PUMPKIN-PECAN SPICE CAKE

Pumpkin-Pecan Spice Cake image

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

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 20 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

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

Steps:

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 : Calories 614 calories, Fat 36g fat (18g saturated fat), Cholesterol 111mg cholesterol, Sodium 471mg sodium, Carbohydrate 72g carbohydrate (56g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein.