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. Itโs a great option for holidays, birthdays, or anytime you want something special.

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.

Why you’ll โค๏ธ this recipe.
๐ฐ๐Rich, soft texture with nutty flavor
๐ฅก๐๏ธCan be made ahead and stored in the fridge
๐งโ๐ณ๐ฆEasy to make with a boxed cake mix
๐ฅณPerfect for holidays and celebrations
๐ชCustomizable with different frostings or toppings
We also like these TEXAS RANGER COOKIES WITH CRANBERRIES for these crunchy texture and bold flavor.

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
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.
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.

Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it actually tastes better after sitting overnight in the fridge.
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to three months.
No, you can leave them out or swap with walnuts, almonds, or no nuts at all.
Cream cheese frosting is classic, but buttercream or whipped frosting will also work.
Personally, I like Duncan Hines. You can use a white, yellow, or
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.

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.

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

Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake
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Ingredients
- 15.25 ounce box white cake mix I use Duncan Hines
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup coconut flakes pulsed fine
- 1 cup peanuts chopped small
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ยฝ cup butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar (aka confectioners)
- 2 – 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Notes

Nutrition
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.