Chocolate Italian Cream Cake Recipe
Overview:
Indulge in the decadent delight of Chocolate Italian Cream Cake, a delightful twist on the classic recipe that infuses the subtle richness of cocoa into every bite. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe yields a moist and fluffy cake complemented by a creamy frosting, topped with crunchy pecans. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress!
Recipe Information:
- Name: Chocolate Italian Cream Cake
- Category: Dessert
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Keywords: Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 5 | Eggs |
| 1/2 cup | Butter |
| 1/2 cup | Shortening |
| 2 cups | Sugar |
| 2 1/4 cups | All-purpose flour |
| 1/4 cup | Cocoa |
| 1 cup | Buttermilk |
| 1 cup | Sweetened flaked coconut |
| 1 cup | Pecans |
| 2 tsp | Vanilla extract |
| 1 pkg (8 oz) | Cream cheese |
| 1/2 cup | Butter, softened |
| 1 tsp | Ground cinnamon |
| 2 1/2 cups | Powdered sugar |
| 1/4 cup | Buttermilk |
| 1/4 cup | Pecans, chopped |
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Prepare three 8-inch layer pans by greasing and flouring them; set aside.
- Separate the eggs, placing the whites in a large mixing bowl; set aside.
- Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form; set aside.
- Cream together the butter and shortening in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the sugar to the creamed butter mixture, beating well after each addition.
- Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating until well blended after each addition.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, and baking soda.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
- Beat at low speed until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Stir in the coconut and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Gently fold in the beaten egg whites until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting Instructions:
- For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
- Sift the powdered sugar and cocoa together.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar mixture to the cream cheese mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the powdered sugar mixture.
- Beat at low speed for about 2 minutes, or until the frosting is well blended and fluffy.
- Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
Assembly:
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost each layer generously with the prepared frosting.
- Garnish the top of the cake with whole pecans for an elegant finish.
- Slice and serve this irresistible Chocolate Italian Cream Cake to delighted guests or enjoy it as a special treat for yourself!
Indulge in the rich flavors and creamy texture of this Chocolate Italian Cream Cake, a surefire hit that will leave everyone craving for more! 🍫✨
