CAKE MIX ITALIAN CREAM CAKE

If you’re looking for a cake that’s both delightful and easy to prepare, the Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake is the perfect choice. Combining the richness of cream cheese frosting with the subtle sweetness of coconut and walnuts, this cake offers a luscious treat that’s sure to impress at any gathering. Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because, this recipe makes use of simple ingredients to create a stunning and delicious cake.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 2 cups white sugar
• 5 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup flaked coconut
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons light cream
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut

Directions:

Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease three 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes come out easily.

Prepare the Cake Batter

In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the buttermilk and set it aside. In a large bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup butter, shortening, and white sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs, buttermilk mixture, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup flaked coconut, baking powder, and flour. Stir until just combined. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.

Bake the Cake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before removing.

Prepare the Frosting

To make the frosting, combine cream cheese, 1/2 cup butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar in a medium bowl. Beat until light and fluffy. Add a small amount of light cream to achieve your desired consistency. Stir in the chopped walnuts and remaining flaked coconut.

Assemble and Frost the Cake

Spread the frosting between the layers of the cooled cake and on the top and sides. Garnish with additional flaked coconut and chopped walnuts if desired.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

1. Allow to Cool Completely: Before serving, ensure the cake has cooled completely to avoid a messy frosting situation. This also allows the flavors to meld together.
2. Chill for Best Results: For a cleaner cut and better texture, refrigerate the cake for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This helps the frosting set and makes slicing easier.
3. Garnish: Consider garnishing the cake with extra flaked coconut and chopped walnuts for a decorative touch and added flavor.
4. Serve at Room Temperature: For the best taste and texture, let the cake come to room temperature before serving. This helps the flavors and the cream cheese frosting to be at their best.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigerate: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting needs to be kept cold to remain fresh.
2. Cover Properly: Ensure the cake is covered well to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors from the refrigerator.
3. Freeze for Later: If you want to store the cake for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
4. Thawing: When ready to enjoy the frozen cake, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. For faster thawing, you can leave it at room temperature for a few hours.
5. Re-frosting: If you’re freezing individual slices, you might want to add a fresh layer of frosting after thawing to refresh the cake’s appearance and taste.

With these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake remains delicious and fresh, whether you’re enjoying it immediately or saving it for later.

Variations:

1. Flavor Variations:
   • Lemon Italian Cream Cake: Add 2 tablespoons of lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy twist. You can also use lemon extract instead of vanilla for a more pronounced lemon flavor.
   • Chocolate Italian Cream Cake: Substitute 1/2 cup of the flour with cocoa powder and add chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey version. You can use chocolate frosting instead of cream cheese frosting.
2. Nut Variations:
   • Pecans: Replace walnuts with pecans for a different nutty flavor and texture.
   • Almonds: Use chopped almonds or almond extract for a subtle almond flavor in both the cake and the frosting.
3. Coconut Variations:
   • Toasted Coconut: Toast the flaked coconut in a dry skillet before adding it to the batter and frosting for a deeper coconut flavor and crunch.
   • Coconut Cream Cake: Use coconut cream instead of light cream in the frosting for an even richer coconut taste.
4. Frosting Variations:
   • Cream Cheese and Caramel Frosting: Mix caramel sauce into the cream cheese frosting for a sweet and rich caramel flavor.
   • Whipped Cream Frosting: Substitute the cream cheese frosting with whipped cream for a lighter and fluffier topping.
5. Add-Ins:
   • Fresh Fruit: Fold in fresh fruit like blueberries or raspberries into the batter for added flavor and a pop of color.
   • Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips or chunks to the batter for an extra indulgent treat.
6. Cake Mix Variations:
   • Spice Cake Mix: Use a spice cake mix instead of white cake mix for a warm, spiced version of the cake.
7. Layer Cake:
   • Four-Layer Cake: Divide the batter into four 9-inch round pans for a taller cake with more layers. Adjust the baking time as needed.
8. Cupcakes:
   • Italian Cream Cupcakes: Use the batter to make cupcakes instead of a full cake. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Gluten-Free Option:
   • Gluten-Free Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make the cake gluten-free.
10. Frosting Color:
    • Colored Frosting: Add food coloring to the frosting to match a specific theme or occasion, such as pastel colors for a spring celebration or bold colors for a festive event.

Feel free to experiment with these variations to create your perfect version of Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake!

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of cake mix?
   • Yes, you can use different flavors of cake mix, such as lemon or chocolate, to give the cake a unique twist. Just be sure to adjust the flavor of the frosting to complement the cake mix.
2. Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk?
   • Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added to it. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to mimic buttermilk.
3. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
   • To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   • Yes, you can use margarine in place of butter. However, butter gives a richer flavor and better texture, so margarine may slightly alter the taste and consistency.
5. How do I store leftover cake?
   • Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
6. Can I freeze this cake?
   • Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator before serving.
7. How can I make the frosting thicker?
   • If your frosting is too thin, add more confectioners’ sugar until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also chill it in the refrigerator to thicken.
8. Can I use a different type of nut in the cake or frosting?
   • Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or your favorite nuts. Just chop them finely before adding them to the batter or frosting.
9. What should I do if my cake layers are domed or uneven?
   • If your cake layers are domed, you can level them with a knife or cake leveler after baking. This ensures even layers and a smooth cake.
10. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare the cake ahead of time. Bake and cool the cake layers, then wrap them tightly and store in the refrigerator or freezer. Frost the cake just before serving to keep the frosting fresh and beautiful.

These FAQs should help you with common questions and potential issues when making Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake!

The Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake is a wonderful way to indulge in a classic dessert with a modern twist. Its rich cream cheese frosting and the combination of coconut and walnuts provide a delightful flavor that pairs perfectly with the light and airy cake. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to be a hit with friends and family. Enjoy every delicious bite of this easy and impressive dessert!