Italian Cream Cake: Simplicity is Beautiful
Italian Cream Cake is a timeless dessert that combines a delicate, moist crumb with the richness of cream cheese frosting and the nutty crunch of pecans and coconut. This elegant cake celebrates the beauty of simple, quality ingredients, making it the perfect treat for special occasions or simply indulging in a slice of heaven.
Ingredients for Italian Cream Cake
For the Cake Layers:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for extra moistness)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Italian Cream Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch or two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix Buttermilk and Vanilla: In a small bowl, stir together the buttermilk and vanilla extract.
- Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until fluffy.
- Add Egg Yolks: Add the egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk mixture to the creamed butter, alternating until just combined. Stir in the shredded coconut and pecans.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter to lighten it and give it a fluffy texture.
- Divide and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Frost Between Layers: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting on top, and add the second layer, repeating if you have a third layer.
- Frost the Outside: Spread a smooth layer of frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate with Pecans: Sprinkle chopped pecans around the top edge of the cake for a classic, beautiful finish.
Tips for the Perfect Italian Cream Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature to create a smooth batter and frosting.
- Whip the Egg Whites Separately: Beating the egg whites and folding them in gently gives the cake a lighter, airy texture.
- Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans lightly before adding them to the batter enhances their nutty flavor.
Variations
- Coconut Cream Italian Cake:
- For a stronger coconut flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract to the batter and sprinkle toasted coconut on top.
- Italian Cream Bundt Cake:
- Pour the batter into a greased Bundt pan and bake for 50-55 minutes at 325°F for a beautiful Bundt cake version.
- Chocolate Italian Cream Cake:
- Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate twist.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Storage: Cover and refrigerate any leftover cake for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Italian Cream Cake freezes well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
This Italian Cream Cake combines rustic charm and elegance, creating a dessert that is both impressive and easy to love. Its light, nutty sweetness and creamy richness make every bite pure bliss, showing that simplicity is truly beautiful.