PERFECT ITALIAN CREAM CAKE

Perfect Italian Cream Cake image

Provided by Michelle Vincent

Categories Cakes

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 box white cake mix with pudding
3 large eggs
1/4 c oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 c buttermilk
3 1/2 oz shredded coconut (about 1 1/2 cups; 1/2 a 7 oz bag)
2/3 c chopped pecans, toasted
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1 c butter, room temperature
32 oz confectioners' sugar
2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour 3 9-inch pans. Or, you may use 8" pans for a taller cake if you prefer.
2. Combine first 5 ingredients.
3. Mix at medium speed for approximately 2 minutes.
4. Stir in coconut and pecans.
5. Pour into prepared pans. If using 9" pans, the batter will be spread fairly thin.
6. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until cakes test done. Cool in pans on wire rack for 10 minutes.
7. Then remove from pan and cool completely on wire rack.
8. For frosting, combine cream cheese and butter. Mix until well blended.
9. Gradually add confectioners sugar as you mix. Mix until fluffy frosting consistency. Add vanilla and blend well.
10. Frost between layers, sides, and top of the cake.
11. Garnish with toasted pecan halves, if desired.