Easy Italian Cream Cake Using Cake Mix
This Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake is a smart shortcut to one of the South’s most elegant desserts. Classic Italian Cream Cake usually involves separating eggs and carefully folding in whipped whites, but this simplified version skips the extra steps. By using buttermilk and a white cake mix, you still get that soft, tender crumb with a subtle tang—without all the work. Toasted pecans and sweet flaked coconut add irresistible texture, making it hard to believe this cake started with a box mix.
Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- White cake mix — 1 (16 1/4 oz) package
- Buttermilk — 1 1/4 cups
- Large eggs — 3
- Vegetable oil — 1/4 cup
- Flaked coconut — 1 (3 1/2 oz) can
- Toasted chopped pecans — 2/3 cup
- Rum (optional) — 3 tablespoons
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese, softened — 1 (8 oz) package
- Butter or margarine, softened — 1/2 cup
- Powdered sugar — 1 (16 oz) package
- Vanilla extract — 2 teaspoons
- Toasted chopped pecans — 1 cup
How to Make Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.
Step 2: Add the Mix-Ins
Gently fold in the flaked coconut and 2/3 cup of toasted pecans, mixing just until evenly combined.
Step 3: Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 15–17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Cool and Enhance
Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. If using rum, drizzle 1 tablespoon over each cake layer and allow it to soak in for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract and the remaining 1 cup of toasted pecans.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Spread frosting between the cake layers, then frost the top and sides evenly.
