Italian Cream Cheese
A rich and moist Italian Cream Cheese cake featuring coconut, nuts, and vanilla, perfect for celebrations or sweet gatherings, with a tender crumb and creamy frosting.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream sugar, butter, and shortening together.
- Add egg yolks one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Dissolve soda in buttermilk.
- Add buttermilk and sifted flour alternately to the egg mixture.
- Fold in flaked coconut.
- Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into the batter.
- Add vanilla and nuts, mixing gently.
- Pour batter into three greased and floured 8-inch pans.
- Bake in a preheated moderate oven at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Cool the cakes before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. If you can't find buttermilk, substitute with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. To enhance the coconut flavor, consider toasting the flaked coconut before folding it into the batter. This cake pairs wonderfully with a cream cheese frosting that complements its richness.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Cream Cheese cake is perfect for celebrations and pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. Consider serving it alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It also makes a delightful dessert after hearty meals like Lasagna Noodle Bake or Ziti And Broccoli.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, let it come to room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave, ensuring not to dry it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Cream Cheese contains roughly 561 calories, with 8g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value) and iron (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 707mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
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 use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture or whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that using whole wheat flour may alter the cake's flavor and texture slightly, so adjust your expectations accordingly.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Be sure not to overbake, as this can lead to a dry cake.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them in the fridge, wrapped tightly to maintain freshness. Just frost them before serving to keep the cream cheese frosting at its best.
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).