This classic dessert is often complicated, but this Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake recipe makes it wonderfully simple! It uses a white cake mix as the foundation, making the prep work a breeze. The moist cake is filled with the signature flavors of toasted pecans and flaked coconut, all brought together with a tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting. The result is a stunning, easy-to-make layer cake that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
Cake:
| Ingredient |
Quantity |
| White Cake Mix |
1 (16.25-ounce) package |
| Large Eggs |
3 |
| Buttermilk |
$1\frac{1}{4}$ cups |
| Vegetable Oil |
$\frac{1}{4}$ cup |
| Flaked Coconut |
1 (3.5-ounce) can |
| Chopped Pecans, toasted |
$\frac{2}{3}$ cup |
| Rum (Optional) |
3 tablespoons |
Cream Cheese Frosting:
| Ingredient |
Quantity |
| Cream Cheese, softened |
1 (8-ounce) package |
| Butter or Margarine, softened |
$\frac{1}{2}$ cup |
| Powdered Sugar |
1 (16-ounce) package |
| Vanilla Extract |
2 teaspoons |
| Chopped Pecans, toasted |
1 cup |
How To Make Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake:
Prepare the Cake
- Preheat oven to $350^{\circ}\text{F}$ and grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, beat the cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the flaked coconut and the $\frac{2}{3}$ cup of chopped, toasted pecans.
- Pour the batter evenly into the three prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center of a layer comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans on wire racks for 10 minutes.
- Remove the cakes from the pans and cool them completely on wire racks.
- If using, sprinkle each cake layer evenly with the rum and let stand for 10 minutes.
Make the Frosting
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter (or margarine) with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and the 1 cup of chopped, toasted pecans.
Assemble the Cake
- Spread the cream cheese frosting between the cooled cake layers, then cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Chill the finished cake for 2 hours before slicing and serving.
