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1
For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Adjust the racks to the middle of the oven.
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2
Spray three 9-inch cake pans with nonstick spray and dust lightly with flour.
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3
Using a stand mixer, cream the butter until fluffy.
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4
Add the granulated sugar and continue to cream well for 6 to 8 minutes.
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5
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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6
Add the flour and milk alternately to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the flour.
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7
Add the extract and continue to beat until just mixed.
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8
Then fold in the pecans.
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9
Divide the batter equally among the prepared pans.
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10
Level the batter in each pan by holding pan 3 or 4 inches above the counter and dropping it flat onto the counter.
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11
Bake until golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes.
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12
Cool the cakes completely before frosting.
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13
For the frosting: Add the confectioners' sugar to a bowl and whisk to make sure there are no lumps.
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14
Set aside.
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15
In a large bowl, blend together the cream cheese and butter with an electric hand mixer.
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16
Gradually add the confectioners' sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
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17
Beat in the extract.
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18
Stir in the pecans (or reserve them to sprinkle over the frosted cake).
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19
Fill and frost the cake when the layers are completely cool.