1 1/2 c. sugar
3/4 c. butter, softened
3 eggs
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
3 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. sour cream
Filling (follows)
Light Brown Glaze (follows)

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease tube pan or 2 loaf pans. Beat sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla in large mixing bowl on medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally, about 2 minutes. Beat in flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, alternating with sour cream on low speed. Prepare filling for tube pan. Spread 1/3 of the batter (about 2 cups) in pan and sprinkle with 1/3 of the filling; repeat 2 times.

Bake until wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Cool slightly. Remove from pan. Cool 10 minutes. Drizzle with Light Brown Glaze if desired.

Filling:

1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 c. finely chopped nuts (optional)
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Mix together.

Light Brown Glaze:

1/4 c. butter
2 c. sifted powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 to 2 tbsp. milk

Heat butter in saucepan over medium heat until delicate brown. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla. Stir in milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until glaze is smooth. Drizzle over cake.