• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
  • About
  • Contact
  • Boutique of the Week
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Happy Happy Nester

Weekly Inspiration for Your Nest

  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast/Brunch
    • Desserts
    • Dinners
    • Drinks
  • Crafts
  • Decor
  • Shop
    • Fall Decor
    • Kitchen
    • Pillows
    • Holiday Decor
  • Amazon Store
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast/Brunch
    • Desserts
    • Dinners
    • Drinks
    • Snacks
  • Crafts
  • Decor
  • Shop
    • Fall Decor
    • Kitchen Favorites
    • Pillows
    • Holiday Decor
  • Saturday Chitchat
  • Boutique of the Week
  • About
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

See What’s Trending…

Cakes

Cookies

Dinners

Wreaths

Drinks

Home › Recipes › Italian Cream Cake with a Twist of Pumpkin

Italian Cream Cake with a Twist of Pumpkin

Cakes & Cupcakes Desserts Featured Recipes
Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
By Janine Waite · Published on Sep 13, 2021
Affiliate Disclosure: This Post May Contain Affiliate Links.

This Italian Cream Cake has a pumpkin cream cheese frosting that makes this a winning combination. This dessert is perfect for the holidays or any occasion. This is a moist and family favorite cake that I’ve made for years.

This Italian Cream Cake has a pumpkin cream cheese frosting that makes this a winning combination. This dessert is perfect for the holidays.
Photo: Mark Yamamoto

This Italian cake has a luscious cream cheese pumpkin frosting. And the combination of the cake and frosting is unbelievable.

Italian Cream Cake with Pumpkin Frosting 

 

There is nothing as yummy as a cake. It is my favorite dessert to bake. It’s like a project that has the sweetest results. 

My family and friends love this cake, and I think you will too. 

The batter has coconut, pecans, and buttermilk which sets it apart from the basic white cake. And the frosting has a hint of pumpkin, so it’s a perfect autumn dessert. 

 

 

 

 

https://blog.potterybarn.com/italian-coconut-cream-cake-cream-cheese-frosting/
Photo: Mark Yamamoto

If you make it this fall, add some cute mini-pumpkins on top. Cake decorating doesn’t get easier than this. 

 

 

 

 

https://blog.potterybarn.com/italian-coconut-cream-cake-cream-cheese-frosting/
Photo: Mark Yamamoto

*The following post contains affiliate links

 

 

You’ll be happy to know that my husband is my toughest food critic. And I’m happy to say this passed him with two thumbs up. If he had a third hand, it would be three thumbs!

I hope you like this moist and yummy cake.


 

 

 

https://blog.potterybarn.com/italian-coconut-cream-cake-cream-cheese-frosting/
Photo: Mark Yamamoto

 

Here are a couple of frequently asked questions:

What is an Italian Cream Cake made of?

It is a basic white cake with the addition of pecans and coconut. The frosting is usually whip cream or a cream cheese base. 

Why is it called an Italian Cream Cake?

This cake’s origins are not from Italy. Its origins are southern. I find that it reminds me of a hummingbird cake!

Does Italian Cream Cake need to be refrigerated?

Yes, since the frosting has cream cheese in the ingredients, this cake needs to be placed in the fridge. 

 

This Italian Cream Cake has a pumpkin cream cheese frosting that makes this a winning combination. This dessert is perfect for the holidays.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe

Italian Cream Cake

This Italian Cream Cake has a pumpkin cream cheese frosting that makes this a winning combination. This dessert is perfect for the holidays and all occasions.
Prep Time30 minutes mins
Cook Time45 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Apple Recipe, Cake, Cake Recipe, Cream Cake, Desserts
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 720kcal
Author: Janine Waite

Ingredients

Batter

  • 1 cup Buttermilk
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 5 eggs separate eggs
  • ½ cup butter 1 stick
  • ½ cup cooking oil
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups flour
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup pecans
  • 7 oz shredded coconut

Frosting

  • 1 cup Butter 2 sticks at room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 16 oz cream cheese room temperature
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp cloves
  • 3 tbsp pumpkin puree

Instructions

Cake

  • Preheat oven to 350°
  • Grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line bottoms with wax paper and grease. Sprinkle flour and coat the entire inside of the pans.
  • Mix buttermilk and baking soda and set aside.
  • In another mixing bowl, separate the eggs, and beat whites until stiff. Set aside.
  • Cream together butter, cooking oil, and sugar.
  • Add egg yolks one at a time to the cream butter mixture. Beat well after each addition.
  • Mix flour and baking powder.
  • To egg mixture, alternate adding the buttermilk and flour mixture.
  • Next, add vanilla and salt to the cake batter.
  • Fold in egg whites and stir in gently.
  • Also, gently fold in the pecans and coconut.
  • Pour into prepared cake pans.
  • Bake for 25 minutes at 350°
  • Cool on a rack and remove wax paper.

Frosting

  • Beat cream cheese and slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat in butter. Mix until smooth.
  • Measure 1¾ cups of the frosting and add cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and pumpkin puree. Beat until smooth.
  • Place the bottom cake layer on a cake platter and frost the top with the pumpkin frosting. Place the second layer on top and finish frosting the rest of the cake with the plain cream cheese frosting.
  • Slice and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 720kcal | Carbohydrates: 76g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 130mg | Sodium: 454mg | Potassium: 252mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 62g | Vitamin A: 1453IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @happyhappynester or tag #happyhappynester!

 

 

For More Pumpkin Recipes, Check-Out:

  • Copycat Starbuck’s Pumpkin Bread Recipe
  • Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe
  • Pumpkin Recipes Roundup

 

 

I always have cake cravings, and according to my auntie, desserts go to another place in your stomach, so you always have room for it. Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee! And I hope you have a chance to make this Italian Cream Cake recipe.

If you missed my pumpkin bread recipe by chance, you need to make sure to check it out. And, of course, there is this year’s Thanksgiving Tablescape!

Cheers,

thanksgiving table signature

 

 

 

 

This Italian Cream Cake has a pumpkin cream cheese frosting that makes this a winning combination. This dessert is perfect for the holidays or any occasion.

 

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Janine Waite
Follow me
Janine Waite
I named my blog Happy Happy Nester because I love everything related to the home. I’ve always enjoyed decorating my surroundings. Get cozy and stay for a bit, thanks for visiting!
Janine Waite
Follow me
Latest posts by Janine Waite (see all)
  • How to Make a Tender Juicy Steak - May 8, 2025
  • My Favorite Flower Crafts - May 3, 2025
  • Easy Corkboard Placemats DIY - May 2, 2025

You May Also Like

  • the best carrot cake recipe final
    Best Carrot Cake Recipe (Super Moist)
  • the best chocolate cake
    The Best Chocolate Cake - Beet Cake Recipe
  • mini pumpkin bundt cakes
    Mini Pumpkin Bundt Cakes (Recipe)
  • Berry Chantilly Cake Recipe
    Berry Chantilly Cake Recipe

Sharing This!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. lynn spencer

    November 15, 2017 at 9:08 am

    Oh Janine, that cake! Italian Cream Cake…one of my all time favs ! And love how you gave it that little pumpkin twist! And what a lovely memory you have of baking with your mom. I was lucky in that respect as well, we are truly blessed! Thanks for the recipe and the story. Have a great day my friend.

    Hugs, Lynn

    Reply
  2. Katrin

    November 15, 2017 at 10:17 am

    I have a thing for cheesecake and if there’s pumpkin involved it must be heavenly 😉 It looks delicious and so pretty!

    Reply
  3. Kellie

    November 15, 2017 at 10:53 am

    Oh, Janine I can almost taste it! It looks so delicious! I will for sure try it!! So fun to be in this blog hop with you, my friend!

    Reply
  4. Sherry Cole

    November 15, 2017 at 12:17 pm

    You are blessed like me to have a mom that baked with you. I think that is why so many of us love to cook and bake. I take orders for cakes at Thanksgiving and Christmas and I am definitely going to make this cake. It looks and sounds perfect!

    Reply
  5. Sam - Raggedy Bits

    November 15, 2017 at 1:26 pm

    Oh, this cake sounds so divine!! You sure have been blessed with a fabulous cooking gene from your mum! All of your recipes look so yummy and never disappoint when I have made them!!

    Reply
  6. Jodie & Julie

    November 15, 2017 at 1:36 pm

    OMG! I’m craving cake and it’s all your fault!! ahahah! This cake is so beautiful and looks so delicious I wish I could just drop everything and make it right now. No really. Ok…..the next time you make it just make sure I get an invitation!!! Thanks for sharing this. I might just try it for Thanksgiving this year!

    xoxo Jodie & Julie

    Reply
  7. Ashley

    November 15, 2017 at 7:31 pm

    This looks so good! You had me at pumpkin!

    Reply
  8. Carolann

    November 16, 2017 at 5:24 am

    Wow, this cream cake looks divine! I can’t wait to try this recipe! You staged everything so beautifully too. I love the pumpkin twist too. I need a slice and now! Pinned this one for sure!

    Reply
  9. julie kimball

    November 16, 2017 at 9:42 am

    Beautiful…like you! Your simple elegance always inspires…and Italian cream is my favorite. Your idea to add some pumpkin to the frosting? Brilliant! Be thankful this season for your creative mind and spirit….such a gift! Blessings for Thanksgiving celebrations with your family and friends.

    Reply
  10. Coco in the Kitchen

    November 16, 2017 at 12:55 pm

    Italian caught my eye. It always does.
    What a gorgeous creation, J! I must make this, like, tonight! xo

    Reply
  11. sara s syrett

    November 16, 2017 at 8:05 pm

    That cake look so good! And Ioved your story of baking! I have similar memories. The photos are beautiful!

    Reply
  12. Tara @ Lehman Lane

    November 17, 2017 at 9:51 am

    Janine this cake looks and sounds absolutely amazing! Loved hearing about you baking with your mom. Def pinning and thanks so much for all your hard work on this hop!

    Reply
  13. Michelle James

    November 21, 2017 at 5:17 pm

    Wow!! This looks so delicious! Also the photographs are beautiful. Have a very happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  14. Quan

    November 27, 2017 at 12:13 pm

    I made this cake for my family last Thanksgiving. Everyone loved it! It’s soooo good!

    Reply
    • happyhappynester

      December 10, 2017 at 7:32 pm

      I’m finally getting around to my comments and I love that you made my cake! It is such a moist and yummy cake! Happy that you like it!!! Ok, now you have to make my almond cookies! Happy Holidays!

Newer Comments »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Sidebar

Janine the Nester

Hello from the Nester

We love everything related to home, so get cozy and stay for a bit. Thanks for visiting our blog. Learn More...

Reader Favorites

The Best Crunchy Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookie

French Apple Custard Tart with Puff Pastry

DIY Paper Flowers Tutorial (Tissue Paper)

Upcycling Tin Cans with Scrapbooking Paper

How to Make a Paper Flower Wreath DIY

Popular Categories

  • Cakes
  • Cookies
  • Dinners
  • Wreaths
  • Organizing

Join Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE:
I am grateful to be of service and bring you content free of charge. In order to do this, please note that when you click links and purchase items, in most (not all) cases, I will receive a referral commission. Your support in purchasing through these links enables me to keep my design and customization prices ridiculously low and empower more people worldwide to blog with less worry and less hassle.
Happy Happy Nester is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Thank you! :)
-Happy Happy Nester

Our Guide

Join Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Recipes

Appetizers
Breakfast/Brunch
Desserts
Dinners
Drinks

Crafts & Decor

DIY
Gardening
Holiday
Wreaths

About

About The Nester
Contact
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Happy Happy Nester by Janine Waite · Privacy Policy

↑ BACK TO TOP