Pumpkin pie is, of course, the traditional go-to dessert on Thanksgiving and throughout the holidays. But store-bought pumpkin pie is generally awful, with a bad crust and uninspired fillings, most non-pie bakers have turned to pumpkin alternatives, such as cakes, puddings, and pumpkin cookies and bars. The following Pumpkin Pecan Pudding Cake is a delicious alternative to pumpkin pie, and it is easy to make. While it is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it is also good at room temperature. The cake makes a creamy sauce that goes over the moist cake. This is definitely pumpkin heaven.

Pudding cakes are nostalgic desserts from the past; nowadays they are referred to as cobblers or even lava cakes. The premise is the same, however; they are cakes that make a pudding on the bottom. It is a delicious dessert to serve throughout the holidays. Make sure you serve it with a scoop of good ice cream or sweetened whipped cream.

8 Servings

1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 cup canned pumpkin, (not pumpkin pie mix)
1 egg
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla

Topping:
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

ice cream or whipped cream

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 9" x 9" shallow baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Measure the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice into a fine strainer set over a mixing bowl. Shake the mixture through.
3. Add the pumpkin, egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Mix on low speed until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the batter; top with the pecans and sprinkle with the cinnamon.
5. Pour the boiling water over the cake; do not stir.
6. Bake 35-45 minutes or until set. Remove from the oven, let sit 10 minutes, and serve with ice cream or sweetened whipped cream (not frozen whipped topping).

Amount Per Serving
Calories 352 Calories from Fat 112
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 32% Protein 5% Carb. 63%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 12 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Cholesterol 27 mg
Sodium 248 mg
Total Carbohydrate 56 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugars 19 g
Protein 4 g

Vitamin A 136% Vitamin C 3% Calcium 0% Iron 9%