Favorite Italian Cake

Total Time:Prep: 40 min. Bake: 20 min. + cooling

By Taste Of Home Editorial Team

Recipe by Marilyn Morel, Keene, New Hampshire

Tested by Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Updated on Oct. 02, 2022

Marilyn Morel KEENE, NEW HAMPSHIRE Here’s a scrumptious cake that melts in your mouth and makes you say, “Mil a Grazi!” (Thanks a million.) Pecan lovers will eagerly accept a second slice.

TEST KITCHEN APPROVED

Favorite Italian Cake

Yield:16 servings
Prep:40 min
Cook:20 min

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 5 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • cream cheese frosting:
    • 11 ounces cream cheese, softened
    • 1/2 cup butter, softened
    • 3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
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Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour three 9-in. round baking pans. Cream butter, shortening and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Fold in pecans and coconut.
  2. Pour into prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 20-25 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  3. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla; beat until smooth. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake. Press pecans onto sides of cake. Refrigerate.
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