Description
This easy Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake recipe delivers a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for fall. A tender pumpkin cake is baked, poked with holes, and then filled with sweetened condensed milk and optional caramel. Topped with whipped cream and dusted with spice, it’s a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cake Base:
- 1 box spice cake mix (about 15.25 oz / 432 g)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- For the Filling:
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz / 396 g)
- Optional: 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- For the Topping:
- 1 tub whipped topping (8 oz / 225 g), thawed
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice (for dusting)
- Optional: chopped pecans, caramel drizzle, or crushed gingersnaps for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a bowl, mix spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth. Pour into dish and bake 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Poke and fill: Let cake cool 10 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon or skewer, poke holes evenly across the cake. Slowly pour condensed milk over the top, letting it soak in. Add caramel drizzle if desired. Cool completely.
- Topping: Spread whipped topping evenly over cooled cake. Dust with cinnamon or pumpkin spice and garnish with nuts, caramel, or gingersnaps if desired.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for best flavor control.
- Poke deep holes into the cake to ensure the filling distributes evenly.
- Chilling the cake before serving is recommended for optimal texture and flavor melding.
- Avoid adding the whipped topping to a warm cake, as it will melt.
- Add garnishes just before serving to maintain their freshness and appearance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice