Description
This Quick Italian Cream Cake uses a box mix base and buttermilk to create a moist, fluffy cake filled with coconut and pecans. Topped with a classic, tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s the perfect easy Southern dessert for any celebration.
Ingredients
Cake
- White cake mixture – 1 package
- Eggs large size – 3
- Buttermilk – 1 ¼ cups
- Vegetable oil – ¼ cup
- Coconut shredded – 1 can
- Toasted pecans – ⅔ cup chopped
- Rum – 3 tbsp (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream cheese – 1 package
- Butter – ½ cup
- Powdered sugar – 1 package
- Vanilla extract – 2 tsp
- Toasted Pecans – 1 cup chopped (for decoration)
Instructions
- Make the Batter: Add white cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil to a mixing bowl. Use an electric beater to beat them for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Fold in Flavor: Now add the chopped pecans and flaked coconut. Mix them well using a spatula to ensure even distribution without overmixing.
- Bake the Layers: Take 3 cake pans and grease them before pouring the mixture evenly into the pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for fifteen to seventeen minutes. Bake until the center is cooked well and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Take the cake pans out of the oven after baking and let them cool for about 10 minutes. After the pans have cooled, gently turn the cakes out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- (Optional) Rum Soak: Use rum on the top layers of the cake if you want to. Set the layers aside for ten minutes to allow the rum to absorb.
- Make the Frosting: Use a bowl and add in cream cheese and butter. Beat it at a medium pace until it turns smooth. Slowly, add the powdered sugar and beat until it turns fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and 1 cup of pecans (for flavor and texture, or use the cup for decoration only).
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, use the cream cheese frosting on each layer, the top layer, and the sides of the cake.
- Chill: Let the finished cake chill for at least two hours before you slice it. This sets the frosting and makes for clean slices.
Notes
Pro Tip: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before making the frosting for the smoothest, lump-free texture. Always wait until the cake layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
Keywords: Italian Cream Cake, Coconut Pecan Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting