🛒 Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 🍞 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 🧂 1 tsp baking soda
- 🧂 1/4 tsp salt
- 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🍬 1/2 cup shortening
- 🍬 2 cups granulated sugar
- 🥚 5 large eggs, separated
- 🌿 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 🥛 1 cup buttermilk
- 🥥 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 🌰 1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🧀 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 🍬 4 cups powdered sugar
- 🌿 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 🌰 1/2 cup chopped pecans, for garnish (optional)
- 🥥 1/2 cup shredded coconut, for garnish (optional)
🔥 Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, shortening, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3️⃣ Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
4️⃣ Fold in Coconut and Pecans:
- Gently fold the shredded coconut and chopped pecans into the batter.
5️⃣ Whip the Egg Whites:
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter, being careful not to deflate them.
6️⃣ Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7️⃣ Prepare the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy and creamy.
8️⃣ Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Repeat with the second and third layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake.
9️⃣ Garnish:
- Press the chopped pecans and shredded coconut into the sides of the cake for decoration, if desired.
10️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
- Slice and serve at room temperature. Refrigerate any leftovers.
🍯 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Moist & Fluffy: Perfectly balanced cake layers.
- Rich & Decadent: Packed with coconut, pecans, and cream cheese frosting.
- Family Favorite: A treat that’s loved by kids and adults alike.
Celebrate in style with this Italian Cream Cake, a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious! 🍰✨🥥