Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans or line them with parchment paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, chop the pecans into smaller pieces and set them aside.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before combining with the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat the mixture for about 3-5 minutes until it’s light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and butter extract (if using) and continue to mix until everything is combined.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in small batches, alternating with the milk. Start with a third of the dry ingredients, followed by half of the milk, then repeat until everything is mixed in. Stir gently with a spatula to ensure you don’t over-mix the batter.

Step 7: Add the Pecans

Fold in the chopped toasted pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pans and spread it evenly. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool the Cake

Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Afterward, turn the cakes out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Frost the Cake (Optional)

You can enjoy the cake as is, but if you prefer, frost it with a simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting. To keep the pecan flavor front and center, try toasting some additional pecans and sprinkling them on top of the frosting.