Preheat oven: 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour. Stir in vanilla and pecans.
Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack before slicing.