February 14, 2013

Billie's Italian Cream Cake

Happy Valentine's Day!  While most people will go for something chocolatey today, I am always good with anything that is smothered in frosting. 

I can't even tell you how long I have had this recipe saved for.  It feels so good to finally check it off the list.  This is Pioneer Woman's favorite Italian Cream Cake recipe.  I, on the otherhand, had never tried an Italian Cream Cake.

The flavor of the cake reminded me of a yellow cake.  The cake only has one cup of sugar in it, but with the coconut and frosting, it ends up really sweet.  Make sure to add the pecans to help cut through some of that sweetness.  I might even add more pecans next time.

The cake stays moist and soft even after being refrigerated and tastes delicious.
Billie's Italian Cream Cake
adapted from: The Pioneer Woman

Cake:
1/2 c. unsalted butter, softened
1 c. vegetable oil
1 c. sugar + 3 Tbl., divided
5 whole eggs, separated
3 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. shredded coconut
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. buttermilk

Frosting:
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 c. unsalted butter, softened
pinch of salt
3 tsp. vanilla extract
5-6 c. powdered sugar
milk, only if needed
1 c. sweetened, flaked coconut, toasted
1 c. chopped pecans or walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and flour 3 (9-inch) round cake pans; set aside.  Cream together butter, oil and 1 cup sugar until fluffy.  Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla.  Mix in the coconut.  In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.  Add dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk to the batter.  In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form and fold into the cake batter.  Divide batter between the three cake pans.  Sprinkle the top of each cake with one Tablespoon of sugar.  Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Remove from oven and cool in the pans for 15 minutes.  Invert cakes to a wire rack and cool completely.

For the frosting: Beat together butter and cream cheese until smooth.  Add the salt and vanilla and beat until combined.  Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating after each addition.  Add a little milk, only if needed, to reach desired consistency.  Spread between layers of cooled cake and on the top and outside of cake.  Press toasted coconut into the outer layer of cake.  Sprinkle chopped nuts over the top.  Slice and serve.  Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator.    

Jenn's Notes: I think the chopped pecans are a must.  They help cut through some of the sweetness of the other ingredients.  Yummy cake.

18 comments:

  1. This looks SO good! I'd like to invite you to link up to Show and Tell Saturday at Sassy Little Lady!

    http://www.sassylittlelady.com/blog/show-and-tell-saturday/show-and-tell-saturday-4-plus-a-giveaway

    Kathie

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh my, that looks sinfully good! I have bookmarked this and pinned this!
    Thanks-
    ali @ Forty Before 40

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oooooh! I am loving the sound of this cake! definitely adding it to my baking pinterest board! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  4. This looks great! You have amazing recipes!
    I would love if you come link up to my party!
    http://lechateaudesfleurs.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is such a gorgeous cake! We would love to have you link it up with us at our Wednesday link party!
    http://www.thehopelesshousewife.com/linkparties/link-party/

    ReplyDelete
  6. Looks delicious, Jenn. Would love for you to share at my linky party going on right now. http://www.mandatorymooch.blogspot.com/2013/02/tasty-thursdays-29.html

    Thanks, Nichi - The Mandatory Mooch

    ReplyDelete
  7. Looks like the perfect bday cake, Jenn! and I happen to need two this week! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Two in one week? Fun for you. I have an amazing white sheet cake recipe that would make a perfect b-day cake too! - Jenn

      Delete
  8. Stopping by to let you know you were featured as one of my personal favorites on my Saturday Spotlight party last week. Congrats and thanks for linking up! :)

    http://angelshomestead.com/saturday-spotlight-5/

    April

    ReplyDelete
  9. This cake is so delicious! It is my favorite butter/yellow/coconut cake and I've even turned it into a Honeybun cake by layering a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar in the batter...sooo so good! Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  10. What is a stick of butter? In Europe we use cups, grams, etc. Thanks, I was looking forward to making this today!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is 1/2 cup of butter. I believe in grams it would be 113 grams. I'll update my recipe. Thanks.

      Delete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

LinkWithin