Apple Cake with Browned Butter Frosting

FOR THE CAKE:
Toast pecans in shallow pan 5-7 minutes in a 350 degree F oven. Set aside.

In a large bowl, mix butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until blended.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Add the dry mix to the butter mixture, stirring until combined. Add apples and 1/2 cup pecans. Batter will be thick.

Spread batter into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan.

Bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees F or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. While cake cooks prepare frosting.

FOR THE FROSTING
In a small sauce pan over medium heat, cook butter for 6-8 minutes, stirring constantly. When butter starts to turn golden brown, remove pan from heat and pour into a small bowl. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour or until cooled and beginning to solidify.

With an electric mixer, beat cooled butter at medium speed until fluffy. Add powdered sugar alternating with milk. Begin and end with powdered sugar. Beat on low speed until blended. Mix in vanilla.

Once cake is cool, cover with frosting and top with remaining 1/2 cup pecans.