Pound Cake With Brown Butter and Pecans

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Place a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 12-cup Bundt cake pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Step 2

   Prepare the cake: Sift 3 cups cake flour with the baking powder, salt and baking soda in a medium bowl; set aside.

3. Step 3

   In a small bowl, toss the chopped pecans with the remaining 2 tablespoons cake flour; set aside.

4. Step 4

   In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the 1 ½ cups butter on medium-high until light and creamy, 5 minutes. Add the granulated sugar and continue to mix until pale yellow, another 2 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, waiting until each egg is completely mixed before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract. Turn mixer to low, and add the flour mixture in 3 batches, starting and ending with the flour mixture and alternating with the buttermilk. Do not overmix. Fold in the pecans.

5. Step 5

   Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Spread the batter evenly and tap the pan on the counter to release any air. Bake until a wooden skewer inserted in the center of the comes out with a few crumbs, 50 minutes to 1 hour.

6. Step 6

   Remove the cake from the oven and let cool at room temperature for 20 minutes. If needed, gently run a butter knife along the edge of the cake to make sure it isn't sticking to the pan. (The cake should naturally start pulling away within a few minutes of being out of the oven.)

7. Step 7

   As the cake rests, prepare the glaze: Cook the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Carefully pour it into a medium bowl, leaving behind the sediment. (You can also pour through a fine-mesh strainer to make sure the sediment stays behind.)

8. Step 8

   Add condensed milk, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla and stir until combined. Add the finely chopped pecans and stir until incorporated. If glaze is too thick, stir in milk, 1 tablespoon at a time. Pour over cake immediately. Cake will keep, covered, at room temperature, for up to 4 days.