If you're craving the delicious flavors of an Italian Cream Cake but want to skip the lengthy baking process, this recipe using a cake mix is perfect for you. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to make, ensuring no one will guess it’s not from scratch.

**Ingredients:**

**Cake:**

- 1 cup buttermilk

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/2 cup butter

- 1/2 cup shortening

- 2 cups white sugar

- 5 eggs

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1 cup flaked coconut

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or cake mix equivalent)

**Frosting:**

- 8 ounces cream cheese

- 1/2 cup butter

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 4 cups icing sugar

- 2 tablespoons light cream

- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

- 1 cup sweetened coconut

**Instructions:**

**1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans:**

- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

- Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.

**2. Prepare the Cake Batter:**

- In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the buttermilk and set aside.

- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter, shortening, and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the buttermilk mixture and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

- Mix in the 1 cup coconut, baking powder, and flour until just combined.

**3. Bake the Cake:**

- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.

- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

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

**4. Prepare the Frosting:**

- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter until smooth.

- Mix in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

- Gradually add the icing sugar, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.

- Stir in the light cream to achieve the desired consistency.

- Fold in the chopped walnuts and the remaining 1 cup of sweetened coconut.

**5. Assemble the Cake:**

- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.

- Spread a layer of frosting over the top.

- Repeat with the remaining cake layers.

- Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake.

**6. Serve and Enjoy:**

- Decorate with extra coconut or walnuts if desired.

- Slice and serve your delicious Italian Cream Cake.

**Tips:**

- Ensure the cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

- For added flavor, you can toast the coconut before adding it to the batter or frosting.

Enjoy your easy, decadent Italian Cream Cake!