Step 1

Grease and flour a 9” round cake pan. Line the bottom with a 9”parchment paper round and then spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Step 2

Heat a skillet over medium-heat on the stovetop.

Step 3

Melt the butter, and when the butter is melted, add the brown sugar.

Step 4

When the brown sugar begins to bubble, add the bourbon.

Step 5

Stir constantly until the bourbon has cooked off, then remove from the heat.

Step 6

In the bottom of the prepared pan, arrange the pecan halves in the pattern you'd like for the top of the cake. (Please note that you should put the pecan pieces into the pan upside down so they are facing the right direction when the cake is turned out.)

Step 7

Pour the sugar/butter/bourbon mixture on top of the arranged pecan halves, and set aside.

Step 8

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 9

In a large glass bowl, melt the butter in the microwave.

Step 10

When the butter is melted, pour it into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the batter attachment.

Step 11

Add the pumpkin to the bowl, as well as the sugar. Mix together until smooth and combined.

Step 12

Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.

Step 13

In another glass bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger and allspice. Whisk them so the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 14

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth and combined. The batter will be thick.

Step 15

When the batter has come together, dollop it on top of the prepared topping in the cake pan.

Step 16

Smooth out the batter with an offset spatula or a butter knife until it's evenly distributed in the pan.

Step 17

Transfer the cake pan to the oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. The cake will be a dark golden brown color.

Step 18

When the cake has baked through, remove from the oven, and let sit for 5 minutes. (No longer than this!)

Step 19

Run a knife along the edges of the cake. Place a heatproof cake plate on top, and carefully flip the cake to free it from the pan. Remove the parchment paper liner after you've lifted the hot cake pan away. Fix any pecans that may have gone astray.

Step 20

Let the cake cool completely while you make the glaze and before serving.

Step 21

In a small skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter.

Step 22

Add the brown sugar, stirring as it heats, then pour in the bourbon.

Step 23

The mixture will bubble and pop, so continue stirring and remove from the heat.

Step 24

Immediately drizzle on top of the cake, then slice and enjoy.