Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake

Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake
This easy Italian Cream Cake starts with a cake mix but tastes completely homemade. Moist coconut cake layers, crunchy pecans, and rich cream cheese frosting make it perfect for holidays, birthdays, or anytime you want an impressive dessert with less work.
Ingredients
For the Cake
1 box white cake mix
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoons milk, if needed
Optional Additions
Toasted coconut for garnish
Extra pecans on top
A pinch of cinnamon in the batter
Chopped walnuts instead of pecans
Instructions
Make the Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, combine cake mix, buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
Fold in shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until fluffy.
Add milk a little at a time if frosting needs thinning.
Assemble
Frost between cake layers, then frost the top and sides.
Garnish with toasted coconut and pecans if desired.
Chill 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Tips for Success
Toast the pecans for deeper flavor.
Use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth frosting.
Do not overmix after adding coconut and nuts.
Store refrigerated because of the cream cheese frosting.
Description
This cake is ultra-moist with a soft crumb, sweet coconut flavor, crunchy pecans, and silky cream cheese frosting. It has the rich flavor of a bakery-style Italian cream cake with the convenience of a cake mix shortcut.
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Slice)
Calories: 520
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Fat: 30g
Sugar: 45g
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Coffee or espresso
Fresh berries
Vanilla ice cream
Holiday dessert spreads
Conclusion
Cake mix Italian Cream Cake is the perfect combination of easy preparation and impressive homemade flavor. It’s rich, beautiful, and always a crowd favorite for celebrations or Sunday dessert tables.