Description
Smooth autumn flavors dance through this heavenly Pumpkin Poke Cake, infusing warm spices and rich caramel notes. Sweet layers of moist pumpkin goodness invite seasonal comfort that will charm family gatherings and delight dessert enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box (432 g / 15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 can (425 g / 15 oz) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
Spices and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for dusting)
Pudding and Topping Ingredients:
- 1 box (96 g / 3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 container (250 g / 8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
- ½ cup caramel sauce (optional)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Grease a rectangular baking pan thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy cake removal.
- Prepare the cake mix according to package directions, carefully folding in pumpkin puree and warm autumn spices for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface evenly with a spatula to create a level base.
- Bake in a preheated oven until the cake is golden brown and a testing skewer emerges cleanly from the center.
- Allow the cake to cool for approximately 10-15 minutes, maintaining a warm temperature that facilitates sauce absorption.
- Using the rounded end of a wooden spoon, methodically create uniform holes across the entire cake surface, ensuring consistent depth.
- Gradually drizzle sweetened condensed milk or rich caramel sauce into each hole, watching it penetrate and moisturize the cake’s interior.
- Carefully spread a thick layer of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting across the cake’s surface, covering the holes completely.
- Enhance the presentation by sprinkling crushed pecans, toffee fragments, or a delicate dusting of ground cinnamon over the top.
- Refrigerate the cake for a minimum of one hour to allow flavors to meld and texture to set, ensuring a sublime dessert experience.
Notes
- Enhance the pumpkin flavor by roasting fresh pumpkin puree instead of using canned for a more robust, authentic taste.
- Customize the cake’s moisture by experimenting with different liquid fillings like dulce de leche or maple syrup for unique flavor profiles.
- Make this dessert gluten-free by substituting the cake mix with almond flour or a gluten-free cake mix, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delectable treat.
- Reduce sugar content by using sugar-free condensed milk and a light whipped topping, making it more diet-friendly without compromising on deliciousness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg