Iced Italian Cream Cake

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups sugar
• Cooking spray
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk, well shaken
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 pound confectioners' sugar
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
• 5 large eggs, separated