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Italian Cream Cheese Cake

Italian Cream Cheese Cake

Transform your kitchen into a classic Italian bakery with this elegant and impressive layer cake that's sure to become a family favorite.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 slices 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 5 large eggs, separated, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1-1/2 cups shredded coconut
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 12 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 6 cups powdered sugar
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For Garnishing:

 

  • 2 cups shredded coconut, toasted
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

Instructions

  • Prepare Your Baking Setup: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  • Create the Base: In a large bowl, cream together butter, shortening, and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 5-7 minutes of beating time.
  • Build the Batter: Beat in egg yolks and vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, mixing just until combined.
  • Add Texture Elements: Gently fold in the coconut and pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  • Incorporate Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold these whipped whites into your batter to maintain their airiness.
  • Bake to Perfection: Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
  • Prepare the Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together for five full minutes until perfectly smooth. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla, beating for an additional five minutes until light and fluffy.

 

  • Assemble and Decorate: Once cakes are completely cool, spread frosting between layers and over the entire cake. Garnish generously with toasted coconut and chopped pecans.
  • Author: Margie
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes