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Best Italian Cream Cake Recipe – Moist Coconut Pecan Sheet Cake

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Italian Cream Cake is a moist, tender vanilla sheet cake enriched with coconut and pecans, then topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. This classic Southern-style dessert is simple yet elegant, making it perfect for celebrations or special occasions.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 15 slices

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 5 egg yolks
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 5 egg whites, beaten until fluffy

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup shredded coconut (topping)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9×13 pan.
  2. Whisk flour and baking soda together.
  3. Cream butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add egg yolks one at a time, then vanilla.
  5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk until combined.
  6. Fold in pecans, coconut, and whipped egg whites.
  7. Pour into pan and bake 40–45 minutes.
  8. Cool completely before frosting.
  9. Beat frosting ingredients until smooth, spread over cake, and top with coconut and pecans.

Notes

  • Beating egg whites adds extra lightness to the cake.
  • Let cake cool fully before frosting to avoid melting.
  • Chill before serving for cleaner slices.
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American