Decadent Italian Cream Cake with Nutty Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in the delightful layers of this Decadent Italian Cream Cake, featuring a moist and fluffy base infused with coconut and toasted pecans. This beautiful cake is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet indulgence at any gathering. The combination of rich flavors and textures is enhanced by the creamy Nutty Cream Cheese Frosting that wraps around each layer, making every bite a heavenly experience. Share it with friends and family, and watch as it becomes the centerpiece of your dessert table.
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter or margarine
1/2 cup (softened)
shortening
1/2 cup
sugar
2 cups
large eggs
5 (separated)
vanilla extract
2 tablespoons
all-purpose flour
2 cups
baking soda
1 teaspoon
buttermilk
1 cup
flaked coconut
1 cup
chopped pecans
1 cup (toasted)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
powdered sugar
16 ounces (sifted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and shortening together at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy and well combined.
3
Gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat the mixture until it is light and airy.
4
Add the egg yolks, one by one, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda.
6
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix at low speed until just combined after each addition.
7
Gently fold in the flaked coconut until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the batter until no white streaks remain.
9
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10
Once baked, cool the cakes in the pans on wire racks for about 10 minutes. Then remove from pans and allow to cool completely on the racks.
11
While the cakes cool, prepare the Nutty Cream Cheese Frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract together at medium speed until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
12
Gradually mix in the powdered sugar with the mixer on low speed until combined, then increase to high speed and beat until smooth and fluffy. Fold in the toasted pecans.
13
Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of the Nutty Cream Cheese Frosting between the layers of the cake, and then cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
14
For best flavor, let the cake sit for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
40g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Decadent Italian Cream Cake?
It is a moist and fluffy layer cake infused with coconut and toasted pecans, finished with a rich nutty cream cheese frosting.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How many cake pans do I need?
You will need three 9-inch round cake pans.
Can I use margarine instead of butter in the cake batter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/2 cup of butter or margarine.
Why does the recipe use both butter and shortening?
Combining butter and shortening provides both the rich flavor of butter and the light, fluffy texture from the shortening.
How many eggs are used in this cake?
The recipe calls for 5 large eggs, which must be separated.
Why do I need to separate the eggs?
The yolks are mixed into the batter for richness, while the whites are beaten separately to stiff peaks to provide lift and airiness.
How much vanilla extract is used in the cake?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract in the cake batter.
What type of flour should I use?
You should use 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
What is the leavening agent in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of baking soda combined with buttermilk.
When do I add the flaked coconut?
The flaked coconut should be gently folded in after the flour and buttermilk have been mixed into the batter.
How do I incorporate the egg whites?
Beat the whites until stiff peaks form, then carefully fold them into the batter until no white streaks remain.
How long does the cake bake?
The cakes bake for approximately 25 minutes.
How do I know when the cake is done?
A wooden pick inserted in the center should come out clean.
How long should the cakes cool in the pans?
Let the cakes cool in the pans on wire racks for about 10 minutes before removing them.
What are the ingredients for the Nutty Cream Cheese Frosting?
The frosting consists of 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, 16 ounces of sifted powdered sugar, and toasted pecans.
Why should I toast the pecans?
Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty flavor and provides a better crunch.
Should the powdered sugar be sifted?
Yes, sifting 16 ounces of powdered sugar ensures a smooth and fluffy frosting without lumps.
How do I assemble the cake?
Spread frosting between each of the three layers, then cover the top and sides of the entire cake.
How long should I wait before serving the cake?
For the best flavor, let the cake sit for at least 30 minutes after frosting before slicing.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 18 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
One serving contains 40 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in the cake?
Each serving provides 4 grams of protein.
Is this cake suitable for a celebration?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a celebration cake and a centerpiece dessert.
What size are the pecans used in the frosting?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped, toasted pecans.
How much buttermilk is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of buttermilk.
What is the texture of the Italian Cream Cake?
The cake is described as moist and fluffy with a combination of rich flavors and varied textures.
Does the frosting contain nuts?
Yes, toasted pecans are folded into the cream cheese frosting.
How should I prep the cake pans?
The pans should be greased and floured to prevent the cake from sticking.