1.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3.In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4.Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.
5.Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6.If using, sprinkle the additional pecans over the top of the batter.
7.Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
8.Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.