Italian Cream Cheese Cake

Italian Cream Cheese Cake is a luxurious and delectable dessert that brings the flavors of Italy right to your table. This velvety creation is a masterpiece of creamy, rich cream cheese and delicate hints of vanilla. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a slice of heaven, this Italian-inspired cake is the perfect choice. Let’s dive into this recipe and create a dessert that’s worthy of admiration.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 16 ounces (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• Chopped nuts or shredded coconut for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
5. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared pans.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Pour half of the cake batter into one of the prepared pans.
2. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter.
3. Pour the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese filling.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Frost the Cake

1. Place one of the cooled cakes on a serving plate.
2. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
4. Optionally, garnish the cake with chopped nuts or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Slice and serve your Italian Cream Cheese Cake. It’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.

 

Italian Cream Cheese Cake is a dessert that embodies the art of indulgence. With its luscious layers of cream cheese filling and creamy frosting, it’s a treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to savor the richness of Italian-inspired flavors, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy.