Description
Pumpkin Caramel Poke Cake is a soft, warmly spiced dessert soaked with rich caramel and finished with a light creamy topping. It is easy to make, perfect for gatherings, and even better after chilling, which makes it a great make-ahead fall dessert.
Ingredients
1 box spice cake mix
15 ounces pumpkin puree
3 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup caramel sauce
1 can sweetened condensed milk
8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
1/4 cup toffee bits
1/4 cup chopped pecans, optional
extra caramel sauce for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix the spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, water, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until smooth.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
4. Bake for 28 to 33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then poke holes all over the top with the handle of a wooden spoon.
6. Stir together the caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk.
7. Pour the caramel mixture slowly over the warm cake, letting it sink into the holes.
8. Cool the cake completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
9. Spread the whipped topping over the chilled cake.
10. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and sprinkle with toffee bits and chopped pecans if using.
11. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, so the texture and sweetness stay balanced.
Chill the cake fully before topping it so the layers set nicely and slice cleanly.
For the best flavor, use a thick caramel sauce that will soak into the cake without making it soggy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 33 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: pumpkin caramel poke cake, fall cake, easy pumpkin dessert, caramel pumpkin cake