Hey everyone! Last week was my birthday (24 and still going strong) and it’s my tradition that I bake my own birthday cake every year. I know, it might sound a little weird, but I absolutely love baking and it brings me so much joy to share it with others.

This year, I decided to make a Toasted Butter Pecan Cake and let me tell you, it was a hit! The combination of the toasted pecans and buttery goodness just took it to a whole other level. The flavours from the toasted pecans were rich and nutty and then mixed with sweetness from the frosting, it was just perfect. Here’s the recipe for you!

Ingredients:

• Toasted pecans:
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted (do not substitute margarine)
  • 2 cups chopped pecans
• Cake:
  • 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tsp. vanilla
• Frosting:
  • 1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 4 to 6 Tbsp. half and half or milk

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease three 8 or 9-inch round cake pans. Combine 1/4 cup butter and pecans in a shallow pan. Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until toasted, stirring occasionally. Cool slightly.
2. In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. In large bowl, beat sugar and 1 cup butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Alterantely add dry ingredients and milk to sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla and 1 1/3 cups of the toasted pecans. Pour into greased pans.
3. Bake at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes or until cake springs back when touched lightly in center. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans. Cool completely.
4. In small bowl, beat 1/4 cup butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla and enough half-and-half for desired spreading consistency. Stir in remaining pecans. Spread frosting between cake layers and on top.

I have to admit, whether it’s my own birthday cake or just random cookies on a Tuesday, baking is my favourite way to spend time. There’s something so special about using your own time and effort to create something delicious for everyone. Plus, it’s always a fun challenge to try out new recipes.

Sharing this cake with my co-workers is just one baked good in a long line of baking. But I still enjoy seeing how much they like the baking and how excited they are to see what I bring in every week. It makes all the hard work worth it. It’s moments like these that really remind me of how much I love baking and how fortunate I am to have such amazing people in my life to share it with.

So here’s to another year of baking, creating, and sharing delicious treats. Thank you all for the birthday wishes and for being a part of my baking journey!