Italian Creme Cake
Italian Creme Cake is a rich, moist dessert featuring layers of tender cake infused with vanilla, chopped pecans, and coconut. Its creamy texture and delightful nutty flavor make it perfect for special occasions or as a luxurious treat for lovers of sweet, nutty desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine buttermilk and baking soda and let stand for a few minutes.
- Cream together sugar, margarine, and shortening.
- Add egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Alternate adding flour and buttermilk mixture to the creamed mixture.
- Fold in vanilla, stiffly beaten egg whites, chopped pecans, and chopped coconut.
- Pour batter into three greased pans.
- Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 25-30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, ensure your egg whites are beaten until stiff peaks form before folding them into the batter. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or almond extract.
Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. For a festive touch, serve it alongside fresh fruit or drizzled with a sweet glaze. Consider serving it as part of a larger spread featuring Italian recipes, such as Jim Bennett's Lasagne, to create a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Italian Creme Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm it in the microwave for a few seconds until just heated through, or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Creme Cake contains roughly 681 calories, with 11g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. 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 use different nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds would also work well in this recipe. Just chop them roughly, and feel free to toast them lightly for added flavor. The key is to maintain a similar texture, so choose nuts that suit your taste.
What can I do if my cake is too dense?
If your cake turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter or not properly aerating the egg whites. Ensure you gently fold the egg whites into the batter without deflating them. Also, check that your baking soda is fresh to ensure proper leavening.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the Italian Creme Cake a day in advance. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. This will help the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
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).