Italian Cream Cheese Cakes

Italian Cream Cheese Cake is a delightful dessert with a rich and creamy texture. Here’s a recipe for you:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs, separated
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts.
7. In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter.
8. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
2. Repeat with the remaining layers, stacking them on top of each other.
3. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
4. Optional: Decorate with additional chopped nuts or shredded coconut on top.
5. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Slice and enjoy your delicious Italian Cream Cheese Cake!