Italian Cream Cheese Cake is a rich and decadent dessert featuring layers of moist cake infused with cream cheese, coconut, and pecans, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s a delightful indulgence perfect for any celebration or special occasion.
Italian Cream Cheese Cake
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 2 cups sugar
- 5 eggs, separated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1-1/2 cups flaked coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 2 packages (one 8 ounces, one 3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking soda. Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beating just until combined. Stir in the flaked coconut and chopped pecans.
- Beat Egg Whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold a quarter of the beaten egg whites into the cake batter, then fold in the remaining whites until well combined.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between three greased and floured 9-inch round baking pans. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
- Serve and Store: Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This Italian Cream Cheese Cake is perfect for any occasion and will surely impress your family and friends with its delicious flavor and creamy texture.
Tips:
- Make sure the butter, shortening, and cream cheese are all softened to room temperature before beginning to ensure a smooth and creamy batter and frosting.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the flour mixture, as overmixing can result in a dense cake.
- Toasting the chopped pecans before adding them to the batter and frosting can enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch to the cake.
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of rum or bourbon to the cake batter or frosting.
- Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop.
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