After making some of the changes recommended by previous reviewers and adding some of my own, this absolutely gets 5 stars!! Definitely double cocoa in cake, also add a tsp or two of instant espresso (or coffee) to buttermilk. Add 2 or 3 squares of melted chocolate to frosting depending on your tastes (mmm...heaven). Process nuts and coconut until they're finely ground before adding to batter. Do not add pecans to frosting, rather press finely chopped pecans into the sides of frosted cake - looks bakery-quality and adds great texture. Decoratively pipe leftover frosting on top of cake and garnish with chocolate-covered expresso beans. This is a dessert to die for!!!

The only difference between this recipe and the one I've used for years is the addition of the 1/4c cocoa powder in the cake and in the icing. What a wonderful variation. I really like how mild the chocolate flavor is...some reviewers said they added more but I wouldn't change a thing. I also followed the hint about topping it off with almonds...such a beautiful presentation I took a picture of it. I made this cake for my hubby's birthday and he couldn't get enough. Thanks a bunch!

This is a very rich cake but it uses cocoa and not much of it, and so is not as chocolatey as I'd prefer--I figure that if I'm going to go off my diet it had better be for exactly what I'm craving! Anyway, I made it a second time with modifications: doubled the cocoa, dissolved a couple of teaspoons of instant coffee in the buttermilk before adding, and also melted three square of unsweetened baking chocolate to add to the frosting. Then it was perfect for my taste. The frosting amount is generous, and it makes a very lovely three-layer cake.

This cake rules. I had never made an Italian Creme Cake before (and I am Italian) but this was really simple and tasted like a dream. My sister and I whipped this together for a party and everybody loved it. We will be making it again for our Christmas gathering. Thanks so much!!!

We served a variety of Italian desserts at my wedding dinner some baked by friends and family others by professional bakers. This one which my mother made was by far the best. Everyone even the other bakers raved.

Absolutely wonderful. I did not use the coconut or pecans due to allergies but it was still a fabulous chocolate cake! I split each layer in half and frosted with the chocolate cream cheese icing. I then topped it with shaved chocolate. Beautiful and delicious!

I have made this cake twice and both times it has been amazing great tasting and so moist. The only thing I did different is not put the pecans in the frosting to me it is harder to frost. I can't wait for another special occasionto make this.

This is the exact recipe I found in the Austin Statesman nearly 25 years ago and have been making on and off ever since. Great recipe as is without modification. Well worth the effort.

Wonderful not too sweet or chocolatey or anything everything came out perfectly! Made for my mother's birthday; she and my father are still raving about it days later. I did follow what another user did and did not mix the pecans in with the frosting but put them on the top and sides. Looks very pretty when done.