FRESH APPLE CAKE WITH BROWNED BUTTER FROSTING

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Spread pecans in ungreased shallow pan. Bake uncovered 6 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until light brown. Cool.
• Spray 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. In medium bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. In large bowl, stir together melted butter, sugar, eggs and 1 teaspoon of the vanilla until blended. Stir in flour mixture just until blended. Stir in apples and 1 cup of the toasted pecans. (Batter will be very thick, similar to cookie dough.) Spread batter in pan.
• Bake 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on cooling rack.
• Meanwhile, in 1-quart heavy saucepan, cook 1 cup butter over medium heat 6 to 8 minutes, stirring constantly, until butter begins to turn golden brown. Immediately remove from heat and pour into small bowl. Cover; refrigerate 1 hour or until butter begins to solidify.
• Beat browned butter with electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar alternately with milk, beating on low speed until blended. Stir in remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla. Frost cake. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup toasted pecans. Store covered in refrigerator.