Italian Cream Cake

Description:
This Italian Cream Cake is a show-stopping dessert with layers of moist cake, sweetened coconut, and toasted pecans, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. A Southern favorite often enjoyed during holidays, this cake combines rich textures and flavors for a truly decadent treat!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs, separated
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped toasted pecans

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in the vanilla, coconut, and pecans.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

1. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
2. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter until no streaks remain.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until creamy.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting evenly over the top.
2. Repeat with the second layer, then top with the third layer. Frost the sides and top of the cake.
3. Garnish with chopped toasted pecans around the top or sides of the cake.

Tips for Success:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter, cream cheese, and eggs, are at room temperature for the smoothest batter and frosting.
• Toasting Pecans: Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant for enhanced flavor.
• Make Ahead: The cake can be baked and frosted a day in advance for flavors to meld beautifully.

Serving Recommendations:

• Serve slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Perfect for celebrations, holiday dinners, or special occasions.

Nutrition (Per Serving, ~12 servings):

Approximate values

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 75g
• Fat: 33g
• Sugar: 54g
• Sodium: 250mg