Ingredients

3 cups fresh shaved coconut ( not sweetened )
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1/2 cup butter , softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
5 large eggs , separated
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
1 cup butter
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 cups powdered sugar , sifted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup butter , softened
4 ounces cream cheese , softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Caramel Italian Cream Cake is a decadent dessert that originated in the Southern United States. It's believed to have been created in the early 1900s, and since then, it has become a beloved dessert for special occasions. It's a three-layer cake that is made with moist cake layers, chopped pecans, and shaved coconut, which are mixed into the batter. The frosting is made with a rich caramel sauce, and the cake is topped with additional pecans and coconut for an added crunch. This cake is perfect for those who love caramel and coconut and want to impress their guests with a homemade dessert.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2.Grease and flour 3 (8-inch) cake pans.
3.Combine 3 cups shaved coconut and 1 cup chopped pecans in a bowl.
4.Beat 1/2 cup softened butter and 1/2 cup shortening in a large bowl until creamy.
5.Gradually add 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, beating well.
6.Add 5 egg yolks, one at a time, beating after each addition.
7.Stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
8.Combine 2 cups flour and 1 teaspoon baking soda.
9.Add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with 1 cup buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
10.Stir in 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut.
11.Beat 5 egg whites until stiff peaks form.
12.Fold egg whites into batter mixture.
13.Sprinkle 1 cup coconut-pecan mixture evenly into the bottom of each prepared cake pan.
14.Pour batter evenly into cake pans.
15.Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
16.Cool cakes in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes.
17.Remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.
18.Cook 1 cup butter, 1 cup light brown sugar, 1 cup dark brown sugar, and 1/2 cup heavy cream in a heavy saucepan over medium heat until sugars dissolve, stirring constantly.
19.Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; boil for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
20.Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
21.Beat 4 cups sifted powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup softened butter at low speed of an electric mixer until well blended.
22.Add caramel mixture, beating until smooth.
23.Add 4 ounces softened cream cheese and beat until combined.
24.Spread Caramel Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake.
25.Sprinkle 1 cup coconut-pecan mixture on top of cake.

PROS

Caramel Italian Cream Cake is an indulgent and flavorful dessert with a unique blend of coconut and pecans, that you can enjoy on special occasions or when you want to treat yourself.
The frosting is rich and caramel-y, while the cake is moist and fluffy, creating the perfect balance of flavors.

CONS

This cake is not suitable for those who are watching their sugar or fat intake, as it contains both brown and granulated sugar, as well as butter and shortening.
It’s also not suitable for those who are allergic to nuts or coconut.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While Caramel Italian Cream Cake may not be the healthiest dessert option, it contains buttermilk, which is a good source of calcium and may help with digestion. Coconut contains healthy fats and may help improve cholesterol levels. Pecans are also a great source of healthy fats and can help with weight management and reduce inflammation.

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