny'S Italian Cookies for dessert.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Cream Cheese Cake is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese frosting. Serve with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. It also pairs nicely with coffee or tea for an afternoon snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. For best results when reheating, slice individual pieces and warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Cream Cheese Cake contains roughly 560 calories, with 7g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the layers in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. If making more than 2 days ahead, refrigerate or freeze the layers and thaw them before assembling.
What type of nuts work best in this recipe?
Pecans or walnuts are traditionally used in Italian Cream Cheese Cake, as they complement the flavors beautifully. Toasting the nuts before adding them can enhance their flavor and provide a lovely crunch.
Can I use a different type of flour?
While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with cake flour for a lighter texture. If you want a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, but be aware that the texture may vary slightly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).