Sheet Cake with Italian Cream

Recipe for a sheet cake version of Italian Cream Cake:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs, separated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Additional chopped nuts and shredded coconut for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
6. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter.
7. Fold in the shredded coconut and chopped nuts.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
5. Optional: Sprinkle additional chopped nuts and shredded coconut on top for garnish.
6. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious Italian Cream Sheet Cake!

Feel free to adjust the quantities and ingredients according to your preferences.