
Italian Cream Cake III Recipe
Ingredients
Cake
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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2 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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1 ½ cups granulated sugar
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5 large eggs, separated
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2 tsp pure vanilla extract
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1 tsp almond extract
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1 cup buttermilk
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1 8-oz can crushed pineapple, drained
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1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
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1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Cream Cheese Frosting
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
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4–5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp almond extract
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Optional: additional chopped pecans and shredded coconut for garnish
Step 1: Prepare the Pans and Oven
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
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In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
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Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
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Gradually add the flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in Pineapple, Coconut, and Nuts
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Gently fold in drained pineapple, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans with a spatula.
Step 6: Beat Egg Whites
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In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
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Carefully fold the egg whites into the batter in three additions, ensuring the mixture stays light and airy.
Step 7: Bake the Cake Layers
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Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans.
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
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In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
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Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
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Stir in vanilla and almond extracts. Adjust consistency with more sugar if necessary.
Step 9: Assemble the Cake
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Place the first cake layer on a serving plate.
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Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top.
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Repeat with the second layer, then top with the third layer.
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Frost the top and sides evenly.
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Optional: Sprinkle chopped pecans and shredded coconut on top and sides for decoration.
Step 10: Chill and Serve
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Chill the cake for 30–60 minutes to firm up frosting for easier slicing.
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Slice with a sharp knife, dipping it in warm water between cuts for clean layers.
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Store in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days, tightly covered.
Tips for Italian Cream Cake III
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Room temperature ingredients: Butter, eggs, and cream cheese should be at room temperature.
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Do not overmix egg whites: Fold gently to maintain airy texture.
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Drain pineapple well: Excess moisture will make the cake soggy.
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Optional flavors: Add 1–2 tsp of rum or bourbon to frosting for extra richness.
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Three layers: This version is taller and more impressive than standard cakes.
ITALIAN CREAM CAKE INGREDIENTS
- 1 stick butter
- 1/2 c. Crisco
- 2 c. sugar
- 5 egg yolks
- 3 c. cake flour
- 1 tsp. soda
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1 c. buttermilk
- 1 sm. can coconut
- 1 c. nuts, pecans or walnuts
- 5 egg whites, beaten stiff
- 1 tsp. vanilla
Cream butter and Crisco. Add sugar, beat until smooth. Add egg yolks. Combine flour, salt, and soda. Add to creamed mixture with buttermilk. Stir in vanilla, coconut and nuts; fold in egg whites after they have been beaten. Pour in 3 greased and floured pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.
ITALIAN CREAM CAKE FILLING:
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
- 1/3 c. butter
- 1 box powdered sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla
