Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients. Add milk, pumpkin, butter and vanilla; mix until blended. Stir in pecans. Transfer to a greased 9-in. square baking pan. For topping, combine brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over batter. Pour water over top (do not stir).

Step 2

Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and liquid is bubbling around the edges, 25-30 minutes. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.