And as the air gets crisper, there is just something so comforting about indulging in rich, warm flavors. Of pumpkin desserts-which I adore-this Pumpkin Poke Cake is one of my very favorites for its rich texture, deep flavors, and ease of preparation. Whether you're entertaining a fall gathering, celebrating a holiday, or simply have a craving for a cozy dessert, this cake is sure to be the hit!
Let's get into making the perfect Pumpkin Poke Cake from scratch, even having some tips to make it creamier, richer, and more decadent than you could ever dream of.
Ingredients for the Perfect Pumpkin Poke Cake
For the making of this decadent cake, you shall be needing the following ingredients.
Pumpkin Puree: You shall need 1 can, of 15 oz, for the rich pure flavor of pumpkin.
Spice Cake Mix: 1 box of spice cake mix gives that flair of all those warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: 2 tsp for an extra burst of autumn flavor in your sweet treat. Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, 14 oz, is needed to make this signature "poke" filling.
Whipped Topping: 1 tub of 8 oz whipped topping gives this a light and fluffy frosting. Cream Cheese: 8 oz of softened cream cheese to yield creamy and tangy goodness.
Powdered Sugar: 1 cup is used to sweeten such frosting.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon will give an all-around flavor.
Chopped Pecans: ½ cup, but this is optional and one that provides added texture and crunch.
Caramel Sauce: for drizzling, it's optional, but does add extra sweetness and looks amazing.
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Make the Moist Pumpkin Poke Cake
Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter
Preheat the oven to 350°F or 175°C. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, eggs, and water as called for by the instructions on the cake mix box. Mix until smooth, till well combined.
Step 2: Baking the Cake
Pour the batter into the greased baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Poking the Cake
Once the cake is just cool enough to still be warm but not hot, take the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the cake. This allows the sweetened condensed milk to seep into the cake and make it ultra-moist.
Step 4: Adding the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour the sweetened condensed milk slowly over top of the entire cake, letting it seep into all of those poked holes. This is where the magic happens to create that signature super moist and uber rich texture. Let the cake cool completely before moving on to the frosting step.
Step 5: Cream Cheese Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in whipped topping until frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 6:
To frost the cake, merely spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of the cooled cake. If desired, sprinkle additional chopped pecans over the top and drizzle with caramel sauce.
Serving and Storage Tips
This cake can be served immediately but is best if refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Pumpkin Poke Cake can be stored in the refrigerator for as long as 3 days, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
Serve slices with additional whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent fall treat.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 350
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Expert Tips for a Show-Stopping Pumpkin Poke Cake
Using Homemade Pumpkin Puree: Want to make it extra special? Use fresh pumpkin puree. Simply roast, scoop, and blend fresh pumpkins for a richer flavor.
Add Extra Spice: If you love warm spices, add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to intensify the flavor.
Boozy Twist: Turn it up a notch by swapping some of the condensed milk with bourbon or rum for a nice, warm, grown-up taste.
Play with Toppings: Great are the pecans and caramel, but you could do chocolate chips, toasted coconut, or even candied ginger.
Keep It Cool: You gotta serve this cake chilled. Refrigeration firms up the cake for you; it makes clean slicing.
Why Pumpkin Poke Cake is the Ultimate Fall Dessert
The Thanksgiving feelings of warm spices and the creamy, moist texture combine to make the Pumpkin Poke Cake the perfect representation of fall. It is actually very easy to make, but this dessert is really visually appealing and will be loved by anyone. Whether you serve it on Thanksgiving, at a Halloween party, or casually over a weekend, this cake is the ultimate comfort food of the season.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Poke Cake is a delight from first sight to last bite. More than a dessert, this recipe gives a delight that has all the great flavors of fall packed within. Ready, set, and bake-your guests will be impressed, and it will be one of your cakes to go to for this time of year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Pumpkin Poke Cake ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it's even better when made ahead as the flavors meld together in the fridge.
What's the best way to store Pumpkin Poke Cake?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make substitutions in this recipe?
Of course! You may substitute different toppings or use a gluten-free cake mix if needed.
Can I prepare this as a gluten-free cake?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free spice cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free.
How can I take this cake to the next level?
Because-you-can: Add some chocolate chips, toffee bits, or even drizzle melted chocolate on top, because who really says no to that?.
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