Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened1/2 cup shortening2 cups sugar4 large eggs, room temperature3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour2 teaspoons baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt1-1/2 cups buttermilk2 teaspoons vanilla extract1-1/2 cups ground walnutsFROSTING:11 ounces cream cheese, softened3/4 cup butter, softened5 to 5-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°. Cream butter, shortening and granulated sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk and vanilla. Beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in ground walnuts.
Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 20-25 minutes. Cool 5 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter. Add confectioners’ sugar; mix well. Beat in vanilla until smooth. Spread frosting between layers and over the top and sides of cake. Sprinkle with walnuts. Refrigerate.
