Moist Quick Italian Cream Cake – A Southern Classic with a Shortcut!

 Irresistibly Moist Quick Italian Cream Cake – A Southern Classic with a Shortcut!

If you're looking for a show-stopping dessert that's rich, moist, and bursting with Southern charm, this Quick Italian Cream Cake is the answer. Combining the traditional flavors of toasted pecans, sweet coconut, and a lusciously creamy frosting, this version offers all the decadence of the classic recipe—without the lengthy prep.

Perfect for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, or simply indulging on a Sunday afternoon, this cake has a dense yet fluffy crumb, a tangy cream cheese frosting, and is made easy by using a boxed cake mix. The result? A cake that tastes like it was made from scratch—but in half the time.

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⭐ Ingredients and Their Purpose

For the Cake:

1 box white or yellow cake mix

The perfect shortcut for consistent texture and a tender base.

3 large eggs

Adds richness, structure, and helps the cake rise.

1¼ cups buttermilk

The acidity reacts with the cake mix to make the crumb moist and tender. Adds a slight tang to balance the sweetness.

¼ cup vegetable oil

Provides moisture and keeps the cake soft without weighing it down.

1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

Adds chewy texture and a tropical sweetness that defines Italian cream cake.

¾ cup chopped pecans

Toasted nuts offer crunch and a nutty depth of flavor that complements the creamy frosting.

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For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

Creates the signature tangy richness of Italian cream cake frosting.

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

Blends with the cream cheese for a smooth, luxurious texture.

4 cups powdered sugar

Sweetens the frosting and helps it hold its shape.

1½ tsp pure vanilla extract

Adds depth and warmth to the frosting flavor.

½ cup chopped pecans (for mixing or topping)

Adds texture and enhances the nutty profile of the cake.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

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

2. Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

Cake mix

Eggs

Buttermilk

Vegetable oil

Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth. Gently fold in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans.

3. Bake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 15–17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

4. Cool the Cakes

Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully remove them and transfer to wire racks. Allow to cool completely—at least 2 hours—before frosting.

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5. Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract. Fold in pecans if desired for extra crunch.

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6. Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake evenly.

For an elegant finish, garnish with additional toasted pecans and a light sprinkle of coconut flakes.

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💡 Why This Recipe is Loved

Quick and Easy – Thanks to the boxed cake mix and simple steps, it’s beginner-friendly.

Moist and Flavorful – Buttermilk keeps the crumb ultra-tender, while coconut and pecans add texture and taste.

Crowd Favorite – This cake gets rave reviews at every event; there are never leftovers!

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🧁 Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter and frosting.

Don’t overmix the batter – Just until combined to avoid a dense cake.

Toast the pecans before adding them to intensify their flavor.

Chill the frosting for 10–15 minutes if it becomes too soft before assembling.

Level the cake layers with a serrated knife for a professional finish.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve this rich cake with:

A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream

Fresh berries for a pop of color and tartness

A cup of strong coffee or espresso to cut the sweetness

Perfect for:

Holidays like Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving

Weddings and anniversaries

Casual gatherings when you want to impress with minimal effort

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🎉 Final Thoughts: A Southern Classic Made Simple

This Quick Italian Cream Cake delivers all the irresistible flavor of the traditional version—without the stress. Moist, nutty, creamy, and full of Southern soul, it’s the kind of dessert that makes people ask for seconds (and the recipe).

By using strategic shortcuts and smart ingredients, you get a bakery-quality cake that’s ready in under an hour. Whether you're new to baking or a seasoned pro, this is one cake you'll keep coming back to.

👉 Try this recipe today and experience why it’s one of the most beloved cakes of all time. It’s not just a dessert—it’s a celebration.

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r guests with the ultimate quick-fix Italian Cream Cake!

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