Decadent Italian Cream Pound Cake With Cream Cheese Glaze

A few years back, I volunteered at a small community bake sale in Austin. Tables were lined with brownies, lemon bars, and cupcakes, but it was Mrs. Rodriguez, an elderly neighbor with silver hair tied neatly in a bun, who brought in something that made everyone stop mid-conversation—a tall, golden cake crowned with coconut and pecans. She called it her Italian Cream Pound Cake. I remember standing close by, watching her slice into it, the texture so tender that the knife seemed to glide right through.

I was still running my street food cart at the time, mostly turning out tacos and quick bites, but that day shifted something for me. Mrs. Rodriguez leaned in and whispered, “Every kitchen needs one recipe that feels like home.” She handed me a plate, and from the very first bite, I understood what she meant. The coconut gave it warmth, the pecans added crunch, and the glaze wrapped everything together with a silky finish.

Years later, I decided to make my own version of her cake, with Chili perched on the windowsill and my younger brother sneaking tastes of the glaze. That memory still lingers in every batch I bake. The cake doesn’t just fill the kitchen with sweet aromas, it fills it with a sense of community, the kind that makes you want to cut generous slices and share them with anyone who walks through your door.

Short Description

Italian Cream Pound Cake is a rich, moist cake filled with shredded coconut and crunchy pecans, topped with a silky cream cheese glaze and garnished with toasted coconut and pecans. Perfect for gatherings, afternoon coffee, or a special family treat.

Key Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
• ½ cup toasted pecans (for garnish)
• ½ cup toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)

Tools Needed

• Bundt pan or 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Whisk and rubber spatula
• Cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or loaf pan, making sure to coat every corner to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar on medium speed for 3–5 minutes until light and fluffy. This step creates air pockets that give the cake its tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.

Step 6: Fold in Coconut and Pecans
Use a spatula to gently fold in shredded coconut and chopped pecans. The batter should be thick but spreadable.

Step 7: Bake
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool the Cake
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until the glaze is creamy and pourable.

Step 10: Glaze and Garnish
Drizzle glaze over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with toasted pecans and coconut for crunch and beauty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Flavor: A buttery, nutty cake with a hint of coconut and almond.

Moist and Tender: Buttermilk keeps every slice soft and rich.

Show-Stopping Glaze: The cream cheese glaze adds a tangy sweetness.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Works for birthdays, holidays, or a simple family dessert.

Easy to Make Ahead: Stays moist for days and tastes even better the next day.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overmixing the batter: Leads to a dense cake. Mix until just combined.

Skipping the cooling time: If you glaze too early, it melts right off. Wait until fully cooled.

Not preparing the pan well: Bundt pans can be tricky. Use both butter and flour for best release.

Using cold ingredients: Butter, eggs, and cream cheese should be at room temperature for smooth mixing.

Forgetting to toast garnishes: Toasted pecans and coconut add depth of flavor that raw toppings can’t match.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve warm slices with coffee or tea.

Add fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness.

Pair with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Cut into small squares for a brunch buffet.

Present whole on a cake stand for a centerpiece-worthy dessert.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator: Keep for up to 1 week, well wrapped to prevent drying.

Freezer: Freeze slices or whole cake (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake without nuts?
Yes, simply leave out the pecans or replace them with extra coconut.

2. Can I use low-fat buttermilk?
Yes, but whole buttermilk provides the richest flavor and texture.

3. How do I know the cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready.

4. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Whisk before using.

5. What if I don’t have a bundt pan?
Use two loaf pans instead and reduce baking time to about 50–55 minutes.

Tips & Tricks

Toast your pecans and coconut before folding them into the batter for deeper flavor.

Place the bundt pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips and make handling easier.

Use almond extract sparingly; it’s strong but adds elegance to the flavor.

Slice with a serrated knife to keep the crumb neat.

Let the glaze drip naturally instead of spreading, it looks more rustic and inviting.

Recipe Variations

Citrus Twist: Replace almond extract with orange zest and juice in the glaze for a bright flavor.

Chocolate Drizzle: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the batter and drizzle with melted chocolate instead of glaze.

Pineapple Coconut Cake: Mix in ½ cup crushed pineapple (drained) for a tropical touch.

Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Adjust baking time slightly.

Mini Bundt Cakes: Divide batter into mini bundt pans; bake for 25–30 minutes for individual portions.

Final Thoughts

Every time I bake this Italian Cream Pound Cake, I think of Mrs. Rodriguez at that bake sale and the way she smiled when people went back for second helpings. Recipes like this one aren’t just about ingredients; they carry a little bit of someone’s story along with them.

In my kitchen, it’s become the cake that brings people together, whether I’m sharing it with friends, neighbors, or my brother after a long day. The toasted coconut, the buttery crumb, and that cream cheese glaze always seem to spark conversation around the table.