Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8" round or square pan with butter. (A pie plate will also work nicely for this recipe.) Combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and baking soda in a mixing bowl. Stir to combine.

Step 2

Add the butter to the dry ingredients and use a fork or pastry blender to mix until crumbly. (Little lumps are a good thing, don't worry about making it perfect.) Add the buttermilk to the bowl and stir again to combine. Spread the batter into the prepared pan.

Step 3

Combine the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl or large glass measuring cup. Microwave for 1 minute, or until the butter has melted. Stir to combine. Add the pecans and stir again. Sprinkle topping over the cake batter.

Step 4

Bake for 35-38 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with moist crumbs. Serve warm or at room temperature.