Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chopped, toasted pecans carefully.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Once cooled, frost with your favorite buttercream or glaze.