Italian Cream Cake Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the divine flavors of pecans, coconut, and cream cheese with this delightful Italian Cream Cake recipe. Originating from a cherished 1991 issue of Better Homes & Gardens, this cake promises not just taste but also an elegant presentation. Perfect for any occasion, it embodies the essence of comfort and sophistication. With a bakery-like texture and taste, it’s sure to captivate the hearts and taste buds of your guests.
Recipe Information:
- Name: Italian Cream Cake
- Category: Dessert
- Keywords: Fruit, Nuts, Potluck, < 60 Mins, For Large Groups, Oven, Easy
- Servings: 14
- Yield: 1 three-layer cake
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Aggregated Rating: 5 stars
- Review Count: 1
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 670.3
- Fat Content: 32.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 16.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 111.7mg
- Sodium Content: 248.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 91.4g
- Fiber Content: 1.5g
- Sugar Content: 76.7g
- Protein Content: 6.5g
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/3 cup shortening
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 4 eggs, separated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
- 3/4 cup cream cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
- 6-7 pecan halves (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prepare Pans: Start by greasing and flouring three 8- or 9-inch round baking pans. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the butter and shortening until well combined. Gradually add the sugar and beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, beating well after each addition.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
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Alternate Mixing: Add the dry mixture and buttermilk alternately to the butter mixture, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined.
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Add Pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Whip Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.
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Fold Egg Whites: Gently fold about one-third of the whipped egg whites into the cake batter to lighten it. Then, carefully fold in the remaining egg whites until fully incorporated.
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Divide Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
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Bake: Bake at 350°F for 18 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the pans and your oven, or until a wooden toothpick inserted near the centers comes out clean.
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Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Then, remove them from the pans and cool completely on wire racks.
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Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, 6 tablespoons of butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually stir in the powdered sugar until the frosting reaches the desired consistency for spreading, beating until smooth. This should yield about 4 cups of frosting.
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Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread frosting evenly over the top. Repeat with the remaining layers. Use the remaining frosting to cover the sides of the cake.
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Garnish: Sprinkle the top of the cake with toasted coconut and garnish with pecan halves for a beautiful finishing touch.
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Storage: Cover the cake loosely and store it in the refrigerator.
Additional Notes:
- This cake can also be baked in a 9 x 13-inch pan, with a baking time of 35 to 40 minutes.
- If you opt for the 9 x 13-inch cake, you will only need half of the frosting recipe, making it a versatile option for different occasions and preferences.
Conclusion:
Prepare to be enchanted by the irresistible charm of this Italian Cream Cake. With its harmonious blend of flavors and textures, it’s a dessert that’s bound to leave a lasting impression on your guests. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a slice of homemade goodness, this recipe promises to deliver satisfaction in every bite. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey that’s sure to delight your senses and warm your heart.
