Italian Cream Cake Recipe

Italian Cream Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 5 eggs, separated
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• For the Frosting:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • Chopped pecans, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
   • In a large bowl, cream together the butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract.
   • In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda.
   • Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
   • Stir in the coconut and chopped pecans.
3. Beat Egg Whites:
   • In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
   • Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
4. Bake:
   • Evenly divide the batter among the prepared pans.
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
5. Make the Frosting:
   • In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth.
   • Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and easy to spread.
6. Assemble the Cake:
   • Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
   • Spread with frosting, then top with the second layer and more frosting.
   • Add the final layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
   • Press chopped pecans around the sides or sprinkle over the top of the cake.
7. Serve:
   • Chill for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld and frosting set.

This Italian Cream Cake is perfect for celebrations and special occasions, providing a rich and indulgent treat. Enjoy your baking! If you need any more recipes or variations, feel free to ask.