Combine sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large mixing bowl; mix well. Sift dry ingredients into a separate bowl; stir into oil mixture, beating well. Stir in pumpkin puree.
Pour batter into two greased and floured 9-inch round layer cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Turn onto racks to cool. Frost pumpkin with cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl; beat well until smooth. Makes enough for 2-layer pumpkin cake.