Indulge in the delectable Italian Cream Cake, a classic Southern dessert that combines layers of moist cake, creamy custard filling, and a fluffy coconut pecan frosting. This beloved cake has a rich history, originating from the kitchens of African American cooks in the pre-Civil War era. It was later named "Aunt Tom's Italian Cream Cake" as a tribute to the Black chef who perfected the recipe. Today, it remains a cherished dessert, enjoyed by families and celebrated at special occasions.
This article offers a comprehensive guide to creating this iconic cake from scratch. You'll find detailed instructions for baking the tender cake layers, making the smooth and luscious custard filling, and preparing the irresistible coconut pecan frosting. Additionally, we've included a simplified version of the cake, perfect for beginners or those short on time.
Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this article will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to create a stunning Italian Cream Cake that will impress your friends and family. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's embark on a delicious adventure together!
ITALIAN CREAM CAKE (FROM BETH LOTT'S MOM)
Provided by Food Network
Categories dessert
Time 1h2m
Yield 1 (3-layer) cake, serving 10 t
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and grease and flour 3 (9-inch) cake pans.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer cream the shortening, butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift the flour, baking soda and salt together onto a sheet of waxed or parchment paper. With the mixer on low speed, add the sifted ingredients in batches alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff, and gently fold into the prepared batter. Add the coconut, pecans and vanilla and fold into the batter. Divide the batter among the 3 prepared cake pans and bake for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown and a tester comes out clean when inserted into the middle of each cake. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to finish cooling. When the cakes are completely cool, stack the layers with the frosting and frost the sides and top.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl combine the cream cheese, butter and vanilla and, using an electric mixer, beat until smooth and creamy. Add the sifted powdered sugar and mix until thoroughly combined. Add the nuts and fold together. Keep refrigerated until you are ready to frost the cake.
ITALIAN CREAM CAKE RECIPE
This cake is sure to win raves in your home - as it did in our Test Kitchens.
Provided by Southern Living Test Kitchen
Categories Cakes
Yield Makes 1 cake
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Beat butter and shortening at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Add vanilla, beating until blended.
- Combine flour and soda; add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition. Stir in coconut.
- Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, and fold into batter. Pour batter into 3 greased and floured 9-inch round cakepans.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.
- Spread Nutty Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. Garnish, if desired.
INCREDIBLY DELICIOUS ITALIAN CREAM CAKE
This is an old recipe from my aunt. It is both famous and infamous in our family. It is absolutely irresistible.
Provided by Rory
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 1h35m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease three 9 inch round cake pans. In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the buttermilk; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter, shortening and white sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs, buttermilk mixture, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 cup coconut, baking powder and flour. Stir until just combined. Pour batter into the prepared pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool.
- To Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, 1/2 cup butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla and confectioners' sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. Mix in a small amount of cream to attain the desired consistency. Stir in chopped nuts and remaining flaked coconut. Spread between layers and on top and sides of cooled cake.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 766.7 calories, Carbohydrate 98 g, Cholesterol 139.8 mg, Fat 39.7 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 8.2 g, SaturatedFat 20.4 g, Sodium 397.2 mg, Sugar 78.5 g
ITALIAN CREAM CAKE
Sweet, cream cheese frostings served atop tender cakes make luscious desserts. And Joanne Brininstool's take on a classic is a perfect example. The moist treat from the Austin, Texas cook features a hint of coconut and nutty pecans with a moist and creamy frosting.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 1h
Yield 18 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- In a large bowl, beat butter and shortening. Gradually add sugar; beat 2 minutes longer. Add egg yolks and vanilla; beat for 1 minute. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. , In another bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold into batter. Fold in coconut and pecans. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack., For frosting, in a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter and vanilla. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar. Spread over cake. Sprinkle with pecans. Store in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts :
Tips:
- Use quality ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your cake. Use real butter, cream cheese, and eggs, and make sure your flour is fresh.
- Be precise with your measurements: Baking is a science, and precise measurements are essential for success. Use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients, and make sure your oven is accurate.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can make the cake tough. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined, and be careful not to overbeat the egg whites.
- Bake the cake in a water bath: Baking the cake in a water bath helps to create a moist, tender crumb. Place the cake pan inside a larger pan filled with hot water, and bake the cake according to the recipe instructions.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting it: It's important to let the cake cool completely before frosting it, otherwise the frosting will melt. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the cake in the refrigerator or freezer for a short time.
Conclusion:
Aunt Tom's Italian Cream Cake is a classic Southern dessert that is sure to please everyone. With its moist, tender crumb, creamy filling, and fluffy frosting, this cake is a perfect choice for any occasion. Follow the tips above to make sure your cake turns out perfectly every time.
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