Description

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

Instructions

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.

Notes

Serving Tips

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.
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.
Garnish: Consider garnishing the cake with extra flaked coconut and chopped walnuts for a decorative touch and added flavor.
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

Refrigerate: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting needs to be kept cold to remain fresh.
Cover Properly: Ensure the cake is covered well to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors from the refrigerator.
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.
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.
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.