Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Italy with this delectable Quick Italian Cream Cake recipe. Bursting with coconut, toasted pecans, and a rich cream cheese frosting, this cake is a heavenly treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special milestone, or simply craving a sweet pick-me-up, this cake is sure to impress. Plus, with its simple preparation and minimal ingredients, it’s a breeze to whip up whenever a craving strikes. Get ready to elevate your dessert game with this mouthwatering Italian-inspired delight!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 package white cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 can shredded coconut
- ⅔ cup chopped toasted pecans
- 3 tbsp rum
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 package cream cheese
- ½ cup butter
- 1 package powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped toasted pecans
Instructions:
For the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, until well combined.
- Stir in the shredded coconut, chopped toasted pecans, and rum until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle the chopped toasted pecans over the frosting, pressing them gently into the surface.
- Slice and serve the cake, and enjoy!
Cooking Notes:
- Toasted Pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the cake batter enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Simply spread the pecans out on a baking sheet and bake them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Allow them to cool before chopping and incorporating them into the batter.
- Rum Flavor: The addition of rum adds a subtle yet delicious flavor to the cake. If preferred, you can omit the rum or substitute it with an equal amount of rum extract for a non-alcoholic version.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes before using it in the recipe.
Variations:
- Nut-Free Option: For a nut-free version of this cake, simply omit the toasted pecans from both the batter and the frosting. You can replace them with an equal amount of shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Twist: Add a decadent touch to this Italian Cream Cake by incorporating chocolate chips into the batter. Simply fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips before pouring the batter into the baking pan.
- Fruit Infusion: For a refreshing twist, add diced pineapple or chopped maraschino cherries to the cake batter for bursts of fruity flavor. Simply fold them into the batter before baking for a tropical-inspired treat.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
For a keto-friendly or low-carb version of this Italian Cream Cake, you can make a few simple substitutions:
- Almond Flour: Replace the white cake mix with almond flour or a keto-friendly baking mix for a low-carb alternative.
- Low-Carb Sweetener: Substitute the powdered sugar in the cream cheese frosting with a powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to reduce the carb content.
- Coconut Flour: Instead of shredded coconut, use coconut flour sparingly to maintain the coconut flavor without adding too many carbs.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Opt for a keto-friendly cream cheese frosting made with cream cheese, butter, powdered sweetener, and vanilla extract.
In conclusion, this Quick Italian Cream Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of coconut, toasted pecans, and cream cheese frosting into one irresistible treat. With its simple preparation and versatile ingredients, it’s perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or simply looking for a delicious dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake is sure to please. So why wait? Whip up a batch today and treat yourself to a slice of Italian-inspired bliss!
