Italian Cream Sheet Cake

Did you know that sheet cakes account for nearly 30% of all cakes baked in the U.S.? Italian Cream Sheet Cake stands out among them, offering a unique blend of flavors and textures. Its moistness comes from buttermilk and whipped egg whites, while the cream cheese frosting adds a rich finish. If you’re curious about how to make this delightful dessert and its background, keep going to explore the recipe and its history.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try Italian Cream Sheet Cake, you’ll quickly discover why it’s a favorite for many. This cake combines the rich flavors of coconut and pecans, creating a delicious taste experience. The moist base is topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, making each bite delightful. You’ll love how easy it’s to prepare, as it’s baked in just one sheet pan. This means less assembly time compared to layered cakes. Italian Cream Sheet Cake is perfect for special occasions, whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or bridal shower, and it’s sure to impress your guests. Plus, you can adapt the recipe with different flavors or decorations, making it versatile for any event. Enjoy the crowd-pleasing charm of this cake!

History

Italian Cream Sheet Cake has an interesting history that many people mightn’t know. Despite its name, this cake has Southern American roots rather than Italian origins. The exact creation of Italian cream cake remains a mystery, but it’s been a beloved dessert at family gatherings like birthdays and bridal showers. This cake features key Southern ingredients such as buttermilk, pecans, and coconut, reflecting the rich culinary traditions of the region. The cake features a soft crumb and is often the star of dessert tables, and many families pass down their recipes as heirlooms. While some mistakenly associate it with Italian culture, the cake truly embodies Southern identity, showcasing a blend of flavors and history that has stood the test of time.

Recipe

Italian Cream Sheet Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the rich flavors of coconut and pecans in a moist, tender cake. Perfect for celebrations or gatherings, this cake is sure to impress your guests with its creamy frosting and delicious texture. Baking this cake is simple and rewarding, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike. The combination of buttermilk and egg whites creates a light and fluffy cake that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese frosting. Sheet cakes are made in a 12 x 17 jelly roll pan, which makes them a convenient option for serving larger crowds.

Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party, potluck, or simply enjoying a slice at home, this Italian Cream Sheet Cake is bound to become a favorite. Follow the recipe below to create your own irresistible version of this classic treat.

Ingredients
– 1 to 1.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 5 large eggs, separated
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 to 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 8 oz cream cheese for frosting
– 2 cups powdered sugar for frosting

Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F degrees (or 375°F for a thinner cake). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish or a quarter sheet cake pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
3. Add the egg yolks one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition to guarantee they’re fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and baking soda. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating with the all-purpose flour. Blend well after each addition until the batter is smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven. Bake at 325°F for 40-45 minutes, or if using 375°F, reduce the baking time accordingly. If necessary, lower the temperature to 225°F and bake for an additional 10 minutes to guarantee the cake is cooked through.
6. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely. In the meantime, whip the egg whites in a clean bowl until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cooled cake batter, being careful not to deflate them.
7. For the frosting, mix together the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated and the frosting is creamy.
8. Once the cake is completely cooled, frost it evenly with the cream cheese frosting. Top the frosted cake with shredded coconut and chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
9. Refrigerate any leftovers to keep the cake fresh.

Extra Tips
When preparing this Italian Cream Sheet Cake, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results. This helps achieve a smooth batter and fluffy texture.

Additionally, for an extra flavor boost, you can toast the pecans before adding them to the batter or as a topping. This will enhance their nuttiness and add a lovely crunch to your cake. Enjoy the process of baking and the delicious outcome!

Final Thoughts

As you reflect on your experience making the Italian Cream Sheet Cake, it’s important to appreciate both its deliciousness and the unique qualities that make it special.

This cake stands out with its moist texture and rich flavors, thanks to the coconut and pecans. It’s rooted in Southern cuisine, perfect for special occasions like birthdays and bridal showers. Additionally, its easy preparation as a sheet cake allows for convenient serving and frostings right in the same pan.

Remember, the name can be misleading since it didn’t actually originate in Italy. You can easily adapt the recipe by using walnuts or trying different frostings, like whipped cream or mascarpone buttercream.

Don’t forget to refrigerate it due to the cream cheese frosting. Overall, whether you share it at a gathering or enjoy it at home, this cake is sure to impress.

FAQ

Got questions about making the Italian Cream Sheet Cake? First, you’ll want to make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

If you can’t find pecans, walnuts work just fine as a substitute. When it comes to frosting, feel free to adjust the powdered sugar to match your sweetness preference. The cake is topped with cream cheese frosting, which adds a rich flavor that complements the moist cake.

Remember to let your cake cool completely before applying the frosting; this prevents it from melting. If you’re looking for extra texture, top it with additional shredded coconut and chopped pecans.

Finally, be careful not to overmix the batter or frosting, as this can affect the cake’s lightness. Enjoy creating this delicious dessert for your next gathering!