Treat yourself to a slice of decadence with our irresistible Italian Cream Sheet Cake! This classic dessert combines the rich flavors of buttery cake, creamy frosting, crunchy pecans, and sweet coconut for a truly indulgent experience. Perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to potlucks, this sheet cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Join us as we explore the steps to create this mouthwatering masterpiece and discover why it’s a beloved favorite among dessert enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 5 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
Icing:
- 1 cup (2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, until fully incorporated.
3. Add Coconut and Pecans:
- Stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
4. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing:
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until the icing is smooth and spreadable.
6. Frost the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle with additional shredded coconut and chopped pecans for garnish, if desired.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the Italian Cream Sheet Cake into squares and serve to delighted guests.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the cake and icing ahead of time and assemble just before serving for added convenience.
- Nut-Free Option: If you have nut allergies, you can omit the pecans from both the cake batter and the icing for a nut-free version.
- Fruit Variation: Add a layer of sliced strawberries or raspberries between the cake and icing for a refreshing twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? A: Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly to avoid over-salting.
Q: Can I freeze Italian Cream Sheet Cake? A: Yes, you can freeze the cake without the icing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of nut in the cake? A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For Keto Version:
- Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour to reduce the carb content.
- Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia instead of sugar in both the cake and icing.
For Low-Carb Version:
- Follow the keto version suggestions above, and adjust the ingredients according to your preferred macros.
In conclusion, our Italian Cream Sheet Cake is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist and flavorful cake, creamy icing, and satisfying crunch from the pecans and coconut, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating a special milestone or simply craving a sweet treat, this sheet cake is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor every decadent bite of this irresistible dessert!
