Pumpkin Poke Cake
Fall is the season for cozy family moments, crisp weather, and of course, pumpkin spice! A pumpkin poke cake is the perfect way to celebrate those autumn flavors. It’s one of my favorite desserts to share with loved ones because it’s bursting with warm spice, has an incredibly moist texture, and is finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting.
Servings: 16 servings
Ingredients
Pumpkin Poke Cake
- 1 15 ounce can pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 15.25 ounce box yellow cake mix
- 1 14 ounce can condensed milk
- ½ cup caramel sauce plus more for drizzling
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl add the pumpkin, eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and vegetable oil and mix well until the eggs are fully incorporated.
- Add the box of cake mix and stir until no white streaks of cake mix remain.
- Bake in a preheated oven for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- As soon as cake comes out of the oven, mix together the condensed milk and caramel sauce. Use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes in the cake. While the cake is still hot pour the condensed milk mixture into the holes and use a spatula to spread the mixture into the holes so the cake can absorb it. Chill in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes.
- Once the cake is chilled completely mix together the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl add the room temperature cream cheese and butter. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Add the powdered sugar in small increments followed by the vanilla extract. Use a spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate all of the sugar.
- Use a spatula to spread the frosting over the top of the poke cake. Cake can be served immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. When ready to serve sprinkle with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice and a drizzle of caramel sauce.