Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°. Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through.

Step 2

Combine butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until blended. Combine flour, salt, cinnamon, baking soda and butter mixture, stirring until blended. Stir in apples and 1 cup pecans. Spread thick batter into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch pan.

Step 3

Bake at 350° for 45 minutes. Remove from oven when a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack for 30-45 minutes. Spread frosting (your choice) on cake and sprinkle with remaining pecans.