Italian Cream Cake

Introduction: Italian Cream Cake is a decadent and beloved Southern dessert, though its exact origins remain a bit of a mystery. This cake is known for its moist layers filled with rich ingredients like coconut, pecans, and buttermilk, all enveloped in a luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s the perfect treat for special occasions like birthdays, weddings, or holidays.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup vegetable shortening
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs, separated
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6-7 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted (optional for garnish)
• Toasted coconut flakes (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake Layers:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
   • In a large bowl, cream together the butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
   • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stir in the coconut and toasted pecans.
   • In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites to stiff peaks and gently fold them into the cake batter.
   • Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them and let them cool completely on wire racks.
2. Make the Frosting:
   • While the cakes are cooling, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
3. Assemble the Cake:
   • Once the cake layers are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting between the layers, then frost the top and sides of the cake.
   • Garnish with the toasted pecans and coconut flakes if desired.

Conclusion: Italian Cream Cake is a classic dessert that’s rich, moist, and full of flavor, thanks to the combination of buttermilk, coconut, pecans, and the tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s a showstopper on any dessert table and a delightful treat for those special occasions.