Cake
2½ cups all purpose flour
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk*
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp red food colouring
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1½ tsp baking soda
1 tbsp cider vinegar or white vinegar

Cream Cheese Pecan Frosting
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
4 ounces softened cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup chopped pecans