Fluffy Pumpkin Poke Cake Recipe: Sweet Fall Magic in Every Bite

Autumn’s golden hues inspire delightful pumpkin poke cake creations that dance with warmth and spice.

Seasonal baking reaches new heights when you infuse classic desserts with rich, comforting flavors.

Soft, moist cake layers absorb creamy caramel and sweet condensed milk, creating a luscious dessert that melts in your mouth.

Each bite promises a symphony of fall-inspired textures and tastes.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg weave through the tender crumb, promising a decadent experience.

Topped with pillowy whipped cream, this pumpkin poke cake transforms an ordinary afternoon into a celebration of seasonal delights.

Prepare to savor every heavenly spoonful of this irresistible autumn treat.

Why Pumpkin Poke Cake Always Wins Applause

• Embrace Effortless Baking: Whip up this pumpkin poke cake with simple ingredients and basic mixing techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with warm pumpkin spice and creamy toppings, this dessert guarantees smiles and satisfied taste buds at gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners.
• Seasonal Sensation: Celebrate autumn's flavors with a dessert that captures the essence of cozy fall moments, combining traditional pumpkin spice with rich, indulgent textures.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this cake in advance and let it chill overnight, allowing flavors to meld and creating a stress-free dessert option for busy hosts and bakers.

What Goes into Pumpkin Poke Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A pantry staple for creating soft and tender cakes.
• Sugar: Sweet crystals that bring delightful flavor to the dessert.
• Baking Powder: Magical rising agent for fluffy textures.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake achieve perfect lift and lightness.
• Salt: Small pinch that enhances overall taste.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Warm blend of cozy autumn spices.

• Vegetable Oil: Smooth liquid that keeps the cake moist.
• Pumpkin Puree: Smooth orange vegetable that adds rich autumn flavor.
• Eggs: Binding agent that provides structure.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy sweet liquid for soaking.

• Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Classic frosting combination for creamy sweetness.
• Whipped Topping: Light and fluffy cream element.
• Toffee Bits, Pecans: Optional crunchy and sweet garnish.

Steps to Bake and Fill Pumpkin Poke Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and give a 9×13″ pan a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Pumpkin pie spice

Step 3: Create Cake Batter

• Vegetable oil
• Pumpkin puree
• Eggs

Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 5: Poke and Soak

While the cake is piping hot, create holes using a wooden spoon handle or straw.

Gently drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the cake, allowing it to seep into every crevice.

Step 6: Whip Up Creamy Topping

In a stand mixer, beat cream cheese until velvety.

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Whipped topping

Blend until luxuriously smooth.

Step 7: Finish and Chill

Spread the creamy topping evenly across the cooled cake.

Sprinkle with toffee bits and chopped pecans if desired.

Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight to let flavors meld.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Slice into this decadent pumpkin masterpiece and savor every heavenly bite!

Simple Tips for a Better Poke Cake

• Use fresh pumpkin pie spice for maximum flavor intensity and aromatic warmth in your cake.
• Create consistent, evenly spaced holes to ensure sweetened condensed milk distributes perfectly throughout the cake's interior.
• Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to achieve a silky, lump-free topping that spreads effortlessly.
• Allowing the cake to rest overnight helps flavors meld and enhances the overall taste and texture of your dessert.
• Swap pecans with different nuts like walnuts or almonds for a personalized crunch and flavor profile that suits your preference.

Keep Pumpkin Poke Cake Fresh for Later

• Store the pumpkin poke cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it covered to prevent drying out.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or let the cake sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying to restore its soft texture.
• Add fresh whipped cream or a sprinkle of toffee bits just before serving to refresh the cake's appearance and taste.

What Pairs Well with Pumpkin Poke Cake

• Pair Pumpkin Perfection with Bold Coffee: Rich, dark roast coffee cuts through the cake's sweetness, creating a robust flavor contrast that elevates each bite.
• Complement with Caramel Liqueur: Smooth caramel liqueur harmonizes with the pumpkin and toffee notes, adding a luxurious adult twist to the dessert experience.
• Match with Spiced Chai Tea: Warming chai spices beautifully echo the pumpkin pie spice in the cake, creating a comforting and cohesive flavor profile.
• Enhance with Vanilla Bourbon: Aged bourbon's vanilla and oak undertones provide a sophisticated complement to the cake's creamy topping and nutty pecans.

Fun Pumpkin Poke Cake Ideas

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Poke Cake: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the cake remains moist and flavorful for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap condensed milk with coconut milk and use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives for a lactose-intolerant friendly dessert.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based whipped topping, and select vegan cream cheese to create a completely plant-based treat.
• Low-Sugar Option: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener and use sugar-free condensed milk to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious pumpkin flavor.

FAQs

• Is this cake difficult to make?

This pumpkin poke cake is surprisingly easy to prepare, even for beginner bakers. The recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that anyone can follow.

• What makes the texture of this cake special?

The poke cake method allows sweetened condensed milk to seep into the cake, creating an incredibly moist and rich dessert. The holes help the cake absorb extra moisture, making it super soft and decadent.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have everything?

You can easily swap pumpkin pie spice with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. If you don’t have whipped topping, you can use freshly whipped cream as an alternative topping.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. It typically takes 30-35 minutes at 350°F to bake completely.

Pumpkin Poke Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy dreamy pumpkin poke cake delivers autumn’s warm embrace with rich spices and silky caramel drizzle. Sweet layers of moist cake promise comfort and indulgence for seasonal gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (15 ounces) pureed pumpkin
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Spices:

• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat a 9×13″ baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Combine all dry ingredients including flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a large mixing bowl.
3. Create a smooth batter by incorporating oil, pumpkin puree, and eggs, blending until thoroughly integrated.
4. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Once removed from the oven, immediately create multiple perforations across the entire cake surface using a wooden spoon handle or straw.
6. While the cake remains hot, slowly drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the holes, allowing it to seep deeply into the cake’s interior.
7. Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature.
8. In a stand mixer, whip cream cheese until completely smooth and free of lumps.
9. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
10. Gently fold in whipped topping, stirring until the mixture achieves a uniform, creamy consistency.
11. Evenly spread the prepared topping across the cooled cake’s surface.
12. Garnish with a sprinkle of toffee bits and chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
13. Refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours or overnight to enhance flavor development and set the topping.

Notes

• Ensure your pumpkin puree is room temperature to prevent lumpy batter and guarantee smooth mixing.
• Replace vegetable oil with applesauce for a lower-fat version that maintains moisture and tender texture.
• Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly adaptation without compromising the cake’s delightful structure.
• Store cake covered in refrigerator for maximum freshness, consuming within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg