Delicious Gluten-Free Italian Creme Cake Recipe
Welcome to my gluten-free recipe for Italian Cream Cake – a classic dessert that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. As a nutritionist cum food blogger, I have made it my goal to create healthy recipes without compromising on flavor or variety. That’s why I’m excited to share this recipe with you today.
This Italian Cream Cake is perfect for those who are looking for a tasty gluten-free treat. The recipe ingredients are carefully selected to ensure that the final cake is moist, rich and flavorful. With a mix of tapioca flour, potato starch and xanthan gum, this cake is light on the stomach without sacrificing taste.
But it doesn’t stop there. This cake is also dairy-free, making it suitable for people with dietary restrictions. Instead of traditional cream cheese frosting, I’ve created a delicious alternative using flaked coconut and vegan cream cheese.
Whether you’re looking for a dessert to enjoy at home or you need to bring a cake to a party, this gluten-free Italian Cream Cake is sure to please. So let’s get started and whip up a delicious and healthy treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Attention all cake lovers – this gluten-free Italian Cream Cake will knock your socks off! Trust me when I say, you don’t have to sacrifice taste for health with this recipe.
Firstly, this cake is light and fluffy with a delicate sweetness that makes it perfect for any occasion. Not only is it gluten-free, but it’s also dairy-free, making it a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet. The combination of ingredients used in this recipe ensures that the texture and flavor are not compromised in any way.
Secondly, this cake is incredibly easy to make. With simple instructions and easy-to-find ingredients, even the most novice baker can whip up a delicious treat in no time at all. For those who are health conscious or following a low-carb diet, you can substitute some of the sugar with a natural sweetener to meet your dietary needs.
Lastly, this cake has the perfect balance of flavors. The addition of buttermilk gives it a tangy kick, while the flaked coconut adds subtle hints of sweetness throughout. Top it off with delicious cream cheese frosting for an indulgent finish that everyone will love.
In conclusion, there are countless reasons why you’ll love this gluten-free Italian Cream Cake. It’s a perfect dessert option that won’t make you feel guilty, and it’s easily customizable to fit any dietary concerns. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or just looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, one bite of this cake and you’ll never know it was gluten-free!
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the ingredients for this Italian Creme Cake – Gluten Free. You’ll find that most of the ingredients in this recipe are common items you’d normally use in baking. But because this is a gluten-free version, some substitutions were made to ensure that those with gluten intolerance can still enjoy it.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup flaked coconut
- 1 and 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp xanthan gum
- 3/4 cup tapioca flour
- 1 cup potato starch
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 and 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups sugar
- Cream cheese frosting, recipe below
As always, make sure to check your pantry and refrigerator before heading out to the grocery store. It’s possible that you already have some or all of these ingredients on hand. Happy shopping!
The Recipe How-To
Now, what you have been waiting for, the recipe how-to! This Italian Creme Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, be it a birthday, wedding, or just a sweet treat for the family. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum included)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup flaked coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together your butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in your vegetable oil and beat for another 3 minutes.
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Mix in the egg yolks, one at a time, stirring well after each addition.
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In a separate bowl, sift together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder and soda, and xanthan gum.
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Gradually add the flour mixture to your butter mixture alternatively with your buttermilk mixture.
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Stir in coconut flakes and chopped pecans until well combined.
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In another mixing bowl, beat your egg whites with an electric mixer until they form stiff peaks.
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Gently fold your beaten egg whites into your cake batter until just combined.
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Pour equal amounts of batter into each prepared cake pan.
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Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
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Let the cake cool in its pans for 10 minutes before removing it from the pans and allowing it to cool completely on wire racks.
Assembly
Once your cakes have cooled completely, you can start assembling your Italian Creme Cake!
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Place the first layer of cake onto a serving platter.
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Take half of your cream cheese frosting and spread it evenly over the top of the first layer.
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Place the second layer of cake on top of the frosting, then spread a generous amount of frosting over that layer.
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Repeat with the final layer of cake and another layer of frosting until you’ve used up all your layers.
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Garnish with additional coconut flakes or chopped pecans, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Be sure to sift together your dry ingredients to ensure even mixing throughout your batter.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting for best results.
- If you have any leftover frosting, store it in an airtight container in
Substitutions and Variations
This Italian Creme Cake recipe can easily be adapted to accommodate dietary preferences or ingredient substitutions. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
– Gluten-free flour substitutes: If you don’t have tapioca flour or potato starch on hand, you can use arrowroot powder or rice flour instead. Keep in mind that different flours may change the texture and taste of the cake slightly, so it might require experimentation to get the perfect combination.
– Dairy-free substitutes: To make this cake dairy-free, you can replace the buttermilk with any non-dairy milk like soy, almond, oat or coconut milk. You can also switch out the cream cheese frosting for a dairy-free frosting made with coconut cream.
– Vegan and keto-friendly alternatives: If you’re following a vegan lifestyle, replace the eggs with ½ cup unsweetened applesauce, mashed ripe bananas, or tofu. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, replace the sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol.
– Flavor variations: Experiment with adding different flavors to this Italian Creme Cake recipe. For example, try adding ¼ cup of cocoa powder to make it chocolate-flavored or 1 cup of chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to give it a nutty texture.
With these easy substitutions and variations, this gluten-free Italian Creme Cake recipe can become a go-to dessert for everyone irrespective of their dietary preferences.
Serving and Pairing
Once your Italian Cream Cake is ready, it’s time to indulge in its delectable flavors. This cake pairs well with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea to balance out the sweetness.
A slice of gluten-free Italian Cream Cake is perfect for any occasion and makes for an indulgent dessert paired with some fresh berries on the side. Its rich and creamy texture can be complemented by a refreshing beverage like a light white wine or champagne.
For those who prefer a vegan or dairy-free version, try pairing your cake with plant-based yogurt or coconut milk-based beverages to keep the flavors balanced. This gluten-free cake makes for an excellent birthday or wedding cake that can cater to all dietary needs without compromising on taste.
If you’re serving this Italian Cream Cake at a dinner party, consider adding some flair by garnishing it with flaked coconut or fresh berries for added texture and flavor. Another variation would be to top it off with some chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for crunchy goodness.
In summary, this gluten-free Italian Cream Cake is versatile and can pair well with a range of beverages and toppings. Whether served alone or dressed up, its rich flavors and creamy texture make it an excellent dessert choice for any occasion.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
A cake is often the centerpiece of any celebration, but sometimes baking one right before an event can be overwhelming. That’s why I love recipes that can be made ahead of time, like this gluten-free Italian Creme Cake.
To make this cake ahead of time, prepare the cake as instructed and let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. If you froze the cake, remember to take it out of the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
When it’s time to serve, you can make a fresh batch of cream cheese frosting or use the leftover frosting from when you baked the cake. Store-bought frostings can also work if there’s no time to make one from scratch.
If reheating is needed, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and remove the plastic wrap from your cake. Cover your cake with aluminum foil, then warm it up in the oven for 10 minutes if you refrigerated it or about 20-25 minutes if frozen. This will make sure that it remains moist and doesn’t dry out.
Once fully reheated, decorate your cake with extra toppings like flaked coconut or chopped nuts for additional texture and flavor.
Making a homemade Italian Creme Cake ahead of time for a special occasion ensures a hassle-free experience while still impressing your guests with its delicious taste and texture.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that you can make the perfect Italian Creme cake without any glitch, here are some essential tips to help you.
Firstly, it’s crucial to check all your ingredients carefully before starting. Make sure that you have all the ingredients listed in the recipe section on hand, so there is no need to rush back to the grocery store while you’re in the middle of making the cake. To avoid allergen ingredients from triggering any allergies, double-check all of your ingredients’ labels before using them, including food items like tapioca flour, xanthan gum, and buttermilk.
Secondly, measure your dry ingredients and wet ingredients accurately. Because baking is a delicate process that relies on precise measurements, even small errors can lead to disastrous outcomes for your cake. Over or undermeasuring either wet or dry ingredients will ruin the balance of the recipe and produce a lousy final product.
Thirdly, cream room-temperature butter with sugar until fluffy and pale yellow. This essential step introduces air into the batter for a light texture.
Fourthly, mix the batter thoroughly but not overmixing it. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated, but if you over-mix it, you’ll end up with a dense and chewy cake instead of a tender one.
Fifthly, Preheat your oven as per required temperature at least 15 minutes ahead to achieve quality baking results.
Sixthly, bake in the center position along with enough space around each cake pan so the heat can distribute evenly from all sides.
Finally, do not forget to allow ample time to cool down completely before frosting your cake with its creamy Italian cream cheese frosting. If you frost it too early while the cake is still warm or hot, it will melt and slide off the cake’s sides. Additionally, let baked cakes sit at room temperature for around 10-12 minutes before turning them onto wire racks for cooling.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you achieve the perfect gluten-free Italian cream cake every time!
FAQ
Before concluding this article, let me address some frequently asked questions about this delicious gluten-free Italian Cream Cake recipe. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, these answers will help you get the most out of making this cake. Keep reading to learn some helpful tips and tricks that guarantee baking success.
What would be an acceptable substitute for cake flour to avoid gluten in an Italian cream cake?
Looking for an alternative to using cornstarch in your cake flour mixture? Look no further than arrowroot powder. By substituting ¼ cup of arrowroot powder for cornstarch in your recipe, not only will you prevent gluten from forming during baking, but your cakes will retain their soft and fluffy texture. Say goodbye to tough and chewy cakes and try out this simple swap.
What is Italian cream cake made of?
If you’re looking for a delectable dessert to satiate your sweet tooth, you might want to try making Italian Cream Cake. This delightful cake contains layers of succulent and spongy cake that’s imbued with a tantalizing mixture of cream cheese, coconut and pecans. The heavenly cream cheese frosting is velvety and airy with a subtle tang, making it an irresistible treat.
How do you keep gluten-free cake moist?
A gluten-free cake can quickly become dry if not stored correctly and may lose its softness. To avoid this problem, I recommend using buttermilk and adding additional fat to the batter to make up for the lack of gluten.
Should Italian cream cake be refrigerated?
Italian Cream Cake needs to be chilled due to the presence of cream cheese in its frosting. To keep it fresh for the longest possible time, you can store it in an airtight container inside the refrigerator. It can remain in there for a maximum of five days.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this gluten-free Italian Cream Cake recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves to indulge in delicious desserts without compromising their health. The combination of flaked coconut, buttermilk, and cream cheese frosting makes this cake incredibly moist and flavorful.
The ingredients used in this recipe, such as tapioca flour, xanthan gum, and potato starch, make this cake completely gluten-free while still maintaining its traditional Italian Cream Cake flavor. This recipe also allows for modifications and variations to suit any dietary needs, including dairy-free and vegan options.
Not only does this Italian Cream Cake provide a healthy alternative to traditional cakes loaded with sugar and gluten, but it also serves as a beautiful centerpiece at any celebration or gathering. Whether it’s for a birthday party or special occasion, everyone will be blown away by the taste and presentation of this dessert.
In essence, by trying out this recipe, you are not only enjoying the sweet flavors of this iconic dessert but also taking a step towards living a healthier lifestyle. So why wait? Try out this gluten-free Italian Cream Cake recipe today and indulge in the heavenly goodness it has to offer!
Italian Creme Cake - Gluten Free!! Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup oil
- 2 cups sugar
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/2 cup potato starch
- 1/4 cup tapioca flour
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup flaked coconut
Instructions
- Beat butter, shortening and oil at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Add vanilla; beat until blended
- Combine flour, xanthan gum, baking powder and soda; add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition. Stir in coconut.
- Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into batter. Pour batter into three 9-inch round cake pans or one oblong baking dish, that has been greased and floured (gf of course).
- Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes for multiple pans; 40-45 minutes for oblong pan or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool on wire rack.
- Nutty Cream Cheese Frosting (double this recipe if you're going to do a layer cake; single if you're going to use an oblong pan).
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans.
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened.
- ½ cup butter, softened.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
- 1 (16 ounce) box powdered sugar, sifted.
- Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add powdered sugar, beating at low speed until blended. Beat at high speed until smooth; stir in nuts. Spread Nutty Cream Cheese Frosting between cake layers and on top and sides of cake. Serves 10.