Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake

This classic dessert is often complicated, but this Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake recipe makes it wonderfully simple! It uses a white cake mix as the foundation, making the prep work a breeze. The moist cake is filled with the signature flavors of toasted pecans and flaked coconut, all brought together with a tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting. The result is a stunning, easy-to-make layer cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake see continuation on next pageIngredients: Cake: Ingredient Quantity White Cake Mix 1 (16.25-ounce) package Large Eggs 3 Buttermilk $1\frac{1}{4}$ cups Vegetable Oil $\frac{1}{4}$ cup Flaked Coconut 1 (3.5-ounce) can Chopped Pecans, toasted $\frac{2}{3}$ cup Rum (Optional) 3 tablespoons Cream Cheese Frosting: Ingredient Quantity Cream Cheese, softened 1 (8-ounce) package Butter or Margarine, softened $\frac{1}{2}$ cup Powdered Sugar 1 (16-ounce) package Vanilla Extract 2 teaspoons Chopped Pecans, toasted 1 cup How To Make Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake: Prepare the Cake Preheat oven to $350^{\circ}\text{F}$ and grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, beat the cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in the flaked coconut and the $\frac{2}{3}$ cup of chopped, toasted pecans. Pour the batter evenly into the three prepared cake pans. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center of a layer comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove the cakes from the pans and cool them completely on wire racks. If using, sprinkle each cake layer evenly with the rum and let stand for 10 minutes. Make the Frosting In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter (or margarine) with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and the 1 cup of chopped, toasted pecans. Assemble the Cake Spread the cream cheese frosting between the cooled cake layers, then cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Chill the finished cake for 2 hours before slicing and serving.