Italian Cream Cake

Italian Cream Cake is a classic dessert known for its rich flavor and creamy texture. Despite its name, it doesn’t originate from Italy but is rather a traditional Southern dessert in the United States. Here’s a basic recipe for Italian Cream Cake:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs, separated
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• Additional chopped pecans for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking soda.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the buttermilk.
6. Stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
7. In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter.
8. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them to wire racks to cool completely.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat together the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until creamy and smooth.
3. Once the cakes have cooled completely, assemble the cake by spreading frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
4. Optionally, garnish the top of the cake with additional chopped pecans.
5. Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve. Enjoy!

This cake is perfect for special occasions or any time you’re craving a decadent dessert. Buon appetito!