There’s something magical about a slice of cake that can transport you to a world filled with sweet nostalgia and joy. Imagine a rich, moist layer of Italian cream cake using cake mix, loaded with fluffy frosting, and a sprinkle of coconut on top—it’s like a party in your mouth! This delightful dessert not only graces the table but also fills every corner of the room with its irresistible aroma, making it hard to resist.
Now, let me tell you a little secret: this Italian cream cake is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether at birthday parties or holiday gatherings, it’s sure to steal the spotlight. Seriously, who can say no to creamy layers that melt in your mouth? So grab your apron and let’s dive into this delicious adventure!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy Italian cream cake recipe is simple yet indulgent, offering a burst of flavor that’s hard to forget
- It requires minimal prep time and uses readily available ingredients
- Its beautiful layers and frosting make it visually stunning for any occasion
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite flavors or toppings
I still remember the first time I made this cake for my cousin’s wedding. The oohs and aahs from the guests were priceless as they dove into their slices!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Cake Mix: Use a good quality vanilla or white cake mix as a base for that perfect fluffy texture.
Eggs: Fresh eggs will add richness; use large eggs for best results.
Sour Cream: This ingredient adds moisture and tanginess, making the cake incredibly tender.
Vegetable Oil: Opt for light oils which keep the cake moist without altering the flavor.
Shredded Coconut: Sweetened or unsweetened coconut gives texture and enhances that classic Italian flavor.
Chopped Pecans: These add crunch and nutty goodness; feel free to adjust based on preference.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for frosting; it will give you that creamy finish without overwhelming saltiness.
Powdered Sugar: Essential for frosting; it provides sweetness without graininess when blended well.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract infuses wonderful flavor throughout the cake and frosting.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make italian cream cake using cake mix
Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round baking pans with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal later.
Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and oil. Stir until smooth—this batter should be velvety and creamy!
Add coconut and pecans: Gently fold in shredded coconut and chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The mixture should feel thick yet airy.
Bake: Pour equal amounts of batter into each prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Cool down: Allow cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks. Patience is key here; let them cool completely before frosting.
Make the frosting: In another bowl, blend softened butter with powdered sugar until creamy. Add vanilla extract and mix well until fluffy—taste-test this heavenly creation because who can resist?
Frost the cakes: Place one layer on your serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting over it before stacking the second layer on top. Finish by frosting the top and sides elegantly.
Decorate: Feel free to sprinkle extra shredded coconut or chopped pecans on top for added flair! Now step back and admire your masterpiece.
Serve: Slice up this beauty at your next gathering or simply enjoy it all by yourself (no judgment here!).
And there you have it! An easy yet scrumptious Italian cream cake using cake mix that’ll leave everyone begging for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
You Must Know
- The Italian cream cake using cake mix is a delightful shortcut to a classic dessert
- The moist layers and creamy frosting will impress everyone, making it perfect for gatherings
- This recipe keeps it simple while delivering extraordinary taste and texture that feels homemade
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Preparing the Italian cream cake using cake mix starts with mixing the dry ingredients first. Once combined, add eggs, water, and oil, then blend until smooth. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Add Your Touch
You can customize this Italian cream cake using cake mix by adding chopped nuts or coconut to the batter. For extra flavor, consider mixing in some almond extract or vanilla. Play around with your favorite add-ins!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Italian cream cake using cake mix in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To enjoy it warm, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to create a fluffier batter that mixes more evenly
- Don’t overmix; just blend until combined for a lighter texture
- Allow your cake layers to cool completely before frosting for the best results
The first time I made this Italian cream cake using cake mix, my friends declared me a baking genius! They couldn’t believe how easy it was to make something so delicious.
FAQ
Can I use any type of cake mix?
You can use yellow or white cake mix for this Italian cream cake.
What kind of frosting works best?
Cream cheese frosting complements the flavors of Italian cream cake beautifully.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Opt for gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Italian Cream Cake using Cake Mix
Experience the magic of a rich and moist Italian cream cake that’s simple to make yet indulgent enough to impress any crowd. This delightful dessert features fluffy layers, creamy frosting, and a sprinkle of coconut and chopped pecans, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. Perfect for birthdays or holiday gatherings, this cake is sure to be the star of your dessert table!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla or white cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round baking pans with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Gently fold in shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes 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.
- For frosting, beat softened butter with powdered sugar until creamy; mix in vanilla extract.
- Frost cooled cakes generously before stacking them on a serving plate. Decorate with extra coconut or pecans if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: - Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing results. - Experiment by adding almond extract for an additional flavor boost. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
