Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake

Wow, Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake is my favorite treat. The smell makes me feel cozy. I can’t wait to share it with you! I tried it one day, and it changed my world. Oh my, it tasted like sweet pumpkin heaven. My house smelled so yummy!

Now I bake it all the time. The cake is soft and gooey. I always want more! So come on, let’s make it together. It’s easy as pie. Grab your ingredients, and let’s bake right now!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Fall Dessert: Rich pumpkin flavor blended with warm spices makes it ideal for cozy days.
• Moist and Creamy: The poke method lets the filling seep into every bite, creating a soft, tender cake.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and steps, even if you’re new to baking.
• Crowd Pleaser: A great dessert for family dinners, holidays, or potlucks.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be made a day in advance to save time.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
• Chill Time: 3-4 hours (for soaking and setting)
• Total Time: Approximately 4.5 to 5 hours (including chilling)

Servings:
This recipe makes one 9×13-inch cake, serving about 12 generous slices.

Difficulty:
Easy — suitable for beginner bakers and those familiar with basic cake recipes.

Required Kitchen Tools

To prepare this Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake, gather these essential tools:

• 9×13-inch baking pan — for baking the cake evenly.
• Mixing bowls — medium and large for wet and dry ingredients.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer — for smooth batter and whipped topping.
• Whisk and spatula — for mixing and folding.
• Measuring cups and spoons — for accuracy.
• Wooden spoon or skewer — for poking holes in the cake.
• Small saucepan (optional) — if gently heating the filling.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need (exact amounts provided in the recipe card at the end):

Cake:

• Granulated sugar — adds sweetness and balances pumpkin’s earthy flavor.
• Vegetable oil — keeps the cake moist.
• Eggs — provide structure and richness.
• Pumpkin puree — brings moisture and deep pumpkin flavor (use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix).
• All-purpose flour — the base of the cake.
• Baking powder and baking soda — leavening agents to help the cake rise.
• Pumpkin pie spice — a warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
• Salt — enhances all flavors.

Filling:

• Cream cheese — rich and tangy, forms the creamy layer.
• Sweetened condensed milk — adds sweetness and silky texture.
• Caribbean spiced rum cream liqueur (optional) — for a light boozy warmth, can be swapped with milk or half-and-half if preferred.

Topping:

• Whipping cream — whipped for a light, airy topping.
• Sugar — to sweeten the cream.
• Caribbean spiced rum cream liqueur (optional) — echoes the filling’s flavor for consistency.

Variations for Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake

• Skip the Alcohol: Substitute rum liqueur with milk or non-dairy cream.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch.
• Spice it Up: Add a dash of extra cinnamon or nutmeg for a spicier version.
• Cream Cheese Frosting Alternative: Instead of whipped cream, frost the cake with a classic cream cheese frosting.
• Pumpkin Swirl: Swirl some pumpkin butter into the batter before baking for added richness.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and pumpkin puree until smooth and well combined.
• In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix to distribute the spices evenly.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or mixer on low speed. Mix until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

2. Bake the Cake

• Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes — but not fully, as the cake should still be warm for the next step.

3. Poke the Cake

• Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the top of the cake. Make sure the holes go nearly to the bottom so the filling can soak through. Space them about 1 inch apart for even distribution.

4. Prepare the Cream Filling

• In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
• Add the sweetened condensed milk and Caribbean spiced rum cream liqueur (if using). Mix until fully combined and smooth. You can warm the mixture slightly in a small saucepan over low heat to help it pour more easily, but this step is optional.

5. Pour the Filling into the Cake

• Slowly pour the cream filling over the entire surface of the warm cake, making sure to fill the holes and cover the top evenly.
• Use a spatula to gently spread and guide the filling if needed.

6. Chill the Cake

• Cover the cake and place it in the refrigerator for at least 3 to 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the filling to fully soak in and set, creating a moist and flavorful cake.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake

This cake is rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced, making it a wonderful dessert on its own or as part of a holiday spread. Here are a few ways to serve and present it beautifully:

• With Whipped Topping: Once the cake has chilled and set, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top.
• Add a Sprinkle of Spice: Lightly dust the surface with a bit of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for a warm, festive look.
• Optional Garnishes:
  • Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a little crunch.
  • Add caramel drizzle over the whipped cream for extra sweetness.
  • Top with a few pumpkin candies or white chocolate curls for decoration.

Portioning:

Cut the cake into 12 squares, making sure each piece has a good amount of filling and topping. Serve chilled or allow to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving if you prefer a softer texture.

How to Store Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake

To keep your cake fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

• Refrigerator:
  Store the cake covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making it even tastier on the second day.
• Freezer:
  If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
  To serve from frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add whipped topping if it was removed before freezing.
• Make-Ahead Tip:
  You can bake the cake and pour in the filling a day ahead. Add whipped topping and decorations right before serving for the best appearance.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per slice (based on 12 servings). Keep in mind this is an estimate and may vary depending on exact brands and quantities used:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	410
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	10g
Cholesterol	85mg
Sodium	270mg
Total Carbohydrates	45g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	32g
Protein	5g

Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake FAQs

1. Can I make this cake without alcohol?

Yes, absolutely. You can substitute the Caribbean spiced rum cream liqueur with milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream for a non-alcoholic version. The cake will still be rich and flavorful.

2. Can I use boxed cake mix instead of making the batter from scratch?

If you’re short on time, a spice cake mix or pumpkin cake mix can be a quick alternative. Bake according to the package directions, then proceed with poking and filling.

3. What kind of pumpkin should I use?

Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which will alter the flavor and texture of your cake.

4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the filling to soak in beautifully, making the cake even more moist and flavorful. Just add the whipped topping before serving for the freshest look.

5. How do I keep the whipped cream from deflating?

To keep the whipped cream stable, you can add 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar or a little unflavored gelatin (bloomed and dissolved) while whipping. Alternatively, use stabilized whipped topping if you prefer.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake is a simple yet decadent dessert, blending cozy fall spices with a creamy filling that soaks right into every bite. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a holiday party, this cake offers the perfect balance of moistness and flavor — and it only gets better as it sits. Keep it chilled until serving, and enjoy a slice of autumn comfort.