Large Four Layer Red Velvet Cake
["2 1/4 c. sugar", "1 1/2 c. vegetable oil", "3 eggs", "3 3/4 c. self-rising flour", "1 1/2 tsp. soda", "1 1/2 tsp. vanilla", "1 1/2 c. buttermilk", "1 oz. bottle red food coloring", "12 oz. cream cheese, softened", "1 1/2 sticks butter or margarine", "1 1/2 boxes powdered sugar", "1 c. chopped pecans, lightly toasted (optional)"]
["Measure flour and soda and mix together. Set aside. Cream oil and sugar in mixing bowl. Add eggs one at a time. Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk to other mixture. Add vanilla and food coloring. Bake in 4 layer pans that have been greased and floured and lined with parchment or wax paper. Be sure to grease and flour the linings. Bake at 350\u00b0 for approximately 20 minutes or until done. Let cool for about 5 minutes before removing from pans."]
["sugar", "vegetable oil", "eggs", "flour", "soda", "vanilla", "buttermilk", "bottle red food coloring", "cream cheese", "butter", "powdered sugar", "pecans"]