Italian cream cake is a beloved Southern cake that is light, fluffy, and decadent. Its unique flavor comes from the blend of ingredients used in the cake batter and frosting. Keep reading to learn all about the key ingredients that give this cake its distinctive character.
Cake Batter Ingredients
The cake itself is tender and moist, with a texture similar to that of pound cake. Here are the main ingredients used:
Butter
A good amount of butter is essential to give the cake its rich flavor and moisture. Unsalted butter is usually preferred. The butter should be room temperature when creaming it with the sugar to ensure it blends smoothly.
Sugar
Granulated white sugar sweetens the cake batter and helps give it structure. Superfine sugar can also be used for an even lighter texture.
Eggs
Eggs provide structure, moisture, and richness. Whole eggs only are used, rather than separating yolks and whites. The eggs should be at room temperature when added.
All-Purpose Flour
This basic flour provides the structure and body for the cake. Bleached or unbleached all-purpose flour can be used.
Baking Powder and Salt
These help the cake rise properly and add flavor. Be sure the baking powder is fresh for best leavening.
Milk
Whole milk lends flavor, moisture, and tenderness to the crumb. Buttermilk is also commonly used and gives a nice tang.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract boosts the flavor of the cake with its warm, aromatic vanilla notes.
Coconut and Pecans
Toasted coconut and pecans add delightful texture and flavor. The coconut lends a tropical note while the pecans provide nuttiness.
Frosting Ingredients
What really distinguishes Italian cream cake is its unique frosting. It balances the sweetness of the cake with its tangy, creamy flavors. Here’s what goes into it:
Cream Cheese
Full-fat cream cheese gives the frosting a rich, creamy base and distinctive tang.
Butter
Butter is creamed together with the cream cheese. Like in the cake, it adds moisture and flavor.
Confectioners’ Sugar
This finely powdered sugar sweetens the frosting. It dissolves more smoothly than regular granulated sugar.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla layers its warm, sweet aroma into the frosting.
Tips for Perfect Ingredients
Use these tips to ensure your Italian cream cake ingredients are top-notch:
- Make sure baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Old leaveners won’t help the cake rise properly.
- Bring eggs, milk, and butter to room temperature before mixing for best texture.
- Toast nuts to maximize their flavor.
- Use high-quality ingredients like Madagascar vanilla and real butter.
- Sift dry ingredients to remove any lumps.
Sample Recipe
Now that you know what goes into an Italian cream cake, here is a sample recipe to try. It uses the classic ingredients in the proper proportions to create a perfect cake.
Cake Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter, softened | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 2 cups |
| Eggs | 5 large |
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/4 cups |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Whole milk | 1 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon |
| Toasted coconut | 1 cup |
| Chopped pecans | 1 cup |
Frosting Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter, softened | 1/2 cup |
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 oz |
| Confectioners’ sugar | 3 1/2 cups |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until incorporated.
- Stir in vanilla, coconut and pecans.
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
- To make the frosting, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar until desired consistency is reached. Mix in vanilla.
- Frost cooled cake layers and serve.
Conclusion
Italian cream cake gets its signature flavor and texture from ingredients like butter, cream cheese, coconut, and pecans added to a moist yellow cake base. When shopping for ingredients, look for high-quality items like pure vanilla extract, fresh baking powder, and real butter. Measure precisely and mix the batter properly for a light, tender crumb. Finally, don’t forget to toast the coconut and pecans to intensify their flavors. Follow these tips and you’ll have a sensational Italian cream cake that looks and tastes like it came straight from a bakery.