Italian Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

Here’s a delightful recipe for Italian Cream Cheese Cake:

Italian Cream Cheese Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) 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 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the Frosting:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, shortening, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In another bowl, sift together the flour and baking soda.
5. Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix in the vanilla extract.
6. Stir in the coconut and pecans.
7. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
8. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

For the Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
3. Stir in the coconut and pecans.

Assembly:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting over the top.
2. Repeat with the second and third layers, spreading frosting between each layer and over the top and sides of the cake.
3. Garnish with additional coconut and pecans if desired.

Tips:

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
• For a more intense coconut flavor, you can toast the coconut before adding it to the batter and frosting.

Enjoy this classic Italian Cream Cheese Cake, perfect for special occasions or just to indulge in a delicious treat!