Italian Cream Sheet Cake

 

Quick Overview

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that combines rich flavors and moist texture, the Italian Cream Sheet Cake is an excellent choice. This stunning cake features layers of fluffy cake infused with coconut and pecans, all topped off with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays or any special occasion, it’s a beloved classic that never fails to impress. Let’s dive into the world of this scrumptious treat!

Ingredient Breakdown

H4 Flour

You will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour for the base of your cake. This ingredient provides structure and stability while ensuring a tender crumb.

H4 Sugar

Use 2 cups of granulated sugar to sweeten the cake. The sugar not only adds sweetness but also helps in achieving a beautiful golden color as it bakes.

H4 Baking Soda

1 teaspoon of baking soda is essential for leavening the cake. It reacts with acidic ingredients to create carbon dioxide bubbles, making the cake rise.

H4 Salt

Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to enhance flavor. Salt balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors in your cake.

H4 Eggs

You will need 4 large eggs. They add moisture and richness while also helping in binding the ingredients together.

H4 Buttermilk

Use 1 cup of buttermilk for added moisture and tanginess. The acidity in buttermilk reacts with baking soda to create a fluffy texture.

H4 Vanilla Extract

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile. It complements the other ingredients beautifully.

H4 Coconut Flakes

Incorporate 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut for texture and flavor. Coconut adds a tropical twist that makes this cake truly special.

H4 Pecans

Chop 1 cup of pecans for added crunch. Their nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.

H4 Cream Cheese

For frosting, you will need 8 ounces of cream cheese. It provides creaminess and tanginess that balances well against the sweetness.

H4 Butter

Use 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter in your frosting. It lends richness and stability to the cream cheese mixture.

H4 Powdered Sugar

3-4 cups of powdered sugar will sweeten your frosting while giving it a smooth texture that’s easy to spread.

Step By step Recipe : Italian Cream Sheet Cake

H4 Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises properly from the moment you place it inside.

H4 Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease a sheet pan (approximately 18×13 inches) with butter or cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal after baking.

H4 Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set this mixture aside as you prepare your wet ingredients.

H4 Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together 2 cups granulated sugar and 1/2 cup unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Then incorporate 4 large eggs one at a time along with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well blended.

H4 Add Buttermilk

Stir in 1 cup buttermilk into the wet mixture gradually until fully combined. This will add moisture and enhance flavor significantly in your batter.

H4 Incorporate Dry Mixture

Slowly add your dry ingredient blend into the wet mixture while stirring gently using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this helps keep your cake light and fluffy.

H4 Fold in Coconut & Pecans

Gently fold in 1 cup shredded coconut and 1 cup chopped pecans into your batter using a spatula. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout for consistent flavor in every bite.

H4 Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared sheet pan evenly and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

H4 Cool Completely

Once baked, remove from oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

H4 Make Your Frosting

While waiting for your cake to cool, prepare your frosting by beating together 8 ounces cream cheese and 1/2 cup unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until desired sweetness is achieved; typically around 3-4 cups works well.

H4 Frost Your Cake

Once cooled completely, spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting over the top of your cake using an offset spatula or knife. You can sprinkle additional coconut or chopped pecans on top if desired for garnish.

Serving and Storing Tips

H4 Serve Fresh

Slice your Italian Cream Sheet Cake into squares or rectangles when serving fresh. Each piece should showcase both icing and some delightful textures from coconut flakes and chopped pecans!

H4 Store Properly

To store leftovers, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for up to one week if necessary.

H4 Freeze For Later Use

If you want to keep it longer than one week, consider freezing individual slices wrapped securely in plastic wrap followed by foil packaging; they can last up to three months frozen!

Mistakes to avoid

When making Italian Cream Sheet Cake, avoid the common pitfall of overmixing your batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the light and fluffy texture you desire. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to ensure the cake rises beautifully.

Another mistake is using cold ingredients. When you start with cold eggs or milk, your batter won’t emulsify properly, which affects the cake’s texture. Always allow your dairy and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing.

Don’t skimp on measuring your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and even slight variations can impact the final product. Use a kitchen scale for the best results, especially for flour and sugar.

Lastly, be cautious with oven temperature. If your oven runs hot, it can cause the edges of your cake to brown too quickly while leaving the center undercooked. Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.

Tips and tricks

To achieve the perfect Italian Cream Sheet Cake, consider using buttermilk instead of regular milk. Buttermilk adds moisture and a subtle tang that enhances flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for ten minutes.

Incorporate finely shredded coconut and chopped pecans into your batter for added texture and flavor. Toasting these ingredients lightly before adding them will deepen their flavors and give your cake an irresistible crunch.

It’s essential to let your cake cool completely before frosting it. If you frost a warm cake, the frosting may melt or slide off. After removing the cake from the oven, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding vanilla extract or almond extract to your frosting. This little addition can elevate your cream cheese frosting significantly, creating a more complex taste profile that pairs beautifully with the rich cake.

Suggestions for Italian Cream Sheet Cake

Pair slices of Italian Cream Sheet Cake with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a delightful contrast in flavor and color. The tartness of the berries balances well with the sweetness of the cake.

Consider serving this cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. The creamy textures complement each other perfectly.

For those who enjoy coffee, serving slices with a cup of espresso or strong brewed coffee enhances flavors beautifully. The bitterness of coffee contrasts nicely with the sweet elements in this dessert.

If you’re looking for lighter options, try garnishing with mint leaves. They add freshness that brightens up each bite and makes presentation visually appealing as well.

FAQs

What is Italian Cream Sheet Cake?

Italian Cream Sheet Cake is a rich and moist dessert made with layers of coconut and pecans along with cream cheese frosting. It’s known for its decadent flavor profile and fluffy texture, making it a favorite among many families during special occasions.

How do I store leftover Italian Cream Sheet Cake?

To store leftover Italian Cream Sheet Cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it; however, allow it to come back to room temperature before serving for optimal taste.

Can I freeze Italian Cream Sheet Cake?

Yes, you can freeze Italian Cream Sheet Cake! To do this effectively, wrap individual slices or whole cakes tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil before placing them in an airtight container. They will retain quality for about two months in the freezer.

Why did my Italian Cream Sheet Cake turn out dry?

Dryness in Italian Cream Sheet Cake often results from overbaking or not using enough moisture-rich ingredients like buttermilk or eggs. Keep an eye on baking times and use fresh ingredients to ensure moisture stays locked inside during baking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make a gluten-free version of Italian Cream Sheet Cake, substitute regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well so everyone can enjoy this delicious dessert without worry.

What flavors pair well with Italian Cream Sheet Cake?

Italian Cream Sheet Cake pairs wonderfully with various flavors like chocolate ganache drizzled on top or citrus zest mixed into frosting for brightness. Additionally, tropical fruits like pineapple can offer refreshing notes that complement its richness nicely.

Summary

In summary, mastering Italian Cream Sheet Cake involves avoiding common mistakes such as overmixing batter and using cold ingredients while incorporating helpful tips like using buttermilk for extra moisture and flavor enhancements through extracts. With proper storage methods and pairing suggestions at hand, this delightful dessert will surely impress at any gathering while keeping leftovers fresh!

 

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