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Coconut Cake with Cream Cheese Pecans

Imagine diving into a slice of moist coconut cake topped with rich cream cheese frosting and crunchy pecans. It’s the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the tropical flavor of coconut! This Coconut Cake with Cream Cheese Pecans is not just any cake; it’s an indulgent treat that brings a slice of paradise to your plate. The aroma of freshly baked coconut wafting through your kitchen is enough to get anyone excited.
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Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 1 teaspoon sodium bicarbonate
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 5 large eggs separated
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • For the glaze:
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter melted
  • Chopped nuts and coconut flakes for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup shortening, and 2 cups sugar. Mix until fluffy and smooth.
  • Incorporate Egg Yolks: Add the egg yolks to the butter mixture, then mix in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: Beat in the buttermilk, flour, and sodium bicarbonate until well combined.
  • Add Coconut and Walnuts: Gently fold in the shredded coconut and chopped walnuts into the batter.
  • Whip Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites at high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold egg whites carefully into the cake batter.
  • Prepare Cake Pans: Evenly layer the batter into three well-greased 9-inch cake pans.
  • Bake: Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool: Allow the cakes to rest for 10 minutes before removing them from the pans, and let cool completely on a wire rack.
  • Make the Frosting: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, 1 teaspoon vanilla, melted butter, and 4 cups powdered sugar until it's smooth and spreadable.
  • Assemble the Cake: Frost between each layer and cover the top and sides of the cake with the cream cheese frosting.
  • Garnish: Lastly, garnish with additional chopped pecans and shredded coconut if desired.