Italian Cream Cake

Ingredients

• •2 cups all-purpose flour
• •1 teaspoon baking soda
• •1/2 teaspoon salt
• •1/2 cup butter, softened
• •1/2 cup vegetable oil
• •2 cups granulated sugar
• •5 large eggs
• •1 cup buttermilk
• •1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• •1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• •1 cup chopped pecans
• •1 pound cream cheese, softened
• •1/2 cup butter, softened
• •4 cups powdered sugar
• •1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. 1Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. 2Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. 3Beat softened butter and oil together until combined, then gradually add sugar and beat until fluffy.
4. 4Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. 5Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour, and mix until just combined.
6. 6Stir in vanilla extract, coconut, and pecans until evenly distributed.
7. 7Divide batter equally among prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. 8Cool the cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
9. 9Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy for the frosting.
10. 10Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
11. 11Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread frosting over the top.
12. 12Stack remaining layers with frosting between each, then frost the top and sides of the entire cake, garnishing with toasted pecans if desired.