Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1-2/3 cups sugar
  • 1 cup canola oil
  • 2 cups canned pumpkin
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1-3/4 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Additional chopped pecans, optional

Method

  • In a heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter and cream. Cook and stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Pour into two well-greased 9-in. round baking pans. Sprinkle with pecans; cool.
  • For cake, in a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar and oil. Add pumpkin and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, pie spice, baking soda and salt; gradually add to pumpkin mixture just until blended.
  • Carefully spoon batter over brown sugar mixture. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  • For topping, in a small bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar and vanilla; beat until stiff peaks form.
  • Place one cake layer, praline side up, on a serving plate. Spread two-thirds of the whipped cream mixture over cake. Top with second cake layer and remaining whipped cream. Sprinkle with additional pecans if desired. Store in the refrigerator.