Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake – Easy, Moist & Homemade

Table of Contents

Introduction

This Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake is the perfect shortcut version of a classic Southern favorite. Using a white cake mix as the base, this recipe delivers rich flavor and moist texture with minimal effort. Filled with sweet coconut, toasted pecans, and finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s an elegant dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or anytime you want a show-stopping cake without spending all day in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

White cake mix – 1 (16¼ oz) package
Buttermilk – 1¼ cups
Large eggs – 3
Vegetable oil – ¼ cup
Flaked coconut – 1 (3½ oz) can
Toasted chopped pecans – ⅔ cup
Rum (optional) – 3 tablespoons

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Cream cheese, softened – 1 (8 oz) package
Butter or margarine, softened – ½ cup
Powdered sugar – 1 (16 oz) package
Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
Toasted chopped pecans – 1 cup

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). 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 2 minutes, until smooth and well blended.

Step 2: Add the Mix-Ins

Gently fold in the flaked coconut and ⅔ cup 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 into the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Cool and Enhance

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. If using rum, drizzle 1 tablespoon over each cake layer and let it 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 toasted pecans.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread frosting evenly on top. Repeat with remaining layers, then frost the top and sides of the cake.

Conclusion

This Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake proves that a bakery-quality dessert doesn’t have to be complicated. Moist, nutty, and perfectly sweet, it’s a crowd-pleaser that looks impressive and tastes even better. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this easy Italian cream cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.