Easy Italian Cream Sheet Cake Recipe For Family Gatherings

Decadent layers of creamy Italian cream sheet cake dance with rich, tantalizing flavors that promise pure dessert bliss.

Southern bakers have long cherished this delightful recipe for its velvety texture and irresistible sweetness.

Coconut and cream cheese mingle in a harmonious blend that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Each slice brings a delicate balance of nutty and sweet notes that comfort and delight.

Soft, moist crumbs promise a heavenly experience with every forkful.

The simple yet elegant presentation makes this cake perfect for casual gatherings or special celebrations.

What Makes Italian Cream Sheet Cake Special

• Elevate Family Gatherings: This Italian Cream Sheet Cake transforms ordinary dessert time into a delightful celebration, perfect for bringing loved ones together around a delicious treat.
• Customize and Personalize: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping nuts, adjusting coconut quantity, or experimenting with frosting variations to match personal preferences and taste profiles.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Suitable for potlucks, birthdays, holiday gatherings, and casual weekend desserts, this cake guarantees smiles and satisfied sweet tooths across different occasions and age groups.

Ingredients for Italian Sheet Cake

• All Purpose Flour: A pantry staple for baking delicious treats.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Butter: Softened and rich, provides a creamy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake with a classic flavor.
• Egg Yolks: Adds richness and depth to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm and comforting aroma.
• Buttermilk: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Egg Whites: Creates a fluffy and light texture.

• Shredded Coconut, Pecans or Walnuts: Adds delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

• Butter: Softened and smooth for creamy frosting.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a tangy and rich frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and smooth consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the frosting's flavor.

• Shredded Coconut, Pecans or Walnuts: Optional topping for extra texture.

Directions for Cream Sheet Cake

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and coat it thoroughly with non-stick spray or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until completely blended.

Step 3: Blend Butter And Sugar

Using an electric mixer, whip softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light.

Add egg yolks one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Cake Components

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk.

• Shredded coconut
• Chopped pecans
• Chopped walnuts

Step 5: Whip Egg Whites

In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until they form stiff, glossy peaks.

Carefully fold whites into cake batter.

Step 6: Bake The Cake

Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 7: Craft Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 8: Decorate The Cake

Spread frosting evenly across cooled cake.

Sprinkle additional coconut and nuts on top for extra crunch.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Cut into squares and serve.

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Tips to Nail Cream Sheet Cake

• Let butter, eggs, and cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free blending.
• Do not overmix the batter, as this can develop gluten and create a tough, dry texture; mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Use clean, dry beaters and bowl when whipping egg whites to achieve maximum volume and stability for a lighter cake texture.
• Toast chopped pecans and coconut beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cake.
• Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent melting and create a smooth, even cream cheese layer.

Keep and Warm Italian Sheet Cake

• Store cake in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying. Keep refrigerated for maximum 5 days.
• Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality and taste.
• Transfer frozen cake from freezer to refrigerator and let defrost overnight. Remove plastic wrap before serving to prevent condensation.
• Warm cake slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Alternatively, warm in preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore soft texture.

Best Pairings for Cream Sheet Cake

• Pair Sweet Southern Comfort: Serve a chilled glass of sweet tea or bourbon-based cocktail to complement the cake's rich, creamy texture.
• Brew Robust Coffee Companion: Match the cake with a strong, dark roast coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness and enhance the nutty pecan undertones.
• Dessert Wine Delight: Select a moscato or late-harvest riesling to harmonize with the cake's coconut and cream cheese frosting, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
• Creamy Vanilla Milkshake Twist: Blend a classic vanilla milkshake that echoes the cake's creamy notes while providing a cool, refreshing contrast to the dense cake texture.

Flavor Options for Italian Sheet Cake

• Gluten-Free Delight: Swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cake's rich texture.
• Vegan Transformation: Replace eggs with applesauce or mashed banana, use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives, and swap buttermilk with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
• Nut-Free Adaptation: Eliminate pecans and walnuts, substituting with toasted sunflower seeds or omitting nuts entirely while keeping the coconut for added texture.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, and reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting to create a lighter, less sweet dessert.

FAQs

• What makes the egg whites important in this recipe?

The whipped egg whites help create a lighter, fluffier texture in the cake by adding volume and airiness to the batter, resulting in a softer crumb.

• Can I substitute buttermilk if I don't have it?

Yes, you can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.

• Is this cake considered a traditional Italian dessert?

While called Italian Cream Cake, this dessert is actually more of an American Southern creation with Italian-inspired influences, featuring classic ingredients like pecans and coconut.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is fully baked and ready to be removed from the oven.

Italian Cream Sheet Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Italian cream sheet cake brings classic Mediterranean dessert elegance to your table. Rich layers of creamy frosting and delicate sponge create a luxurious experience you’ll savor with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (90 g) shredded coconut
• 1 cup (100 g) chopped pecans or walnuts

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare all ingredients and equipment to ensure a smooth baking process, carefully measuring each component for precise results.
2. Create a solid foundation by whisking flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
3. Transform butter and sugar into a light, airy mixture using an electric mixer, blending until the texture becomes creamy and pale.
4. Incorporate egg yolks one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, homogeneous base for the cake batter.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, gently folding to maintain the delicate air bubbles developed during mixing.
6. Carefully fold in coconut and nuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter without deflating the mixture.
7. Whip egg whites to stiff, glossy peaks, creating a voluminous texture that will provide lightness to the cake.
8. Delicately fold whipped egg whites into the batter, using a gentle, sweeping motion to maintain maximum volume.
9. Transfer the batter to a prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.
10. Bake in a preheated oven, watching carefully and testing for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
11. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, creating a stable base for frosting.
12. Prepare cream cheese frosting by blending butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
13. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly to create a light, spreadable frosting.
14. Once the cake has cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the entire surface.
15. Embellish the frosted cake with additional coconut and chopped nuts for texture and visual appeal.
16. Cut into square portions and serve, storing any remaining cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

• Separate egg whites carefully to ensure no yolk breaks, which can prevent proper whipping and affect cake’s fluffy texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients like butter, eggs, and buttermilk for smoother mixing and more consistent cake batter.
• Toast nuts before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch in the cake’s overall texture.
• For gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain similar consistency and taste.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg