Every family has those special recipes that become traditions, and for us, this cake is one of those cherished staples. It’s a close cousin to the classic Italian Cream Cake, minus the coconut topping, and it’s Ryan’s go-to birthday cake every single year. If you’ve ever asked Ryan what cake he wants for his birthday, the answer is always the same: white cake with white icing. It’s simple, it’s sweet, and it’s a slice of heaven in every bite.

Here’s the recipe that has become an annual favorite in our household—perfect for any occasion, but especially for birthdays.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• ½ cup of butter or margarine
• ½ cup of Crisco
• 2 cups of sugar
• 5 eggs, separated
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups sifted flour
• 3 ½ oz of flake coconut
• 1 tsp vanilla

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 8 oz softened cream cheese
• ½ cup of butter or margarine
• 1 lb powdered sugar (2 cups)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 or 3 tsp of milk

Optional: Chopped pecans or toasted coconut for topping the cake, depending on your preference.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Pans
Grease and flour two or three 9-inch round cake pans. This will ensure your cake comes out of the pans without sticking, leaving you with perfect, smooth layers.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Crisco, and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, Crisco, and sugar until smooth. This will create a rich, fluffy base for your cake.

Step 3: Add the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, add the buttermilk to the mixture, followed by the sifted flour and baking soda. Be sure to mix gently to maintain the airiness of the batter. Add the coconut and vanilla and give everything a good mix.

Step 4: Beat the Egg Whites
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This step is crucial for giving your cake that delicate texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 5: Fold in the Egg Whites
Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter. Take your time to make sure you don’t deflate the air you just worked hard to create. This is what makes the cake light and fluffy.

Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans. Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes for three layers, more time will be needed if only baking two layers, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Let It Cool
Once the cakes are baked, let them cool completely before frosting. This will ensure the icing doesn’t melt off the cake!

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing
While the cake cools, make the cream cheese icing. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla and milk. Adjust the milk until the icing reaches your desired consistency.

Step 9: Frost the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled, frost the layers generously with the cream cheese icing. If you like, you can sprinkle the top with chopped pecans or toasted coconut to add a little extra flair.

Why This Cake is Special

This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a tradition. Every year, Ryan requests this cake for his birthday because it’s a reminder of simpler, sweeter times. Whether it’s the soft, moist texture of the cake, the rich flavor of the cream cheese icing, or the satisfying crunch of the coconut, every bite brings comfort. It’s a cake that’s just as good for a celebration as it is for a quiet moment of indulgence with a cup of coffee.

So, if you’re looking for a cake that will wow your guests (or just satisfy your sweet tooth), give this recipe a try! It’s a true family favorite and could just become a tradition in your household too.

Let me know if you give it a go and be sure to share any fun twists you add! Happy baking!