Italian Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

Cake:
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup butter, softened
– 1/2 cup shortening
– 5 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

Frosting:

– 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 cup chopped pecans

 Instructions:

1. **Prepare Cake Batter:**
– Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
– In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, butter, and shortening until light and fluffy.
– Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.
– In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Gradually add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
– Stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans.

2. **Whip Egg Whites:**
– In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold into the batter.
– Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.

3. **Bake:**
– Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
– Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.

4. **Prepare Frosting:**
– In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until fluffy.
– Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
– Stir in chopped pecans.

5. **Assemble Cake:**
– Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake.
– Chill cake until ready to serve.

Enjoy your delicious Italian Cream Cheese Cake!