Butternut Cake With Butter Pecan Frosting

For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Adjust the racks to the middle of the oven. Spray three 9-inch cake pans with nonstick spray and dust lightly with flour.

Using a stand mixer, cream 2 sticks of butter until fluffy. Add the granulated sugar and continue to cream well for 6 to 8 minutes.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the flour and milk alternately to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Add 3 tablespoons extract and continue to beat until just mixed. Then fold in 1 cup chopped pecans. Divide the batter equally among the prepared pans. Level the batter in each pan by holding pan 3 or 4 inches above the counter and dropping it flat onto the counter.

Bake until golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool the cakes completely before frosting.

For the frosting: Add the confectioners’ sugar to a bowl and whisk to make sure there are no lumps. Set aside.

In a large bowl, blend together the cream cheese and 1 stick butter with an electric hand mixer. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in 1 teaspoon extract. Stir in 1/2 cup pecans (or reserve them to sprinkle over the frosted cake). Fill and frost the cake when the layers are completely cool.