01 -
Unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened for rich texture.
02 -
Granulated sugar: 2 cups, for sweetness.
03 -
Eggs: 4 large, added one at a time for binding.
04 -
Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor.
05 -
Butter extract: 1 tsp (optional), for enhanced butter flavor.
06 -
All-purpose flour: 2 cups, for structure.
07 -
Baking powder: 1 tsp, for leavening.
08 -
Baking soda: 1/2 tsp, for leavening.
09 -
Salt: 1/2 tsp, to balance the flavors.
10 -
Buttermilk: 1 cup (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar), for moistness.
11 -
Pecans: 1 cup, toasted and chopped, for nutty flavor and crunch.
12 -
Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened, for the icing.
13 -
Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, softened, for the icing base.
14 -
Powdered sugar: 4 cups, for sweetness in the icing.
15 -
Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor in the icing.
16 -
Milk: 1-2 tbsp, to adjust the icing consistency.