Creating the perfect Butter Pecan Cake is simple when you follow these steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Add Vanilla and Pecans: Stir in the vanilla extract and the toasted pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Divide Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
8. Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the Cakes: Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in their pans for about 20-30 minutes. After that, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
10. Prepare for Serving: Once cooled, you can frost the cake with your favorite frosting or enjoy it plain, garnished with extra toasted pecans.

These straightforward steps will help you create a delicious Butter Pecan Cake that is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to have a slice!