Decadent Italian Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

Decadent Italian Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

by

Indulge in the luxurious layers of this Italian Cream Cheese Cake, where rich, tangy cream cheese blends with fluffy, buttery cake. Accentuated by the crunch of pecans and the sweetness of coconut, each bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Finished with a velvety cream cheese frosting, this dessert is a showstopper for any occasion, bringing a taste of Italy’s rich culinary tradition to your table.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 5 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup chopped pecans (optional, for garnish)
  • Sweetened shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake Layers:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
  6. Gently fold in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
  7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops.

2. Bake the Cake:

  1. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  2. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add the vanilla extract and gradually mix in the powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.

4. Assemble the Cake:

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
  2. Repeat with the second layer, adding more frosting. Place the final layer on top.
  3. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.

5. Decorate:

  1. Garnish with chopped pecans and shredded coconut if desired.
  2. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving for easier slicing.

Leave a Comment