Absolutely! Here’s a complete and polished version of your Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake recipe, including Introduction and Origin, Cultural Significance, Ingredients Quantity, Optional Additions, Tips for Success, Instructions, Description, Nutritional Information, Conclusion and Recommendation, and Embracing Healthful Indulgence—all without any wide lines and ready to use or share!
Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake
Introduction and Origin
Italian Cream Cake, despite its name, is a beloved Southern American dessert, not originally from Italy. It gained popularity in the American South during the mid-20th century, especially for special occasions. Its unique combination of coconut, pecans, and rich cream cheese frosting delivers a flavor profile that feels indulgent and comforting.
Cultural Significance
Often served at weddings, holidays, and Sunday dinners, Italian Cream Cake has become a staple in Southern dessert traditions. It’s a symbol of celebration and warmth, often tied to cherished family recipes and homemade hospitality. By using a cake mix as the base, this version allows home bakers to achieve that nostalgic, crowd-pleasing flavor with greater ease and consistency.
Ingredients Quantity
CAKE:
- 1 (16.25-ounce) package white cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 (3.5-ounce) can flaked coconut
- 2/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 3 tablespoons rum (optional)
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
- 1 (16-ounce) package powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Optional Additions
- Add 1 teaspoon almond extract to the batter for a nutty undertone
- Fold in mini chocolate chips for a twist on tradition
- Sprinkle toasted coconut or pecans on top of the frosted cake for texture
- Use browned butter in the frosting for a deeper flavor profile
Tips for Success
- Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and evenly
- Toast the pecans to bring out their natural oils and nutty aroma
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to avoid a dense texture
- Cool cakes completely before frosting to keep the icing from sliding or melting
- For neat layers, chill the cake briefly before slicing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- Mix cake batter: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, oil, and rum (if using). Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes or until smooth.
- Fold in coconut and toasted pecans with a spatula until just incorporated.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and place on wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with frosting. Top with second layer and frost the top and sides. Garnish with additional coconut or pecans if desired.
Description
This cake is moist, rich, and packed with flavor. The buttermilk lends a tender crumb, while the coconut and pecans add chewiness and crunch. The tangy cream cheese frosting brings it all together, providing a creamy contrast to the nutty sweetness of the cake. It’s a beautiful balance of texture and flavor in every bite.
Nutritional Information (Per slice, based on 12 servings; estimated)
- Calories: 510
- Total Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 360mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Sugars: 44g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
Conclusion and Recommendation
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels homemade without the stress of starting from scratch, this Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake is the perfect solution. It offers the richness and celebration-worthy quality of a traditional recipe, made accessible for the modern home baker. Serve it at your next gathering, and watch it disappear.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
To lighten the recipe without sacrificing flavor:
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt cream cheese
- Swap out a portion of the oil for unsweetened applesauce
- Choose unsweetened coconut to reduce sugar
- Portion control: serve smaller slices alongside fresh fruit
Baking should be joyful and comforting. This cake gives you the space to indulge while allowing flexibility for a more mindful twist.
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