Instructions

  1. In a small mixing bowl, add the first 6 ingredients; stir to combine and set aside.
  2. In a bigger mixing bowl, add sugar and butter; beat until creamy.
  3. Add eggs; beat for 2 minutes.
  4. Add in pumpkin, evaporated milk, water, and vanilla extract; beat until combined.
  5. Gradually beat in flour mixture.
  6. Spread mixture evenly into 2 greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans.
  7. Bake at 325 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until pick comes out clean.
  8. Cool in pans on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
  9. Turn cakes out onto wire rack to cool completely.
  10. For the frosting: In a large mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar; beat until fluffy.
  11. Add the maple flavoring; stir to mix well.
  12. When the cake is cooled, cut each cake horizontally in half with long serrated knife.
  13. Frost cake between the layers and on top; leave sides unfrosted.
  14. Sprinkle chopped nuts evenly over top of cake.