The Recipe Rebel

The Recipe Rebel / Desserts

Pumpkin Caramel Pecan Naked Cake

written by Ashley Fehr

Pin
No ratings yet
Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 12

Jump to Recipe

Last updated on April 11, 2022

A moist, pumpkin spice cake layered with thick caramel, pecans, and whipped cream — the perfect holiday dessert!

two layer pumpkin cake topped with whipped cream caramel sauce and pecans on white cake plate

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m actually not a huge fan of pumpkin.

In fact (and I’ve mentioned this before, too) I’m a bit of a picky eater.

slice of pumpkin caramel cake being pulled out of whole on white cake plate

But there have been times when I’m forced to eat some of these things I “don’t like” and I realize that there really isn’t anything about them not to like.

I got the idea for this Pumpkin Caramel Naked Cake and I just had to make it, even though I “don’t like” pumpkin. I went looking for a good base pumpkin cake recipe to use because it’s not something I make very often.

whole pumpkin caramel naked cake with slice removed on white cake plate

I went to one of my favorite baking resources: my Taste of Home Complete Guide to Baking and found a pumpkin cake recipe, but it used a cake mix. I’m trying to get away from taking unnecessary shortcuts, and focus more on naturally quick recipes and from scratch baking.

So I found an Apple Spice Cake recipe and thought that might be a good place to start. But I changed pretty much every aspect of the recipe except maybe some of the amounts of the dry ingredients, so they really are not even close! I was so impressed with the way this cake turned out! I always slice the top of my cakes off to flatten them a little, and I (it’s true!) tasted the cake just plain, and I was blown away. It’s totally moist (thanks to the pumpkin puree and canola oil!), and is full of pumpkin and spice flavor.

slice of pumpkin caramel naked cake on white plate with pecans on the side

But caramel is one of my favorite fall flavors, and since pumpkin is not, it only seemed right to slather some caramel, pecans and whipped cream over top. And maybe a sprinkling of toffee bits for good measure.

I like to use a dulce de leche for a recipe like this, because it’s thicker and won’t just run off. You can see how I make my own here.

I baked them in my two 8″ round Baker’s Secret cake pans — these pans have seen me through thick and thin, kitchen fails and successes! I’m pretty sure my Baker’s Secret pans (my round cake pans, my 9×13″ pan, my cookie sheets…) were the very first pans I owned, and they are keepers. They’re incredibly versatile and non-stick, because, well duh. Stuck on food is my worst kitchen nightmare!

And I have to say…. I am almost coming around to this whole pumpkin thing. I think being a food blogger is forcing me to make some of the things I “don’t like” just to experiment with seasonal flavors, and the more I make them and taste them, the more I get used to them and — gasp — almost enjoy them!

This is a great dessert recipe for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner!

*This post is sponsored by Baker’s Secret. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting brands that help me continue to bring you these great recipes!

ashley avatar

Pin this recipe to save for later

Pin this recipe to your favorite board

Pumpkin Caramel Pecan Naked Cake

written by Ashley Fehr

No ratings yet
A moist, pumpkin spice cake layered with thick caramel, pecans, and whipped cream — the perfect holiday dessert!
Review
Print
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Cuisine American
Course Dessert
Servings 12
Calories 410cal

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree not pie filling
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 2/3 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
  • 3 cups whipped cream
  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • 1 cup toasted pecans
  • 1/4 cup toffee bits

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two 8″ round pans with wax or parchment paper and spray with non stick spray (I like to spray the pan before putting the wax paper in to get it to stick, and then spray the wax paper) — this helps the cake comes out really easily.
  • In a large bowl, combine canola oil, eggs, pumpkin, vanilla and brown sugar with a whisk until smooth.
  • To the bowl add flours, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir with a whisk slowly until just combined. Batter will be thick.
  • Divide batter between the two pans. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool to room temperature.
  • Assembly*Optional: if you don’t want the tops of the cakes to be rounded, you can slice the top off to flatten it.
  • Spread both cake layers with a layer of the caramel. Place one cake layer on your cake plate, sprinkle with half toasted pecans and spread half whipped cream on top of the dulce de leche.
  • Place second cake layer on top of the whipped cream. Spread remaining whipped cream on top of the caramel on the second layer, and top with remaining pecans and sprinkle with toffee bits.
  • Keep covered and refrigerated until ready to serve. You can also freeze for up to 1-2 months!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 410cal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 298mg | Potassium: 219mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 3340IU | Vitamin C: 0.9mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 1.9mg

Want to save this recipe?

Create an account easily save your favorite content, so you never forget a recipe again.

Register Now

Tried this recipe?

Tag @thereciperebel or hashtag #thereciperebel —
I love to see what you’re making!

Tag @thereciperebel
Pin

Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!

Read More

You May Also Like

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mary L says

    It lists caramel sauce in the ingredients but in the assembly it says Dulce de Leche. Am I correct in assuming they are the same?

    Reply

  9. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

    I feel you, girlfriend, because I am not the biggest fan of pumpkin. I mean, I like it well enough, but I’m not all about eating it in everything. I am definitely NOT a fan of pumpkin pie, but pumpkin cake is another story! This naked cake is gorgeous!! LOVING the caramel, pecans and whipped cream in here! THIS is a pumpkin dish I can get behind! Pinned! Cheers, my dear – to a fabulous Thanksgiving week! <3

    Reply

  10. Nora | Savory Nothings says

    It’s about time you come around to pumpkin 😉 And pairing it with caramel makes this entire cake basically perfect. I have honestly never quite gotten the pumpkin-chocolate trend, but pumpkin and caramel is something I can 100% get behind!

    Reply

  11. Kelly says

    Haha I’m so glad you are coming around pumpkin because this cake is gorgeous! I love the naked look and pumpkin, caramel, pecans & toffee sound absolutely delicious! This would be so perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas! 🙂

    Reply

  13. Dorothy Dunton says

    Hi Ashley! This cake recipe is very similar to my pumpkin bar recipe, which happens to be my son’s favorite dessert. Adding pecans and Dulce de leche and whipped cream elevates it to a totally different level!! With all of the delicious dessert recipes being posted I have enough new things to try to last me until next thanksgiving! 🙂

    Reply

  15. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says

    I don’t think I can ever get enough of pumpkin! This cake is absolutely gorgeous, Ashley! I love the pretty layers. And combining pumpkin and caramel sounds just perfect. This would definitely be a hit of the dessert table at Thanksgiving!

    Reply

Leave A Reply

Have you tried this recipe? Leave a rating