Last Updated on June 18, 2022
If you are wanting to try a new and unique dessert, the Duncan Hines Italian cream cake is a great choice. It is flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for any special occasion. This classic cake not only has delicious flavors but also great textures as well.
Though Italian cream cake may not be as popular as other cakes, it is still super delicious. Though it tastes amazing when made from scratch, using a boxed cake mix will save you time and will still taste great. This cake is great for serving at potlucks, dinner parties, and barbecues.
What Is Italian Cream Cake?
Despite its name, Italian cream cake originated in Southern America, not Italy. However, there is not much known about its origin. Some say it originated in Texas from an Italian baker, whereas others say it first came from Georgia.
The first mention of Italian cream cake was in the 1930s. It soon became a favorite among many and grew in popularity throughout the South.
Italian cream cake is a layer cake that consists of white cake, cream cheese frosting, pecans, and coconut. It is light, fluffy, and creamy, with the pecans and coconut giving it additional texture. The pecans and coconut are incorporated into the batter, along with the filling and also the top of the cake.
Common ingredients in Italian cream cake
Italian cream cake typically uses a white cake. Generally, the white cake consists of all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, shortening, baking powder, baking soda, egg whites, buttermilk, salt, vanilla extract, almond extract, coconuts, and pecans. However, the exact ingredients will vary by recipe.
The cake traditionally uses a cream cheese frosting. The cake is then garnished with more pecans and sweetened coconut flakes. The pecans are generally toasted to add more flavor and crunch.
Though this is a great recipe to make from scratch, you can also make it using a boxed cake mix. This will save you time and will also be easier as well.
What box cake mix should you use for Italian cream cake?
If you are planning to use a boxed cake mix for your Italian cream cake, a white cake mix is the best option. However, if you’d like you could also use vanilla cake mix or yellow cake mix if you’d like.
You can use any brand of cake mix as you like. However, any bakers like to use the white cake mix by Duncan Hines. This provides a great base for your Italian cream cake. It is also available at most grocery stores as well as online too.
Tips For Making Delicious Duncan Hines Italian Cream Cake
When making an Italian cream cake with white cake mix from Duncan Hines, follow the instructions for making the cake as the box says. Then, in the last step, mix in one cup of sweetened coconut flakes and one cup of toasted pecans into the batter.
Bake the cake according to the box instructions and then allow it to completely cool on a wire rack. Frost your cake with cream cheese and then top with additional pecans and coconuts.
You can make this cake as a round layer cake, a sheet cake, or even cupcakes. Though Italian cream cake is traditionally made as a round layer cake, it is also great as a sheet cake or cupcakes, both of which are also great for parties.
For additional flavor, you can add vanilla and almond extract to your boxed cake mix batter. You can also replace the water with buttermilk for a more flavorful and fluffy cake.
Before assembling your cake, allow it to fully cool on a wire rack. You don’t want to frost the cake while it is still warm, as the frosting will begin to melt, especially cream cheese frosting.
How to store it
Store your Italian cream cake in the fridge for up to five days in a cake stand or airtight container. Since this cake has cream cheese frosting, you want to keep it in the fridge whenever you are not storing it, as cream cheese is perishable.
If desired, you can let the cake reach room temperature before serving or serve it chilled. Either way, it will still taste delicious chilled or not.
Can you freeze it?
If desired, you can freeze your Italian Cream cake. To do so, place your decorated cake in the fridge uncovered for one hour to let the frosting set. Then, cover your cake in a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil, and return it to the freezer.
Italian cream cake will last in the freezer for around three months. When ready to serve, allow your cake to thaw in the fridge overnight, and then bring it to room temperature before serving.
You can also freeze the unfrosted Italian cream cake as well. To do so, wrap each layer individually in plastic wrap and return to the freezer for three to six months. Thaw the cake overnight in the fridge, then bring it to room temperature and decorate it with frosting.
Making A Delicious Italian Cream Cake
Italian Cream cake can easily be made from cake mix. It has a delicious flavor with great textures.
Do you have any questions regarding making Duncan Hines Italian cream cake? If so, please ask your Italian cream cake questions in the comments.
FAQs
What is Italian Cream Cake Made Of?
Italian cream cake is made of white cake that has sweetened coconut and toasted pecans mixed in the batter. It is then frosted with cream cheese frosting.
Should Italian Cream Cake be Refrigerated?
Yes, Italian cream cake should be refrigerated since it has cream cheese frosting. If properly stored, it will keep in your fridge for about five days.
Can You Add Milk to Duncan Hines Cake Mix?
Instead of water, you can add milk to Duncan Hines cake mix. You can also add buttermilk as well as it will make the cake moister and add more flavor.
Can I Use Butter Instead of Oil in Duncan Hines Cake Mix?
Instead of oil, you can use butter in Duncan Hines cake mix. Use melted butter in place of oil in the cake mix.
Ever since she was a young girl, Anna has been a lover of desserts. As an adult, she enjoys
baking a variety of desserts from cakes, cookies, brownies, bread, and more from scratch. She
enjoys sharing her passion for baking with others who also have a sweet tooth. From properly
measuring ingredients to making sure they are the correct temperature, Anna knows the
importance small details can make in baking. She wants to share her experience with others in
hopes they can make the most delicious baked goods. When she’s not busy blogging, Anna
enjoys trying new recipes in the kitchen.
