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Soft As Silk Italian Cream Cake

Soft As Silk Italian Cream Cake
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Experience the rich, moist, and tender Soft As Silk Italian Cream Cake, a classic Southern dessert blending luscious coconut, crunchy nuts, and silky cream cheese frosting. This elegant yet easy-to-make cake offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that promise delight in every slice, ideal for all occasions from festive holidays to everyday indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1/2 tsp Salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 2 cups Sugar
  • 4 large Eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 cup Buttermilk, at room temperature

Texture Add-ins

  • 1 cup Shredded Coconut
  • 1 cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (plus extra for topping)

Frosting

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 3–4 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Heavy Cream (adjust for desired consistency)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather and measure all dry and wet ingredients, ensuring eggs, butter, and buttermilk are at room temperature for even mixing. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease cake pans thoroughly for easy release.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt to distribute leavening agents evenly and promote a tender crumb.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat softened unsalted butter and sugar until light, fluffy, and creamy, creating air pockets that help the cake rise beautifully.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate without overworking, then add vanilla extract and blend thoroughly.
  5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Add dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately to the batter, starting and ending with dry ingredients to keep the batter smooth and prevent density.
  6. Fold in Coconut and Nuts: Gently fold shredded coconut and chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for even flavor and texture distribution.
  7. Bake the Cake: Pour batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Whip cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream together until smooth and creamy. Adjust sugar or cream to achieve easy spreading consistency.
  9. Assemble and Frost: Layer cakes with generous amounts of frosting between each layer, then cover the entire cake evenly. Top with toasted coconut flakes and chopped nuts for a beautiful finishing touch.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients including eggs, butter, and buttermilk for optimal mixing and texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter; stir just until ingredients are combined to maintain a tender crumb.
  • Lightly toast nuts and coconut before using to enhance flavor and add crunch.
  • Use fresh baking soda and high-quality vanilla extract for better flavor and rise.
  • Keep frosting chilled while assembling to prevent melting and sliding.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian Cream Cake, Coconut Cake, Southern Dessert, Cream Cheese Frosting, Moist Cake, Nut Cake, Classic Cake

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/soft-as-silk-italian-cream-cake/