Makeover Italian Cream Cake

Total Time: 55 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 18
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 5 egg whites
• 1/2 cup flaked coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 (8 ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Recipe

• 1 in a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar for 2 minutes. stir in applesauce. add egg yolks and vanilla; beat for 1 minute. combine the flour, baking soda and salt; add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk.
• 2 in another mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. fold into batter. fold in coconut and pecans. transfer to a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. cool on a wire rack.
• 3 for frosting, in a small mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter and vanilla. gradually beat in confectioners' sugar. spread over cake; sprinkle with pecans. store in the refrigerator.