Vermont Maple-Pecan Cake

This delectable nutty maple cake has become a hands-down favorite.

Ingredients :)

3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup butter, melted

3 tablespoons maple syrup

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/3 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted

GLAZED PECANS:

3 tablespoons light corn syrup

1/3 cup pecan halves

FROSTING:

1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened

3 tablespoons butter, softened

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon maple syrup

 Directions :)

1.     In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugars, baking soda and salt. Combine the buttermilk, butter, syrup and vanilla; stir into dry ingredients just until combined. Fold in chopped pecans.

2.     Pour into two 6-in. round baking pans coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

3.     In a small saucepan, bring corn syrup to a boil. Cook and stir for 1 minute or until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in pecan halves until coated. Place in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 425° for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Cool.

4.     For frosting, in a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and syrup until smooth. Beat in confectioners' sugar. Place one cake layer on a serving plate; spread with 1/2 cup frosting. Top with second layer; frost top and sides of cake. Garnish with glazed pecans. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 6 servings.