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Pumpkin Poke Cake Recipe

Name: Pumpkin Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 box (15.25-ounce yellow cake mix); 15 ounces canned 100% pure pumpkin puree (about 1 1/2 cups); 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk; 8 ounces whipped topping (thawed); 4 ounces cream cheese (softened (optional)); 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional); toffee bits and/or caramel sauce (optional)

4.67 / 5 ( 6 Reviews )

4 Comments Jump to Recipe

I love a good pumpkin recipe! This is one of the easiest pumpkin cake recipes that I've ever made and it tastes delicious too.

Dec 4, 2024 The links in the post below may be affiliate links. Read the full disclosure

An Easy Pumpkin Dessert

The cake is incredibly moist and dense, almost like a shortcut pumpkin Tres Leches. It also reminds me a little bit of a pumpkin cheesecake. The rich pumpkin flavor and creamy topping make each bite irresistible. Gotta love poke cakes — they’re so easy, delicious, and full of flavor!

Ingredients and Supplies for Pumpkin Poke Cake

pumpkin poke cake ingredients

The batter consists of just three simple ingredients: dry cake mix, pure pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. No eggs or oil are needed! The pumpkin puree adds enough moisture to make this work without additional liquids. Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.

Ingredients

Cake

Yellow cake mix
Canned 100% pure pumpkin puree
Pumpkin pie spice
Sweetened condensed milk

Variations for Sweetened Condensed Milk

Caramel-Sweetened Condensed Milk: Replace regular sweetened condensed milk with caramel-flavored condensed milk for an extra caramel twist.
Chocolate Sweetened Condensed Milk: Add cocoa powder to sweetened condensed milk to create a chocolate variation.
Coconut-Sweetened Condensed Milk: Mix a little coconut extract with the condensed milk to create a coconut-infused version.

Toppings

Whipped topping, thawed
Optional: Cream cheese, softened
Optional: Powdered sugar, toffee bits, caramel sauce

Supplies

9×9 inch baking pan
Mixing spoon
Large mixing bowl
Scraper
Air fryer (optional)

How to Make Pumpkin Poke Cake

easy pumpkin poke cake

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Mix the dry cake mix, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin spice in a large bowl. The cake batter will be thick, but the pumpkin puree naturally provides plenty of moisture.

mixing pumpkin poke cake batter

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 baking pan well. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.

pumpkin poke cake batter in baking dish

Step 3: Poke and Soak

Once cooled, poke holes all over the top of the cake using the handle of a round mixing spoon. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, filling the holes thoroughly. Let the cake refrigerate for at least a few hours — overnight is best for a thoroughly soaked and flavorful poke cake.

pumpkin poke cake steps

Pumpkin Poke Cake Topping

The light and fluffy whipped topping provides a nice contrast to the dense cake. You can use either whipped topping or whipped cream. Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar with the whipped topping for a rich twist. Pumpkin and cream cheese are an awesome combo! You can also add toffee bits or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for some added texture and sweetness.

whipped topping for cake

Variations for Topping

Make Your Own Whipped Cream: With a hand mixer, beat 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with 1 tablespoon of sugar until stiff peaks form.
Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting: Mix softened cream cheese and powdered sugar with the whipped cream for a rich, creamy topping.
Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the whipped cream for a warm, spiced flavor.
Caramel Drizzle: Top the cake with a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
Candy: Sprinkle toffee bits or Heath Bars over the top for added crunch.

Air Fryer Instructions

pumpkin poke cake in the air fryer

For those who love using an air fryer, you can also make this pumpkin poke cake in an air fryer!

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Mix the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl.

Step 2: Air Fry the Cake

Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Pour the batter into a greased, air fryer-safe baking dish that fits comfortably into your air fryer basket. Cook for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely.

Step 3: Poke and Soak

Poke holes in the cooled cake, then pour the sweetened condensed milk over it. Refrigerate for several hours to allow the condensed milk to soak in completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make a boxed cake taste homemade?

Adding fresh ingredients like pure pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to the boxed cake mix gives it a homemade flavor. You can also add a bit of vanilla extract to enhance the taste.

Do poke cakes get soggy?

Poke cakes can become soggy if too much liquid is poured over them. Use just enough sweetened condensed milk to fill the holes without oversaturating the cake.

Why did my poke cake turn out soggy?

If your poke cake is soggy, it may be because the holes were too close together or you added too much sweetened condensed milk. Ensure the holes are evenly spaced and avoid pooling excess liquid on the surface.

How do I avoid cracks in poke cakes?

Be sure to poke the holes evenly and not too close to the edges. Letting the cake cool before poking also helps prevent cracking.

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

You can use a spice cake mix or even a chocolate cake mix for a different flavor twist. Just keep in mind that this will change the overall taste of the cake.

a slice of pumpkin poke cake

More Amazing and Delicious Pumpkin Recipes:

pumpkin poke cake