Grease Bundt pan(s) (cake can be made in one large pan or two smaller pans) and sprinkle with ground pecans. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add remaining ingredients and beat until mixed. Pour into the prepared pan(s), and bake at 325 until the center tests done and the edges begin to pull away from the pan. Leave cake in pan, do not turn out.

Combine all ingredients in a mason jar and shake to mix. Scrape seeds from vanilla beans. Add beans and shake until well distributed.

Add all ingredients to a saucepan and bring to a rolling boil. Cook until sugar is dissolved. Slowly pour over the cake, continuing until the entire mixture is absorbed.

Allow cake to sit several hours, then just before serving, turn pan out onto a plate or cake stand. Sprinkle with nuts or powdered sugar to garnish if desired.