Pumpkin Poke Cake

Pumpkin Poke Cake is a deliciously moist and spiced dessert that perfectly captures the flavors of fall. This cake is infused with pumpkin puree, warm spices, and topped with a luscious filling that seeps into the cake, making every bite rich and flavorful. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or as a cozy treat for yourself, this dessert is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and minimal effort, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
• Incredibly Moist – The poke method ensures the cake is soaked with delicious flavors, making it extra soft and tender.
• Perfect for Fall – With pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s the ultimate autumn dessert.
• Customizable – You can switch up the toppings and fillings to make it your own.
• Great for Gatherings – This cake is a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for holiday parties and family dinners.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pumpkin puree
• Yellow cake mix
• Eggs
• Water
• Vegetable oil
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
• Caramel sauce
• Chopped nuts or crushed graham crackers (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the cake batter – In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pumpkin puree, eggs, water, oil, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir until smooth.
3. Bake the cake – Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Poke holes – Once the cake is done, let it cool for 10 minutes. Then, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
5. Add the filling – Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. Let it soak in and cool completely.
6. Top with whipped cream – Spread a thick layer of whipped topping over the cooled cake.
7. Drizzle and garnish – Drizzle caramel sauce on top and add chopped nuts or crushed graham crackers for extra texture.
8. Chill and serve – Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: About 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Twist – Add chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle chocolate sauce on top.
• Cream Cheese Frosting – Replace whipped topping with a homemade cream cheese frosting for a richer flavor.
• Spiced Upgrade – Add extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for a bolder spice flavor.
• Nutty Crunch – Use pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
• Graham Cracker Crust – Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on the bottom before adding the batter for a subtle crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration – Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing – Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
• Reheating – This cake is best served chilled, but if you prefer it warm, microwave individual slices for about 10 seconds.

FAQs

How do I prevent the cake from becoming too soggy?

Make sure to let the cake cool slightly before adding the condensed milk, and don’t oversaturate it.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Yes! Just make sure it’s well-blended and not too watery.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded together.

What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?

You can try evaporated milk with a bit of sugar or a pudding mixture for a different texture.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes! Spice cake mix, vanilla, or even chocolate cake mix would work well.

How do I make a dairy-free version?

Use dairy-free whipped topping and a sweetened coconut or almond-based condensed milk substitute.

Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, homemade whipped cream works great! Just make sure to stabilize it with a little powdered sugar.

Can I add a crunchy topping?

Of course! Crushed cookies, nuts, or toffee bits make great toppings.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just use a gluten-free cake mix.

What’s the best way to poke holes in the cake?

Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw for evenly spaced holes.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Poke Cake is an easy, delicious, and festive dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in. With its moist texture, sweet filling, and creamy topping, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try different variations to make it your own, and enjoy every bite of this delightful treat!

Print