Step 1

Preheat oven to 350ºF.

Step 2

Sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda.

Step 3

Using an electric mixer, whisk together the buttermilk and oil. Mix in the eggs one at a time, and then mix in the food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract.

Step 4

Mix the dry ingredients into the wet just until a batter forms.

Step 5

Lightly grease 2 8-inch round baking tins. Lay a strip of parchment paper down to help remove the baked cakes more easily.

Step 6

Divide the batter evenly between the two. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7

Make the frosting: whisk together the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, mixing well in between each addition. Mix in the vanilla.

Step 8

Spread the frosting on the cooled cake and garnish with pecans.