01 -
Heat your oven to 350°F. Line a 13×9-inch pan with parchment paper, and use either cooking spray or butter to lightly coat it.
02 -
Combine the flour, salt, and baking soda in a bowl. Just whisk it together lightly and then set it nearby.
03 -
In another bowl, beat the butter, vegetable oil, and both sugars until it looks light and airy. Beat in each egg yolk separately, then add in the vanilla.
04 -
Add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture little by little, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry ones. Stir in the coconut and, if you'd like, the chopped pecans. Be careful not to overdo the mixing!
05 -
In a squeaky-clean bowl, whip your egg whites until they hold stiff peaks. Gently fold them into your batter so it’s just combined.
06 -
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes. It’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool fully in the pan on a wire rack.
07 -
With a mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, stopping after each addition to mix. Stir in the vanilla.
08 -
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting all over the surface. Sprinkle pecans on top if you'd like, and it's ready to enjoy.