Quick Italian Cream Cake
Quick Italian Cream Cake is a delightful dessert that combines rich flavors and a moist texture, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving something sweet, this cake stands out with its unique blend of coconut and pecans. The creamy frosting and hint of rum elevate the experience, ensuring every bite is memorable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and quick steps, you can whip up this cake in no time.
- Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of coconut, pecans, and cream cheese creates a decadent taste that everyone will love.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual get-together, this cake fits right in.
- Impressive Presentation: Frosted layers and toppings make it visually stunning on any dessert table.
- Customizable Options: You can adjust the flavors or toppings based on your preferences, making it versatile.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating your delicious Quick Italian Cream Cake.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Mixing bowls
- Cake pans (3)
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling racks
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool makes blending ingredients effortless and ensures a smooth batter.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success; these help maintain consistency.
- Cake pans: Using the right size pans guarantees even baking and allows for easy layer stacking.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- White cake mixture – 1 package
- Eggs (large size) – 3
- Buttermilk – 1 ¼ cups
- Vegetable oil – ¼ cup
- Coconut (shredded) – 1 can
- Toasted pecans – ⅔ cup (chopped)
For the Frosting
- Cream cheese – 1 package
- Butter – ½ cup
- Powdered sugar – 1 package
- Vanilla extract – 2 tsp
- Toasted Pecans – 1 cup (chopped)
How to Make Quick Italian Cream Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil.
- Use an electric mixer to beat these ingredients together for about two minutes until well combined.
- Add in the chopped toasted pecans and shredded coconut, mixing until evenly distributed.
Step 2: Bake the Cakes
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease three cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
- Bake for about 15 to 17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 3: Cool and Rum Soak (Optional)
- Once baked, remove the cake pans from the oven and allow them to cool for around ten minutes.
- Transfer the cakes onto wire racks to cool completely.
- If desired, drizzle some rum over each cake layer once they are cooled.
Step 4: Frosting Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, add the cream cheese and butter. Beat at medium speed until smooth.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar, continuing to beat until fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and remaining chopped pecans.
Step 5: Assembly
- Once cooled completely, frost each layer of your cake with cream cheese frosting.
- Ensure you cover both the top layer and sides of the cake generously with frosting.
- Let your frosted cake chill in the refrigerator for two hours before slicing.
Now you’re ready to serve your delicious Quick Italian Cream Cake! Enjoy every bite as you share this delightful treat with friends and family.
How to Serve Quick Italian Cream Cake
Serving Quick Italian Cream Cake is an art that enhances the experience of this delicious dessert. Whether for a birthday, holiday, or just because, here are some delightful ways to serve your cake.
Classic Slice
- Serve a generous slice of the cake on a dessert plate, garnished with a sprinkle of toasted pecans for added crunch.
With Fresh Berries
- Pair the cake with fresh strawberries or raspberries. The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the cream cake beautifully.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce over each slice adds an indulgent touch.
Ice Cream Side
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside each slice creates a creamy contrast that balances the richness of the cake.
Coffee Companion
- Serve with freshly brewed coffee. The warmth and bitterness of coffee enhance the flavors of the cake perfectly.

How to Perfect Quick Italian Cream Cake
Achieving perfection with Quick Italian Cream Cake is easier than it seems. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game.
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Choose quality ingredients – Using fresh eggs and high-quality butter can significantly improve the flavor and texture.
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Don’t skip cooling – Allowing the cakes to cool completely before frosting prevents melting and ensures even layering.
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Level your cakes – If your cakes domed while baking, trim them flat for easier stacking and a polished presentation.
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Experiment with flavors – Consider adding citrus zest or almond extract for an extra layer of flavor in your cake batter.
Best Side Dishes for Quick Italian Cream Cake
While Quick Italian Cream Cake is delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options:
- Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.
- Whipped Cream – Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an airy texture that pairs well with creamy frosting.
- Caramel Sauce – Drizzling caramel sauce over each slice brings in another layer of sweetness and richness.
- Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses offers savory notes that balance out the sweet flavors of the cake.
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries – These decadent treats make for an elegant side that echoes the cake’s indulgence.
- Tea Selection – Offering a variety of herbal or chai teas can complement dessert nicely while providing warmth and comfort.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Quick Italian Cream Cake, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Allowing the cakes to cool in the pans can lead to sogginess. Always transfer them to wire racks after cooling for optimal texture.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Inaccurate measurements can ruin your cake’s texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can cause your cake to become dense. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy result.
- Neglecting to Grease Pans Properly: If you skip greasing the pans, your cake may stick and break apart. Ensure you grease them well before pouring in the batter.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Cold eggs or buttermilk can affect how well the batter mixes. Let them sit at room temperature before using.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Quick Italian Cream Cake in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Quick Italian Cream Cake
- Wrap each layer of cake tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Quick Italian Cream Cake
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Quick Italian Cream Cake:
What makes Quick Italian Cream Cake unique?
Quick Italian Cream Cake is known for its moist texture, rich flavors of coconut and pecans, and creamy frosting that creates a delightful dessert experience.
Can I customize the Quick Italian Cream Cake recipe?
Absolutely! You can add different nuts or substitute coconut with other ingredients like chocolate chips or dried fruits based on your taste preferences.
How long does it take to prepare Quick Italian Cream Cake?
The preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, followed by baking and chilling time, totaling around 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Is there an alternative to rum in the recipe?
Yes! You can use vanilla extract or coconut extract as substitutes if you prefer not to use rum.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake stores well. You can bake it a day ahead and frost it just before serving.
Final Thoughts
Quick Italian Cream Cake is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with different toppings or fillings to make it uniquely yours. Whether you’re celebrating or just indulging yourself, this cake is sure to impress!

Quick Italian Cream Cake
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Description
Quick Italian Cream Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of coconut and pecans with a moist, fluffy texture, making it perfect for any celebration or casual get-together. This easy-to-make cake features three layers of tender white cake, generously frosted with a creamy cream cheese frosting and topped with toasted pecans. Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party, holiday gathering, or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, this cake will impress with its elegant presentation and unforgettable taste.
Ingredients
- 1 package white cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 can shredded coconut
- ⅔ cup toasted pecans (chopped)
- 1 package cream cheese
- ½ cup butter
- 1 package powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease three cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine white cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil. Beat until blended.
- Stir in chopped pecans and shredded coconut until evenly mixed.
- Divide batter among prepared pans and bake for 15-17 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes on wire racks for about ten minutes before transferring to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy.
- Frost cooled cake layers generously and chill for two hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 107g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 39g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg