Italian Cream Cheese Cake is a delicious dessert that combines the richness of cream cheese with the flavors of coconut and pecans. It’s a delightful treat often served at special occasions. Here’s a basic recipe for making Italian Cream Cheese Cake:
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large 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
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish (optional):
- Additional shredded coconut
- Chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
- In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter until well incorporated.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is well combined and has a spreadable consistency.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting between each layer of cake and on top of the assembled cake.
- Optionally, garnish the cake with additional shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
- Slice and serve your Italian Cream Cheese Cake. Enjoy!
This cake is known for its rich, creamy frosting and the delightful crunch of coconut and pecans. It’s sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoys a classic, decadent dessert.
