Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray (preferably a dish with higher sides).
In a medium sized bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, coconut sugar and spices until combined. Set aside.
In a smaller bowl, stir pumpkin, milk, applesauce and vanilla together. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir together. It should form a thick batter.
Add batter to casserole dish, smoothing with a spatula until evenly distributed.
Sprinkle the coconut sugar and pecans evenly over top of the cake batter in the dish. Pour the boiling hot water over top. Do NOT stir!
Bake for 40 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned and the middle is still slightly gooey. {Be sure to place on a baking sheet incase it bubbles over.} Cool 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.