I shared my favorite cookie with you a few weeks ago when National Oatmeal Cookie Day graced the calendar. Today I’m sharing my all-time favorite cake with you; Italian Cream Cake. There isn’t a holiday for it that I know of. But, my birthday is tomorrow, May 14. If I’m not blowing candles out from a stack of Oatmeal Cookies, it’s usually from a homemade Italian Cream Cake.

I rarely see this particular cake in many bakeries. When I do, it’s usually some sort of mix without all the bells and whistles. I like my cake with all the bells and whistles if you know what I mean. I want my Italian Cream Cake dense and full of shredded coconut, not just coconut flavoring. There should be walnut chunks packed in there. And I like this particular cake served ice cold. Cream cheese icing with shredded coconut and more nuts sprinkled in there, too. That sounds pretty picky, I know. But I rarely eat desserts. I figure if I’m going to eat it, I want to thoroughly enjoy it.

Italian Cream Cake Martini Recipe

This year I nixed actual cookies or cake from the birthday plan. But I still wanted to enjoy a little dessert decadence. Just as the Oatmeal Cookie gets its shot at cocktail heaven, the Italian Cream Cake receives its place in cocktail glory.

Italian Cream Cake Martini – recipe by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

1-1/2 ounce Vanilla Vodka

3/4 ounce Malibu Coconut Rum

1/4 ounce Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur

1 ounce Cranberry Juice

3/4 ounce Pineapple Juice

Maraschino Cherry & Lime Peel Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry and lime peel.

I did think about using Praline Pecan Liqueur or a walnut liqueur for more authentic flavor since Italian Cream Cake recipes usually call for pecans or walnuts. Hazelnut liqueur is a bit easier to find making this recipe accessible for more people. The flavor works perfectly. There is nice cake batter flavor with the Vanilla vodka. It blends wonderfully with the coconut rum for the coconut flavor I love so much in the original cake recipe. Nut and pineapple flavors round out the cocktail just right. Dessert in a glass. Gotta love it!

But what would a birthday be without gifts?!

The Birthday Giveaway

Birthday giveaway includes Lolita Happy Birthday glass candle, Grey Goose recipe cards, Mary Kay skin care sampler set, Vosges truffles, Appletini Shower Smoothie, and a few more girly gifts shown in the photo. (Background items such as flowers not included)

Fill in entry form below:

I would love it if you shared this giveaway on Facebook. Sharing does not count as an entry but I would definitely appreciate it.

Contest open from May 13 – 31, 2013 midnight CST. Contest is only open to US residents over the age of 21. Please read the Giveaway Policy.

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability. Winner will be contacted by email 48 hours after the giveaway ends.
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Share your comments

I would love to know… What is your favorite birthday cake, cookie, cocktail or dessert treat? Tell me in the comments section!

All content ©2013 Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist. All Rights Reserved. Chat with Cheri @Intoxicologist on Twitter and facebook.com/Intoxicologist or str8upcocktails@gmail.com

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