Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:

. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
. In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar, and oil until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks one at a time, mixing well.
. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry mix. Stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans.

2. Whip Egg Whites:

. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter.

3. Bake:

. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared 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, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Prepare the Frosting:

. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.

5. Assemble the Cake:

. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting over the top. Repeat with the remaining layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake.

6. Garnish and Serve:

. Sprinkle the cake with chopped pecans and coconut. Chill the cake for 30 minutes before serving.

Description

This Quick Italian Cream Cake is a masterpiece of textures and flavors. The layers are moist and tender, filled with the subtle sweetness of coconut and the crunch of pecans. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness that balances the sweetness perfectly. Garnished with toasted pecans and coconut, it’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

. Calories: ~450
. Protein: 5g
. Carbohydrates: 50g
. Fat: 25g
. Sodium: 300mg
. Fiber: 2g

Conclusion

Quick Italian Cream Cake is a dessert that delivers elegance and comfort in every bite. It’s a simplified version of the classic recipe, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual family dinner, this cake is sure to impress.

Recommendation

Serve this cake with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful pairing. To save time, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and assemble it before serving.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

For a lighter version, substitute half the oil with unsweetened applesauce and use reduced-fat cream cheese in the frosting. You can also reduce the sugar slightly without compromising the flavor. This way, you can enjoy a slice guilt-free while savoring the classic taste.