Flourless Maple Pecan Pumpkin Yogurt Cake in 45 Minutes

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Author: Emily Frost
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If you’re looking for a gluten-free fall dessert that actually delivers on flavor, this Flourless Maple Pecan Pumpkin Yogurt Cake is exactly what you need. I make this flourless maple pecan pumpkin yogurt cake every autumn for my family, and it disappears fast. There’s no wheat flour anywhere in this recipe. Instead, you get Greek yogurt for moisture, real pumpkin puree for that cozy fall flavor, and maple syrup for natural sweetness. The chopped pecans add a little crunch that my kids absolutely love. The whole thing comes together in just 45 minutes, start to finish. Trust me, you’re going to want to bookmark this one.

Flourless Maple Pecan Pumpkin Yogurt Cake - detail 1
Table of Contents

Why You Will Love This Flourless Maple Pecan Pumpkin Yogurt Cake

There are so many reasons this cake has become a fall staple in my house. Here’s why I think you’ll love it too:

  • It’s completely gluten-free, made with almond flour instead of wheat flour, so it works for the whole family.
  • The ingredient list is short and simple. Nothing fancy, nothing hard to find.
  • Prep takes just 10 minutes. Mix, pour, bake, done.
  • The pumpkin, cinnamon, and maple syrup combo tastes like fall in every single bite.
  • Greek yogurt adds real protein, about 7 grams per slice, so it’s not just empty dessert calories.
  • My kids devour it, and they have no idea it’s gluten-free. That’s always a win.

Ingredients for Flourless Maple Pecan Pumpkin Yogurt Cake

Here’s everything you need to pull this cake together. Nothing complicated, I promise. Just make sure you grab plain pumpkin puree at the store, not pumpkin pie filling. That stuff already has spices and sugar mixed in, and it will throw off the whole recipe.

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, plain with no added spices or sugar
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup or sugar-free sweetener
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt

That’s it. Ten ingredients and you’re ready to go.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

A few things worth knowing before you start mixing:

  • Greek yogurt is what keeps this cake soft and moist without any butter or oil. Full-fat works best here, but low-fat gets the job done too. For a dairy-free version, a thick coconut or almond-based yogurt works as a swap.
  • Almond flour is what makes this cake gluten-free. Don’t swap it for coconut flour. They behave completely differently and the texture will not be the same.
  • Maple syrup gives you that warm, natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with pumpkin. If you want to cut back on sugar, a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol works just fine in the same amount.
  • Pecans add a lovely crunch. You can swap them for walnuts or slivered almonds if that’s what you have. And if you have five extra minutes, toast them first. The flavor goes so much deeper.
  • Pumpkin puree must be plain. Check the label. If it says pumpkin pie mix, put it back.

How to Make Flourless Maple Pecan Pumpkin Yogurt Cake

This cake is honestly one of the easiest things I make all fall. The batter comes together in one bowl, and the oven does the rest. Here’s exactly how I do it:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a small cake pan well or line it with parchment paper. I usually go with an 8-inch round pan. Don’t skip this step or you’ll be fighting the cake out of the pan later.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, Greek yogurt, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything looks smooth and well combined, about a minute or so.
  3. Add the almond flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt directly into the same bowl. Stir until the batter is smooth and there are no dry streaks left. Don’t worry if it looks a little thicker than regular cake batter. That’s totally normal with almond flour.
  4. Gently fold in the chopped pecans. Just a few slow stirs so they’re evenly spread through the batter without deflating it.
  5. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. At the 30-minute mark, stick a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, you’re done. If there’s wet batter on it, give it another 3 to 5 minutes.
  7. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing. I know it’s hard to wait, but it really does slice much cleaner once it’s fully cooled.

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Flourless Maple Pecan Pumpkin Yogurt Cake

Flourless Maple Pecan Pumpkin Yogurt Cake in 45 Minutes

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A soft and spiced flourless cake made with Greek yogurt, pumpkin puree, and chopped pecans. Sweetened with maple syrup and baked to a light golden finish, this cake delivers classic fall flavors without any wheat flour.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup or sugar-free sweetener
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a small cake pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, Greek yogurt, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Add the almond flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Stir until smooth and fully incorporated.
  4. Gently fold in the chopped pecans so they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cake is set and lightly golden on top.
  7. Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.

Notes

  • Use a sugar-free sweetener in place of maple syrup to lower the sugar content.
  • Make sure your pumpkin puree is plain with no added spices or sugar.
  • The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • You can toast the pecans before folding them in for a deeper nutty flavor.
  • This cake pairs well with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of maple syrup when serving.
  • Author: Emily Frost
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 165
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 95mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 72mg

Tips for a Perfect Flourless Maple Pecan Pumpkin Yogurt Cake

A few small things make a big difference with this one. Here’s what I’ve learned after making it more times than I can count:

  • Use room-temperature eggs. Cold eggs don’t mix as smoothly into the yogurt and can make the batter look a little lumpy. Just set them out 20 minutes before you start.
  • Don’t skip greasing or lining the pan. This cake is moist and tender, which means it will stick if you give it the chance. Parchment paper on the bottom is your best friend here.
  • Toast your pecans first if you have the time. Just 5 minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat makes the flavor so much nuttier and richer. It’s worth it.
  • Check for doneness at the 30-minute mark, not 35. Ovens vary, and almond flour cakes can go from perfect to dry pretty quickly. A clean toothpick is your signal to pull it out.
  • Let the cake cool fully before you slice it. It firms up as it cools, and cutting into it too early just makes a mess.

Serving Suggestions for Flourless Maple Pecan Pumpkin Yogurt Cake

This cake is honestly delicious on its own, but a few simple touches make it feel extra special. Here are my favorite ways to serve it:

  • Add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt right on top. It adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm spiced cake.
  • Drizzle a little maple syrup over each slice just before serving. It brings out that fall sweetness even more.
  • Dust the top lightly with cinnamon for a pretty finish that takes about two seconds.
  • Serve it alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai. Trust me, that combination is everything on a chilly fall morning.

Variations of Flourless Maple Pecan Pumpkin Yogurt Cake

Once you’ve made this cake once, you’ll want to play around with it. Here are a few easy ways to switch things up without messing with what makes it so good:

  • Swap the pecans for walnuts or slivered almonds. Both work beautifully and give you a slightly different crunch in every bite.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the batter along with the cinnamon. It makes the spice flavor even deeper and more complex.
  • Use a dairy-free yogurt like coconut or almond-based to make this completely dairy-free. Just make sure it’s thick, not watery.
  • Fold in a small handful of chocolate chips with the pecans. My kids go absolutely wild for this version every single time.

How to Store Flourless Maple Pecan Pumpkin Yogurt Cake

This cake stores really well, which makes it perfect for baking ahead. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

  • Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The yogurt and pumpkin mean it needs to stay chilled, so don’t leave it sitting out.
  • You can eat it straight from the fridge, or let a slice sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before eating. Both ways are great.
  • This cake freezes well too. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, pop them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready.

Flourless Maple Pecan Pumpkin Yogurt Cake Nutrition Information

Here’s a look at what’s in each slice. These are estimates based on the ingredients I use, so your numbers may vary a little depending on your specific brands and any swaps you make.

  • Serving size: 1 slice (recipe makes 8 servings)
  • Calories: 165
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated fat: 7.5g
  • Trans fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 72mg
  • Sodium: 95mg

Not bad for a slice of cake, right? That 7 grams of protein from the Greek yogurt and eggs really does make this feel more like a treat you can actually feel good about.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flourless Maple Pecan Pumpkin Yogurt Cake

Can you make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, absolutely. Swap the Greek yogurt for a thick dairy-free yogurt like coconut or almond-based. Just make sure it’s not watery or the batter will be too loose.

Can you use a different flour instead of almond flour?
I’d stick with almond flour for this one. It’s what makes this an almond flour pumpkin cake with that soft, tender crumb. Coconut flour absorbs liquid completely differently and will throw off the whole texture.

How do you know when the cake is done?
Stick a toothpick into the center at the 30-minute mark. If it comes out clean, your gluten free pumpkin cake is ready. Wet batter means it needs a few more minutes.

Can you use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
Please don’t. Pumpkin pie filling already has sugar and spices added, and it will make this pumpkin yogurt cake way too sweet and throw off the spice balance completely.

How long does this cake last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it keeps well for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.

Share Your Flourless Maple Pecan Pumpkin Yogurt Cake

I’d love to know how yours turned out! Drop a comment below and tell me everything. Did you toast the pecans? Try the chocolate chip version? Leave a rating too, it really helps other readers find this recipe. And if you snap a photo, share it on social media and tag Frosty Recipes. Seeing your fall bakes genuinely makes my day. You can also follow along for more great recipes on Facebook.

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Emily Frost
Emily Frost

Hi, I’m Emily Frost — mom of two, home cook, and the creator of Frosty Recipes! Here you’ll find easy, family-friendly meals from Wendy’s copycat favorites to cozy dinners, sweet desserts, and everything in between.

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