Pumpkin Poke Cake

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This Pumpkin Poke Cake is a quick and delicious dessert your taste buds will adore. Get ready to indulge in pumpkin-spiced goodness!

When you want to take your dessert to the next level, than this is the recipe for you. Full of moist, lush pumpkin flavor with just a hint of spice.

A slice of the pumpkin poke cake o a white plate.

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Pumpkin Poke Cake is a celebration of autumn flavors that can be whipped up in just 40 minutes! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this family favorite treat is sure to impress. Grab your apron and dive into this delectable cake that’s bound to become a fall favorite.

If you’re looking for more pumpkin dessert recipes, try these Pumpkin Dip, Pumpkin Bars and Pumpkin Carrot Cake.

A finished baking dish with the dessert.

Why We Love This Easy Pumpkin Dessert Cake Recipe

Discover why this pumpkin poke cake with condensed milk is a must-try dessert! From its quick and easy preparation to its family-friendly appeal, we’ll show you why this cake is a fan favorite. Get ready to fall in love with this delectable treat!

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  • 40 Minute Dessert: In just 40 minutes, you can have a mouthwatering dessert on your table that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight treat or a special gathering.
  • Easy Ingredients: With only 6 ingredients, including the convenience of a box cake mix, this recipe is a time-saving, stress-free option for busy home cooks.
  • Family Friendly: This pumpkin cake is a hit with kids and adults alike. Its irresistible flavor and texture make it a dessert the whole family will adore this easy pumpkin dessert. Everyone will love this recipe as the cake is rich an so easy.

Ingredient Notes for Pumpkin Poke Cake Recipe

Cake mix, pudding, pumpkin puree etc.
  • Box Cake Mix: We use a spice cake mix, a box cake mix to make this recipe extra convenient. Feel free to explore variations and additions to customize your cake.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Use pumpkin puree it adds a delightful autumnal flavor and moisture to the cake. This really makes the pumpkin flavor shine. Remember to use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Sweetened condensed milk, when combined with pumpkin pie spice, creates a luscious filling for the cake. Sweetened condensed milk and not evaporated milk.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.

Variations and Substitutions for Pumpkin Pie Poke Cake

Explore these variations and substitutions to discover exciting ways to customize this classic dessert. It is all ready for pumpkin season.

  • Different Dry Cake Mix Flavors: Experiment with different cake mix flavors such as a box of yellow cake mix or white cake mix, to create unique variations.
  • Add Nuts: Sprinkle some walnuts or pecans on top for an extra layer of flavor and texture to this easy recipe.
  • Dried Fruit: Incorporate dried fruit for a sweet and chewy twist on this classic fall cake dessert.

How to Make Pumpkin Poke Cake With Condensed Milk

These are the basic steps for making Pumpkin Poke Cake With Condensed Milk. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions to make this easy poke cake.

Making the cake batter.

Step 1: Prep to Make the Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Use non stick cooking spray to grease a baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake Batter

Mix the cake mix, pumpkin puree, and milk until well combined. Pour the batter into the greased baking dish.

Step 3: Bake and Allow to Cool

Bake the cake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.

Poking the cake and creating the filling.

Step 4: Use Wooden Spoon to Poke Holes into the Cake

Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke the cake making holes all over the surface of the cake. Poke holes in the cake evenly.

Step 5: Pour the Sweetened Condensed Milk and Top With Whipped Topping

Combine pumpkin pie spice with sweetened condensed milk and pour it over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Finish by topping the cake with whipped topping and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Let the cake chill until ready to serve.

Frosting the cake and topping with the nut mixture.

Recipe FAQs for Pumpkin Recipes with Pumpkin Puree

A poke cake is a dessert that involves poking holes in a baked cake and filling those holes with a flavorful mixture, creating a moist and indulgent treat.

It’s a matter of preference, but spreading the holes evenly across the cake ensures that the sweetened condensed milk mixture is distributed throughout. The holes should be about 1 inch apart. If you make too many it will be to wet and two few it will be to dry, however it is important to make sure that the holes are made while the cake is still warm to avoid crumbs.

Yes! Make this cake and feel free to top it with whatever you like. A luscious whipped cream cheese frosting with pair great with the pumpkin spice flavor.

Cover any leftover pumpkin cake and store poke cake in the fridge for 3-4 days to maintain freshness. Or place the cake in an airtight container to keep the moist cake tender.

A pike of the easy pumpkin poke cake on a fork.

Expert Tips for Making Easy Poke Cake Recipe with Whipped Cream

Now that you’ve got the basics of this mouthwatering pumpkin cake with yellow cake mix recipe down, let’s take it to the next level with some expert tips and creative ideas that will make your dessert truly extraordinary.

  • Pudding: For an extra layer of creaminess, swap the condensed milk with a pumpkin spice pudding.
  • Toffee: Crumbled toffee or sprinkle with toffee bits make for a delicious and crunchy topping.
  • Caramel Sauce: Drizzle the cake with caramel syrup to create an amazing caramel pumpkin poke cake. Drizzle on top of the cake and make this dessert even more special by making it a pumpkin caramel poke cake.
  • Decorate: Enhance the cake’s presentation with cookie pumpkins, maple leaf cookies, or festive fall sprinkles.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Poke Cake

A slice of the pumpkin poke cake o a white plate.
4.85 from 19 votes

Pumpkin Poke Cake

Yield: 12 servings
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
This Pumpkin Poke Cake is a quick and delicious dessert your taste buds will adore. Get ready to indulge in pumpkin-spiced goodness!
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⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below!

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Spray a 9×13 cake pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Add cake mix, pumpkin and milk to bowl and mix until combined.
  • Transfer mixture to prepared cake pan.
  • Bake for 30 minutes or until a stick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.
  • Allow cake to cool for 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, add pumpkin pie spice to sweetened condensed milk and stir to combine.
  • When cake has cooled slightly, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
  • Pour the sweetened condensed milk mixture over the top of the cake allowing it to seep into the holes. Use a spatula to spread the mixture into the holes if needed.
  • Top with whipped topping and sprinkle additional pumpkin pie spice over the top of the cake.

Expert Tips

 
  • Add Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice addition to this cake.
  • Variation tip: Use Pumpkin Spice pudding instead of the sweetened condensed milk.
  • Alternate ingredient: Crumbled toffee on top adds a great surprise or finish with a caramel syrup!
  • Decorate: with cookie pumpkins, maple leaf cookies or fall sprinkles.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Calories: 353kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 343mg | Potassium: 424mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 44g | Vitamin A: 3137IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 168mg | Iron: 2mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

14 thoughts on “Pumpkin Poke Cake”

  1. 5 stars
    This is going on our dessert menu for Thanksgiving. It’s really easy to make and is so moist and flavorful! Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
  2. 5 stars
    I tried this for the first time and it tasted amazing. I loved how moist it was and it’s quickly becoming one of my favourite autumn recipes.

    Reply
  3. 5 stars
    Oh my goodness, this pumpkin poke cake is pure deliciousness! I’m so glad to have discovered this fabulous fall recipe. And now that I’ve made it once, I’m ready to make it again this coming weekend when I’m hosting some friends from out of town. Thank you so much for sharing this yummy recipe!

    Reply

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