Traditional Italian Cream Cake Recipe 425

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in zest and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture., Divide dough in half. Shape each into a disk; wrap. Refrigerate 1 portion and freeze 1 portion for 30 minutes., Preheat oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, roll refrigerated portion of dough to fit a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Refrigerate while making filling., Meanwhile, for filling, in a large bowl, combine yogurt, sour cream, flour and vanilla. With clean beaters, beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until stiff glossy peaks form. Fold into yogurt mixture. Spread evenly over crust., Using a box grater, grate frozen dough portion over filling. Press lightly into filling. Bake until puffed and edges are light brown, 30-35 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into bars; if desired, sprinkle with confectioners' sugar. Refrigerate leftovers.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat butter and shortening. Gradually add sugar; beat 2 minutes longer. Add egg yolks and vanilla; beat for 1 minute. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. , In another bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold into batter. Fold in coconut and pecans. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack., For frosting, in a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter and vanilla. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar. Spread over cake. Sprinkle with pecans. Store in the refrigerator.