Italian Cream Pound Cake

Italian Cream Pound Cake

If you’re craving something sweet, buttery, and oh-so-indulgent, you’re in for a treat. This Italian Cream Pound Cake is a true masterpiece, blending rich flavors and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy dessert for yourself, this cake is always the right choice. Trust me, you’re going to love this!

Why You’ll Love Italian Cream Pound Cake

This isn’t just another cake. It’s a celebration in every bite. Here’s why this cake is a showstopper:

Versatile: This cake is perfect for any occasion whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a holiday gathering, or just treating yourself to something extraordinary.

Budget-Friendly: Despite its luxurious taste, this cake is made with everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.

Quick and Easy: You don’t need to be a professional baker to pull this one off. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a cake that looks and tastes like a work of art.

Customizable: Feel free to play around with add-ins like toasted coconut, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of chocolate for a personal touch.

Crowd-Pleasing: This cake has that perfect balance of sweetness and richness, making it a guaranteed hit with everyone, from kids to adults.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to bring this Italian Cream Pound Cake to life:

Butter: The base of any great pound cake, giving it that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Sugar: Sweetness that perfectly balances the richness of the butter.

Eggs: These help create that light and fluffy texture we all love in a good pound cake.

All-Purpose Flour: The heart of the cake’s structure, giving it that perfect crumb.

Baking Powder: For a little lift to keep the cake light and airy.

Salt: A pinch to enhance all the flavors.

Buttermilk: This adds a tangy richness and makes the cake super moist.

Vanilla Extract: For that warm, comforting flavor that brings everything together.

Shredded Coconut: The star ingredient that adds a tropical sweetness and a slight chewiness.

Chopped Pecans: For a nice crunch and buttery flavor.

Cream Cheese: For that tangy, smooth richness that makes the cake so indulgent.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious Italian Cream Pound Cake:

Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. This ensures even cooking and gives your cake that perfect golden crust.

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and cream cheese until smooth.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Fold in the Coconut and Pecans: Gently fold in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans. These ingredients add texture and flavor, giving the cake its signature taste.

Prepare Your Pan: Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan. This ensures that the cake comes out easily after baking.

Pour the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly.

Bake to Perfection: Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it as it bakes.

Finishing Touches: Once done, remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve this cake with a cup of coffee or tea, or on its own for an indulgent treat. The rich, buttery flavor will have everyone swooning.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: [write the servings of the recipe]
Calories per serving: [write the calories per servings of the recipe]

Preparation Time
Prep Time: [write the prep time of the recipe]
Cook Time: [write the cook time of the recipe]
Total Time: [write the total time of the recipe]

How to Serve Italian Cream Pound Cake

This cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra richness.
  • Fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, to add a refreshing contrast to the creamy cake.
  • A drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel for an indulgent touch.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of this Italian Cream Pound Cake:

  • Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened before mixing. This ensures a smoother batter and a better texture.
  • If you’re not a fan of coconut or pecans, feel free to leave them out or substitute them with your favorite nuts or dried fruits.
  • For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a bit of lemon zest or almond extract to the batter.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This cake actually gets better with time. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

2. Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?
You can, but buttermilk adds a special tanginess and moisture to the cake. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk.

3. Can I use a different nut?
Absolutely! If you prefer walnuts or almonds, they would work great in this cake.

4. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.

5. Can I make this cake without a bundt pan?
Yes, you can use a regular round or square cake pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time.

6. Can I add frosting to this cake?
While this cake is already rich and flavorful, you can add a simple glaze or frosting if you’d like. A cream cheese frosting would complement the flavors beautifully.

7. Is this cake gluten-free?
No, this cake contains regular all-purpose flour. However, you could try using a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.

8. Can I use sweetened shredded coconut?
Yes, but keep in mind it will make the cake a bit sweeter. You can always use unsweetened coconut if you prefer a more subtle coconut flavor.

9. How can I make this cake more flavorful?
Try adding a splash of rum or almond extract to the batter for an extra depth of flavor.

10. Can I decorate this cake?
Of course! Top with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few toasted coconut flakes for a pretty finish.

Conclusion

Italian Cream Pound Cake is a classic dessert that brings joy to any occasion. With its tender crumb, rich flavor, and perfect balance of sweetness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it with a quiet cup of tea, this cake is bound to impress. Happy baking!

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Italian Cream Pound Cake

Italian Cream Pound Cake

  • Author: Andy
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 80 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Italian Cream Pound Cake is a rich and elegant twist on traditional pound cake, blending the indulgent flavors of coconut, pecans, and cream cheese into a soft, buttery crumb. It’s perfect for holidays, celebrations, or when you want to treat yourself to a luxurious dessert.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
  • 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 5 large eggs
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp coconut extract
  • 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a bundt or tube pan.
  2. Cream together butter, shortening, cream cheese, and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour.
  6. Stir in vanilla extract, coconut extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 75–85 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • Toasting the pecans brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor.
  • You can dust the cake with powdered sugar or top it with a simple glaze for added sweetness.
  • This cake improves in flavor after resting overnight, so it’s great to make ahead.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 43g
  • Sodium: 240mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: italian cream pound cake, coconut pecan pound cake, cream cheese pound cake, southern bundt cake, holiday dessert

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