Pumpkin-Pecan Spice Cake

Name: Pumpkin-Pecan Spice Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 20 servings.
Ingredients: 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers (about 60 wafers); 1 cup chopped pecans; 3/4 cup butter, softened; CAKE:; 1 package spice cake mix (regular size); 1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin; 4 large eggs; 1/2 cup butter, softened; FILLING:; 6 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1-1/3 cups butter, softened; 6 cups confectioners' sugar; 4 teaspoons vanilla extract; TOPPING:; 1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping; Pecan halves

I'm a wife and mother of eight children. I like baking more than cooking, so I enjoy dressing up a spice cake mix with nuts, canned pumpkin and a homemade cream cheese frosting to create this fabulous dessert. —Joyce Platfoot, Wapakoneta, Ohio

Ingredients

2 cups crushed vanilla wafers (about 60 wafers)
1 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup butter, softened
CAKE:
1 package spice cake mix (regular size)
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
4 large eggs
1/2 cup butter, softened
FILLING:
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1-1/3 cups butter, softened
6 cups confectioners' sugar
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
TOPPING:
1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping
Pecan halves

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the wafers, pecans and butter until crumbly. Press into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans.
For cake, in another large bowl, beat the cake mix, pumpkin, eggs and butter; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on high for 2 minutes. Spread over crust in each pan.
Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
For filling, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add confectioners' sugar and vanilla; beat until smooth.
Spread filling between layers (crumb side down) and on the sides and top of cake. Spread caramel topping over top, allowing some to drip down the sides. Garnish with pecan halves. Store in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 614 calories, 36g fat (18g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 471mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (56g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.

Originally published as Pumpkin-Pecan Cake in Country Woman May/June 1996

Reviews

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Average Rating:

Pandy313

Oct 7, 2017

Made this twice since I saw the recipe. Second time was late at night and I made the mistake of purchasing Vanilla Oreos instead of vanilla wafer, NOT a bad mistake. Did put a less sweet cream cheese frosting on the cake. Was a big hit both ways, this cake go a long way, it is so rich. Will be making it again!
Yolanda

Sep 5, 2017

Delicious.
MKDaugherty

Sep 3, 2017

Has anyone tried making this recipe in a 9 by 13 pan instead of the three cake pans? I would like to do it this way for ease in transporting it.
stephrae

Nov 24, 2016

This was great. I did as another reviewer recommended and did more crust and it may have been a little bit too much, however this turned out great and was loved by all at Thanksgiving . I also doubled the frosting. I will be making this again!
ConnieSue64

Nov 17, 2014

I LOVED this cake!! A few things: I would make a bit more of the crumb mixture as it was difficult to coat all of the pans with said amount. (about 1/2 more). I lined my pans with parchment paper and baking spray, it worked great!!! I would double the amount of cream cheese frosting, this amount is very small to spread over an already crumbly surface! I WILL make this again!!!!!!
ferndale52

Dec 27, 2013

this cake is not for the dieter...the frosting is just wonderful with the dense, moistness of the pumpkin cake. the cookie pecan crumble adds lots of texture and interest to this cake.
Melindasueday

Oct 31, 2013

this cake is awesome. I have been making it for over a decade and everyone loves it who has ever tasted it. It is a little more work but it looks very nice when you get it put together and is delicious.
REnriquez

Oct 29, 2013

Won't make again
hueletl28

Apr 29, 2013

This cake is fantastic! my daughters boyfriend doesn't like cake but he loved this cake. It went so fast I only got one piece. This I will make again and again.Thank you!!!
girlygirlcoleman

Nov 23, 2011

This is such a moist and delicious cake....you won't be disappointed!!!