Indulge in the timeless delight of Italian Cream Cake, a classic recipe that exudes elegance and flavor. This decadent dessert, adorned with pecans and coconut, harmonizes perfectly with a luscious whipped cream cheese frosting. A perfect balance of sweetness and texture awaits in every bite.
Italian Cream Cake, a hidden gem often reserved for special occasions, deserves a spot on your table year-round. With a delicate blend of ingredients like cake flour, buttermilk, and a hint of almond extract, this cake achieves a level of moistness and softness that is simply unparalleled. Despite its name, this cake’s roots are more Southern than Italian, adding to its mystique and charm.
Unravel the mystery behind this beloved dessert and discover why Italian Cream Cake has stood the test of time as a cherished treat for all seasons.
Ingredients
Indulge in the classic flavors with these essential ingredients for an impeccable Italian Cream Cake.
Cake Layers
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pecans
- Coconut flakes (toasted)
- Almond extract (for a subtle flavor twist)
Required Equipment
- Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Large silicone spatula
- Sheet pan
- Chopping tool
Preparation Steps
Before diving into the delicious process of making an Italian Cream Cake, we need to ensure that our preparations are on point. Let’s get ready to create a masterpiece that will leave everyone craving more.
Preparing the Cake Pans
To start, line two round baking pans with parchment paper and give them a light coating of nonstick cooking spray. This step ensures that your cake layers release easily without sticking, allowing for a flawless presentation. Set the prepared pans aside while you move on to the next steps.
Pre-Mixing Ingredients
Let’s focus on gathering and pre-mixing the key ingredients for our Italian Cream Cake. Beat together the butter and shortening until fluffy, gradually adding the sugar and egg yolks one at a time. Remember, the secret to a perfect cake lies in the meticulous combination of these elements. Combine the dry ingredients separately and prepare to marry them with the butter mixture and buttermilk. The richness of flavors begins with this careful fusion, leading us closer to that decadent Italian Cream Cake delight.
Directions
Let’s dive into the process of creating this delightful Italian Cream Cake, step by step.
Making the Cake Batter
To start, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare three 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
- In a mixing bowl, beat butter and shortening until fluffy. Gradually add sugar, beating well. Then, add egg yolks one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next.
- Combine flour and baking soda in a separate bowl.
- Alternating between the flour mixture and buttermilk, add them to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition.
- Stir in the unsweetened shredded coconut until well incorporated.
- In another bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
Baking the Cake
- Place the cake pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a wooden pick into the center of a cake layer; it should come out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake pans from the oven and let them cool on wire racks for 10 minutes. Afterward, remove the cakes from the pans and allow them to cool completely on the wire racks.
- While the cakes cool, it’s time to prepare the cream cheese frosting.
- Gather the ingredients for the frosting and beat them together until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting between each layer and on the top and sides of the cake.
- For an added touch, consider garnishing the cake with toasted coconut.
By following these detailed steps, you’ll be able to create a decadent Italian Cream Cake that will impress your taste buds and guests alike.
Assembly and Decoration
Assembling the Layers
I love the process of assembling the layers of this Italian Cream Cake—it’s like building a delicious masterpiece! Start by slicing each cooled cake in half lengthwise to get four thin cakes. Spread a generous amount of frosting between each layer, stacking them one on top of the other.
Frosting the Cake
Now comes the fun part—frosting the entire Italian Cream Cake! Using a smooth cream cheese frosting, generously cover the top and sides of the cake. Ensure the frosting is spread evenly, creating a beautiful layer on the outside that will complement the flavors inside.
Tips for the Perfect Italian Cream Cake
To ensure your Italian Cream Cake turns out perfectly, follow these helpful tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. Room temperature ingredients blend more easily, creating a smoother cake batter.
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: When creaming the butter and sugar, mix them until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, resulting in a light and fluffy cake texture.
- Proper Mixing Technique: Fold the stiff egg whites gently into the batter to maintain the airy texture. Overmixing can deflate the egg whites and lead to a dense cake.
- Prepping Cake Pans: Grease and flour your cake pans properly to prevent the cake from sticking. You can also use parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
- Even Cake Layers: Measure the batter evenly when dividing it among the cake pans to ensure uniform cake layers that bake evenly.
- Cooling Cakes: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off the cake.
Storing and Preservation
After creating a delectable Italian Cream Cake, proper storage is key to maintaining its freshness and flavor. Here are the best methods for refrigerating and freezing your masterpiece.
Refrigerating
To preserve the Italian Cream Cake, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight cake carrier for up to 4 days. If a cake carrier is unavailable, wrap the cake in a double layer of plastic wrap, using toothpicks to keep the plastic away from the cake decorations. Remember to allow the cake to come to room temperature for about 1 hour before serving for the best taste and texture.
Freezing Instructions
If you plan to freeze your Italian Cream Cake for later enjoyment, it’s best to freeze the cake layers separately. Once the cake layers have cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place them in a Ziplock bag. Frozen cake layers can be stored for up to three months. Thaw the frozen cake layers in the refrigerator before assembling the cake. It’s recommended to assemble and decorate the cake fresh for optimal presentation.
Conclusion
Creating a delectable Italian Cream Cake is a rewarding experience that requires attention to detail and patience. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this article, you can master the art of making this classic dessert. Remember to use room temperature ingredients, cream butter and sugar properly, handle the batter with care, and ensure even cake layers for a perfect result. Storing the cake correctly is essential for maintaining its freshness and flavor. Whether refrigerating in an airtight container or freezing the cake layers, proper storage will preserve the cake’s quality. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy the delightful taste of Italian Cream Cake for days to come.