Holiday hosts can rest easy. A popular Sam’s Club bakery item is back, and it’s perfect for any type of gathering. With creamy, decadent layers and frosting swirls, it’s special enough to serve for a formal holiday dinner and a delicious way to end a cozy family gift exchange.
The Member’s Mark Italian Creme Cake features three layers of moist white cake studded with nuts and coconut, layered with fluffy cream cheese frosting, and finished with a toasted coconut and nut coating on the sides.
You could make your own, but the classic recipe can be a time-consuming process. With this cake, you can spend more time focusing on the main dish. It’s ready to serve so it’s easy to bring along to a Christmas party or keep on hand for last-minute holiday guests. At $19.98 the affordable dessert looks like it came from your local bake shop since it’s already decorated with a criss-crossed white chocolate design and cream cheese frosting rosettes. If you’re feeding a crowd, the 10-inch cake serves 12 to 16 guests.
Credit:
Southern Living/Jenna Sims
Italian cream cake isn’t actually Italian like the name suggests. It’s a Southern-style cake and its exact origins aren’t known, but it’s a popular dessert served at special occasions across the South. Theories about its beginnings are that it was developed by an Italian immigrant baker, or that cream cheese was more of a specialty ingredient typically used in Italian dishes at the time it was created. Traditional Italian desserts often feature custard, sponge cake, and whipped cream, not the coconut or pecans found in this cake.
The Sam’s Club version went viral a few years ago, and some reviewers on the store’s website wish it was available outside of the holiday season. “Only wish it was offered year round!” one reviewer said.
As some noted, it’s easy to freeze and enjoy later: “Love this delicious cake only available during the holidays! Moist cake and yummy icing. I look forward to it every year. Plus it is large and enough to freeze a few slices for later.”
Since this cake is only available for a limited time, that means you may want to pick up two and stash one in the freezer for after the holidays.
Dining and Cooking