Red Velvet Cake

This is my other favorite cake recipe of my two most favorites.

2 cups sugar
1/2 pound butter, room temp
2 eggs
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2 oz red food coloring
2 1/2 c cake flour
1 tsp salt
1 c buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp vinegar
1 package cream cheese
1 stick butter, softened
1 c marshmallow cream
1 (1-pound) box confectioners' sugar
also: Coconut flakes or I like to use fresh coconut and grind in a food processor

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a mixing bowl, cream the sugar and butter, beat until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and mix well after each addition. Mix cocoa and food coloring together and then add to sugar mixture; mix well. Sift together flour and salt. Add flour mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Blend in vanilla. In a small bowl, combine baking soda and vinegar and add to mixture. Pour batter into 3 (8-inch) round greased and floured pans. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from heat and cool completely before frosting.

Blend cream cheese and butter together in a mixing bowl. Add marshmallows and sugar and blend. Fold in coconut and nuts(optional.) Spread between layers and on top and sides of cooled cake.