Italian Cream Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
Introduction
The Italian Cream Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is a luscious dessert that beautifully blends Southern charm with Italian-inspired elegance. This cake is rich, moist, and dense—just like a traditional pound cake—but elevated with the nutty crunch of pecans, the tropical sweetness of coconut, and the tangy creaminess of a smooth glaze. Popular at family gatherings, Sunday dinners, weddings, and holiday feasts, this cake has become a timeless classic in many kitchens.
It is a cake that signifies celebration, togetherness, and indulgence—a treat for those who appreciate desserts that are not only delicious but also deeply comforting.
Ingredients
For the Pound Cake
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup vegetable shortening
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparing the Cake
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan or tube pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs: Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Alternate wet and dry: Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, starting and ending with flour.
- Flavor and texture: Stir in vanilla, almond extract, coconut, and pecans. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 60–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake rest in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely.
Preparing the Cream Cheese Glaze
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing well.
- Add milk and vanilla, whisking until pourable. Adjust thickness as desired.
- Drizzle glaze generously over the cooled cake.
Methods
- Creaming Method: This ensures the butter and sugar are aerated, giving the cake a lighter texture despite its dense pound cake structure.
- Alternate Mixing Method: Adding dry and wet ingredients in intervals keeps the batter smooth and prevents overmixing.
- Glazing Method: Pouring glaze over a fully cooled cake ensures it sets beautifully without melting.
History
The Italian Cream Cake is not authentically Italian but rather a Southern American creation from the mid-20th century. Its name reflects the exotic ingredients of its time—coconut and pecans—which were considered special additions to baked goods. Combining this with the classic pound cake, which dates back to 18th-century Europe (traditionally made with a pound each of butter, sugar, flour, and eggs), results in a hybrid dessert cherished in the South and beyond.
Benefits
- Rich in flavor – Combines nutty, creamy, and sweet flavors.
- Festive appeal – Perfect centerpiece for holidays and celebrations.
- Nourishing ingredients – Eggs and nuts provide protein, while coconut adds healthy fats.
- Long shelf life – Pound cake stays moist for days when stored properly.
Formation
- Base: Classic pound cake structure.
- Flavoring: Coconut and pecans folded into the batter.
- Topping: Cream cheese glaze drizzled over the cooled cake.
- Presentation: Typically served in slices, sometimes garnished with extra toasted coconut or pecans.
Conclusion
The Italian Cream Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is more than just dessert—it’s a nostalgic indulgence that embodies hospitality, warmth, and celebration. Whether for a holiday, birthday, or simple family dinner, this cake never fails to delight. Its rich flavors and smooth glaze make it a recipe worth passing down through generations.
Lovers of This Cake ❤️
- Traditional bakers who enjoy heritage recipes.
- Nut and coconut enthusiasts who love layered textures.
- Sweet tooths who can’t resist cream cheese frostings.
- Home entertainers looking for a showstopper dessert.
- Family members who crave a nostalgic, comforting treat.