You can intensify the flavor of the pecans by toasting them before chopping them and adding them to the cake. To toast the pecans preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Then line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the cup of pecans in a tablespoon of olive oil. Then lay them on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Pop the baking sheet in the oven and toast the pecans for 7-10 minutes. Stir them occasionally throughout the cooking time so that they toast evenly. Then remove the pecans from the oven, let them cool and then chop them.