WHITE CHRISTMAS CAKE

White Christmas Cake image

"Wow!" is the reaction from family and guests when they see and taste this lovely three-layer beauty. White chocolate, coconut and pecans make it so delicious. You can bake the cake layers in advance and freeze them. Then assemble and decorate the cake the day of the party. -Nancy Reichert, Thomasville, Georgia

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 21

Ingredients

4 large eggs, separated
1/2 cup water
4 ounces chopped white candy coating or white baking chips
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
FROSTING:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon 2% milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
OPTIONAL DECORATIONS:
Melted white candy coating or white baking chips
Red Sixlets candies and sprinkles

Steps:

Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Remove from heat; stir in candy coating until blended. Cool 20 minutes., Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottoms of 3 greased 8-in. square or 9-in. round baking pans with parchment; grease paper., Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla. Beat in candy coating mixture. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and baking soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating after each addition. Fold in coconut and pecans. With clean beaters, beat egg whites on medium speed until stiff peaks form; fold into batter., Transfer batter to prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 25-30 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove parchment. Cool completely., For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Beat in confectioners' sugar, milk and vanilla. Spread between layers and over top and sides of cake., If desired, pipe leaf designs with candy coating onto a waxed paper-lined baking sheet; refrigerate until set. Decorate cake with Sixlets, sprinkles and leaves. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 622 calories, Fat 33g fat (18g saturated fat), Cholesterol 107mg cholesterol, Sodium 300mg sodium, Carbohydrate 79g carbohydrate (62g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.