Pecan Fudge Ripple Layer Cake

• shortening↗1⁄2 cup
• sugar↗1 1⁄2 cups
• large eggs↗2
• all-purpose flour↗1 2⁄3 cups
• cocoa↗2⁄3 cup
• baking soda↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons
• salt↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• buttermilk↗1 1⁄2 cups
• vanilla extract, divided use↗1 tablespoon
• vanilla extract, divided use↗1 teaspoon
• cream cheese, softened↗1

  (8 ounce) package

• butter, softened↗2 tablespoons
• cornstarch↗1 tablespoon
• sweetened condensed milk↗1

  (14 ounce) can

• large egg↗1
• cup butter, softened↗2⁄3
• cups sifted powdered sugar5 3⁄4
• cups cocoa↗1 1⁄3
• cup milk↗1
• tablespoons milk↗2
• cup chopped walnuts, toasted3⁄4

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Beat shortening at medium until fluffy; gradually add 1 1/2 cup sugar, beating well.

2. 2

   Add 2 eggs, 1 at a time beating until blended after each addition.

3. 3

   Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add to shortening mixture, alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix at low after each addition until blended.

4. 4

   Beat 3 more minutes at high speed, stopping once to scrape down sides. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Pour batter into prepared pans. Set aside.

5. 5

   In another bowl beat cream cheese, 2 tablespoons butter and cornstarch at medium until creamy.

6. 6

   Gradually add sweetened condensed milk, beating well. Add 1 egg; beat well.

7. 7

   Stir in remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Spoon cream cheese mixture evenly over batter.

8. 8

   Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.

9. 9

   To make the frosting beat 2/3 cups butter at medium until creamy.

10. 10

    Combine powdered sugar and 1 1/2 cups cocoa; add to butter alternately with 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk, beginning and ending with powdered sugar mixture. Beat until spreading consistency.

11. 11

    Stir in remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Spread frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. Sprinkle with toasted walnuts.