Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake

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Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake is a simple way to enjoy a classic dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. The boxed mix cuts down on prep time while still giving you the soft, moist texture you expect. Itโ€™s a great option for holidays, birthdays, or anytime you want something special.

A three-layer slice of Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake with white icing and a mint garnish on a white plate.

Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake

One thing I like about this recipe is how forgiving it is. You can substitute another nut for pecans or leave them out completely. As well, you can reduce the amount or omit the coconut. Of course, this will change the flavor of your cake.

I like coconut, but I don’t like big pieces of it. Therefore, I grind it small in a mini food processor. Measure one cup before you grind it.

Additionally, I add pecans to the mini food processor and give it a couple of pulses to chop them to a small-ish. I don’t grind them as small as I do the coconut because I still want some texture and crunch.

A similar cake that’s always a crowd-pleaser is a Hummingbird Cake and Fresh Strawberry Yogurt Cake.

Now, I don’t know if this is truly an Italian dessert, we sure like it. Other recipes we like are Italian Sausage in Tomato Cream Sauce Pasta, CREAMY ITALIAN SAUSAGE SOUP RECIPE, CREAMY ITALIAN SAUSAGE SOUP RECIPE, SLOW COOKER ZESTY ITALIAN CHICKEN, and SPICY ITALIAN NACHOS.

A frosted layer cake with chopped nuts pressed into the sides, garnished with fresh mint leaves and displayed on a plate.

Why you’ll โค๏ธ this recipe.

๐ŸŒฐ๐Ÿ˜‹Rich, soft texture with nutty flavor

๐Ÿฅก๐Ÿ—“๏ธCan be made ahead and stored in the fridge

๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿณ๐Ÿ“ฆEasy to make with a boxed cake mix

๐ŸฅณPerfect for holidays and celebrations

๐Ÿช„Customizable with different frostings or toppings

We also like these TEXAS RANGER COOKIES WITH CRANBERRIES for these crunchy texture and bold flavor.

A close-up of a three-layer slice of cake with white frosting, garnished with a sprig of mint on top.

Cooking tips and substitutions

If you want a shortcut, use store-bought frosting and sprinkle on some toasted coconut or chopped pecans for extra flavor and texture.

Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing so the batter blends smoothly.

Toast the nuts before adding them to the batter. This gives more flavor.

Instead of using water like the cake mix calls for, use buttermilk, regular milk, or sour cream.

Cream cheese frosting is the traditional choice, but whipped topping works if you want something lighter.

PMc says:

Chill the cake layers before stacking and frosting. They’re easier to work with cold.

Grind the coconut in a mini food processor for a finer texture.

A close-up of a three-layer slice of cake with white frosting, garnished with a sprig of mint, on a white plate.

Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better after sitting overnight in the fridge.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to three months.

Do I have to use pecans or coconut?

No, you can leave them out or swap with walnuts, almonds, or no nuts at all.

Can I use a different frosting?

Cream cheese frosting is classic, but buttercream or whipped frosting will also work.

What kind of cake mix do I need to use?

Personally, I like Duncan Hines. You can use a white, yellow, or butter cake mix.

Do I have to toast the coconut and pecans?

No, you don’t have to, but toasting them brings out more flavor. To toast them, spread them in a sheet pan and bake at 350ยฐF for 6 to 8 minutes.

Chart showing cake baking times for different pan sizes, from 18-36 min at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC), perfect for Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake. Includes a handy tip to check cake doneness with a toothpick.

How do you avoid a dry cake?


Mix gently. Combine the ingredients only until they come together. If you stir too much, the batter develops gluten, which makes the cake dense and dry.

Be precise with measurements. Even when using a boxed mix, adding the right amounts matters. Weighing ingredients gives the most accurate results.

Watch the bake time. Remove the cake from the oven as soon as a toothpick in the center comes out clean or with a few slightly damp crumbs.

A slice of frosted layer cake with chopped pecans on the side sits on a white plate.

Italian Cream Cake Conclusion

Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake is one of those desserts that feels special but doesnโ€™t take all day to prepare. With a few tips and simple steps, youโ€™ll have a cake that looks homemade and tastes rich without the extra stress. Itโ€™s a recipe worth keeping in your back pocket for celebrations or whenever you want a quick but impressive dessert.

A three-layer slice of Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake with white icing and a mint garnish on a white plate.

Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake

This cake has a rich flavor, creamy frosting, and simple steps for a bakery-style dessert. Great when you need a quick, easy cake.
Author: Paula
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 21 minutes
Servings: 14 servings

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Ingredients

Cream Cheese Frosting

Notes

Chart showing cake baking times for different pan sizes, from 18-36 min at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC), perfect for Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake. Includes a handy tip to check cake doneness with a toothpick.

Nutrition

Calories: 488kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 338mg | Potassium: 172mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 510IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 106mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are important to you, I recommend calculating them yourself.

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