Chocolate Italian Cream Cake turns into Easy Italian Cream Cake with Shortcut!!!
Enjoy this blog post originally written by Holly. She couldn’t wait to share her favorite cake with you and would make her so happy to know you are enjoying it now!
Chocolate Italian Cream Cake is my absolute favorite cake! Such a favorite I make this easy chocolate cake recipe for my birthday every year. So, I created the easiest recipe that starts with a Butter Pecan Cake Mix! Years ago, I would make the original Italian Cream Cake recipe. The recipe was very time consuming and definitely not trim & terrific! When I was writing my cookbook, KITCHEN 101
Secret to My Easy Italian Cream Cake Plus Lighter Cake
So, I decided to start with a cake mix. I used a Butter Pecan cake mix and added pecans and coconut. I also wanted to create a lighter version to make it trim and terrific. However, I never want to sacrifice taste in any recipe. So, I included coconut and pecans but used coconut flavoring. You get the rich coconut flavor but don’t need as much coconut. Of course, I kept the cream cheese icing but I used reduced-fat cream cheese and less butter. Last, I added cocoa giving the cake the rich chocolate flavor without the fat. Now, you have my new favorite Chocolate Italian Cream Cake and my birthday cake I request or make every year. I have a sweet tooth and have lots of easy dessert recipes.
Chocolate Italian Cream Cake is My #1 Birthday Cake
Every time someone has a birthday and I ask “what cake do you want?”- You know my answer I bet! Did you know my Italian Cream Cake was the #1 recipe in Cooking Light Magazine in their anniversary issue years ago–need I say more. Of course, you will like my updated recipe better as it tastes just as good, is easy to make and also trim & terrific! So, I do consider myself an expert of this recipe! I always believe everyone should have a birthday cake and candles. My new favorite birthday cake is my chocolate version! Wait until you try it.
| Servings 16-20 servings |
- 1 box Butter Pecan Cake mix 18.25-ounce
- 1/4 cup cocoa
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 2 eggs
- 2 egg whites
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans toasted
- 1/2 cup flaked coconut
- Chocolate Cream Cheese Icing recipe follows
- tablespoons Toasted coconut and pecans optional (about 2each)
Ingredients
|
- Preheat oven 350°F. Coat three 9-inch pans with nonstick cooking spray.
- In mixing bowl, beat together cake mix, cocoa, oil, eggs, egg whites, water and coconut extract. Stir in pecans and coconut.
- Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake 12-15 minutes, until tops spring back when touched. Cool 10 minutes and turn out onto cooling racks.
- Frost layers and sides with Chocolate Cream Cheese Icing (see recipe) and sprinkle with toasted coconut and pecans, if desired.
| Servings |
- 1 package reduced-fat cream cheese 8-ounce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup cocoa
- 1 box confectioners’ sugar 16-ounce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredients
|
- In bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add cocoa and confectioners’ sugar, mixing until creamy. Add vanilla.
Per Serving: Calories 315 Calories from Fat 38% Fat 13g Saturated Fat 4g Cholesterol 31mg Sodium 246mg Carbohydrates 46g Dietary Fiber 1g Total Sugars 35g Protein 4g, Dietary Exchanges: 3 other carbohydrate, 2 1/2 fat
A Good Hand Mixer is Perfect When Short On Space
I have always used a Kitchen Aid Mixer and the big one, however, I know so many people who prefer a hand mixer. So, if you are short on room, I recommend this Kitchen Aid Hand mixer to keep for all your baking needs. A good mixer makes baking easier! Trust me as I have a sweet tooth!
I am a fan of Kitchen-Aid mixers
Easy Italian Cream Cake Recipe Tastes Like Original Recipe But SIMPLE!
Italian Cream Cake is still my favorite cake ever so what can be even more decadent than adding chocolate to an all time favorite. I love to top the cake with toasted coconut and toasted pecans (about 2 tablespoons each) for the added touch. What’s great about this recipe is you probably have all the ingredients already in your pantry. Best of all you start with a Butter Pecan cake mix which is such a time saver. The old recipe had so much butter and eggs and you had to beat the eggs separately. With my easy cake made with cake mix recipe that you can whip up the cake in minutes.
Look For Butter Pecan Cake Mix
The secret to this recipe is the Butter Pecan Cake mix. If you can’t find it in your local grocery, you can order them from Amazon to have on hand. I always buy extras and keep in my pantry.
If you don’t like coconut, like my sister, you can leave it out. And, no time to toast the pecans, then don’t as I toast them just to intensify the flavor.
Get All of Holly’s Healthy Easy Cookbooks
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