If you love coconut, cream cheese, and indulgent Southern-style desserts, Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake will become your go-to recipe for birthdays, holidays, and every celebration in between. This version of the beloved Italian Cream Cake comes with a clever shortcut—using simple pantry ingredients and baking essentials, but without sacrificing the flavor or signature texture that makes this cake a standout.

Moist, fluffy layers filled with coconut and finished with a tangy cream cheese frosting loaded with walnuts and more coconut—it’s a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner looking for a showstopper, this cake delivers bakery-level results with home-style ease.

🌟 What Is Italian Cream Cake?

Despite its name, Italian Cream Cake is actually a Southern American creation. It’s famous for its rich, tender crumb, thanks to buttermilk and a blend of butter and shortening in the batter. Sweetened coconut adds chewiness, and chopped nuts provide texture and a nutty bite in the creamy frosting.

Traditionally, this cake is made from scratch. However, this version simplifies the process without sacrificing taste or authenticity. It’s perfect for holidays like Christmas and Easter, potlucks, and milestone events.

🧁 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Old-fashioned flavor with a modern twist.
Tender, moist cake layers every time.
Creamy, tangy frosting made with real cream cheese.
Plenty of coconut and chopped nuts for texture and flavor.
Easy to follow even for beginner bakers.

🛒 Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s how each ingredient contributes to the success of this cake:

🥛 Buttermilk (1 cup) + Baking Soda (1 tsp)

This combo creates a reaction that helps leaven the cake, making it moist and fluffy. Buttermilk also adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness.

🧈 Butter (½ cup) + Shortening (½ cup)

Using both butter and shortening gives the cake a moist yet structured crumb. Butter provides flavor; shortening adds tenderness.

🍬 White Sugar (2 cups)

Sweetens the batter and contributes to the golden-brown crust.

🥚 Eggs (5)

Eggs provide structure and richness. Five eggs ensure the cake holds its shape and has a soft texture.

🍦 Vanilla Extract (1 tsp in batter + 1 tsp in frosting)

Adds classic depth of flavor. Use real vanilla extract for best results.

🥥 Flaked Coconut (1 cup in batter + 1 cup in frosting)

Coconut adds chewiness and classic Italian Cream Cake flavor. Sweetened flaked coconut is ideal here.

🧂 Baking Powder (1 tsp)

Works alongside the baking soda for a reliable rise.

🌾 All-Purpose Flour (2 cups)

Gives the cake its body. Measure correctly using the spoon-and-level method.

🍰 For the Frosting:

Cream Cheese (8 oz): The foundation of the frosting—creamy, tangy, and rich.
Butter (½ cup): Adds smoothness and richness.
Confectioners’ Sugar (4 cups): Sweetens the frosting while keeping it airy.
Light Cream (2 tbsp): Helps thin the frosting to a spreadable consistency.
Chopped Walnuts (½ cup): Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
Remaining Coconut (1 cup): Finishes the cake with extra texture and sweetness.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture

In a small bowl, combine 1 cup buttermilk with 1 teaspoon baking soda. Let this sit while you prepare the rest of the batter—it will begin to foam slightly as it reacts.

3. Cream the Butter, Shortening, and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup butter, ½ cup shortening, and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 3–5 minutes with an electric mixer on medium-high speed.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the 5 eggs, one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

5. Mix in Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk Mixture

Gradually add:

The buttermilk mixture
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup flaked coconut

Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

6. Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the cakes in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

🎂 Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat Cream Cheese and Butter

In a medium mixing bowl, beat together:

8 ounces cream cheese
½ cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and creamy.

2. Add Confectioners’ Sugar

Gradually beat in 4 cups powdered sugar, adjusting the sweetness and thickness as needed.

3. Add Cream

Add 2 tablespoons light cream to loosen the frosting slightly to a spreadable consistency.

4. Stir in Coconut and Walnuts

Fold in:

½ cup chopped walnuts
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut

🧁 Assemble the Cake

Place one layer on a cake stand or plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Repeat with the second and third layers, then frost the sides and top of the cake.

For a festive finish, sprinkle additional coconut or chopped walnuts over the top.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

Special occasions: A favorite for birthdays, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
With coffee or tea: The richness of the cake pairs beautifully with a hot beverage.
Make it ahead: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

❄️ Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Because of the cream cheese frosting, store the cake in the refrigerator. Let slices come to room temperature before serving.
Freeze: Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.