Tangy pecan coconut cake (Print)

Soft and fluffy cake with pecans, coconut, and tangy frosting. Great for any celebration without being overly rich.

# Ingredients:

→ Cake Ingredients

01 - 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 5 large eggs (separate yolks and whites)
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
07 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
08 - 1 cup buttermilk
09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temp
10 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
11 - 1 cup chopped pecans (optional—skip if you’d rather not)
12 - 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

→ Frosting Ingredients

13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temp
15 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
16 - 4 cups powdered sugar
17 - 1/2 cup chopped pecans for garnish (optional)

# Steps:

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.

# Notes:

01 - The balance of sweetness is perfect, so it’s not overly sugary.
02 - This treat is moist to the max, pairing wonderfully with the tart frosting.
03 - Ideal for parties, family get-togethers, or simply because you want dessert.
04 - Tastes even better after sitting overnight, so make it early if you can!