Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake Recipe

Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake Recipe for Fall Treats

Magic happens when classic pumpkin spice infuses a delightful cake with cozy autumn warmth.

Creamy layers promise pure comfort in every delectable bite.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly to create something special and unexpected.

Our simple recipe brings restaurant-quality dessert right into your kitchen.

Decadent textures and rich flavors combine for an irresistible treat.

Smooth whipped cream and subtle spice notes dance across each mouthwatering slice.

Go ahead and surprise everyone with this crowd-pleasing seasonal sensation.

Why You’ll Love Fall Poke Cake

  • Whip Up Seasonal Delight: This pumpkin poke cake transforms baking into a cozy autumn experience.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra toppings to make the recipe uniquely yours, perfect for personal creativity.
  • Family-Friendly Treat: Simple steps and kid-friendly ingredients mean everyone can join the baking fun, creating delicious memories together.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfectly suited for gatherings, potlucks, or weekend family desserts with its irresistible seasonal flavors and impressive presentation.

Easy Fall Poke Cake Ingredients List

Cake Base:
  • Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient base that creates a moist and fluffy foundation for the fall-themed dessert.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds rich autumn flavor and moisture to the cake.
  • Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and provide structure to the cake.
  • Water: Assists in creating a smooth cake batter.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cream Cheese Frosting: Provides a creamy and tangy element to complement the pumpkin flavor.
  • Pumpkin Spice: Adds warm, seasonal spices that capture the essence of fall.
Toppings and Finishing:
  • Cool Whip: Offers a light and creamy topping that adds a smooth texture.
  • Caramel Sauce: Drizzles a sweet and rich accent over the cake.
  • Chocolate Chips: Provides a delightful chocolate crunch and additional flavor contrast.

Steps to Make Fall Poke Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Take out Cool Whip to start thawing at room temperature.

Step 2: Create Smooth Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Cake mix
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Eggs
  • Water

Blend ingredients until the mixture becomes completely smooth and free of lumps.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Pan

Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.

Pour cake batter evenly into the pan.

Step 4: Bake The Cake

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 28-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Create Cake Holes

Allow cake to cool for 5-10 minutes.

Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke evenly spaced holes across the entire surface.

Step 6: Craft Pumpkin Spice Sauce

Microwave frosting for 30 seconds.

Stir in pumpkin spice and heat for an additional 10 seconds, creating a smooth drizzling sauce.

Step 7: Fill Cake Channels

Slowly pour the warm spiced frosting over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes completely.

Step 8: Add Creamy Topping

Once cake has cooled for 20 minutes, spread thawed Cool Whip evenly across the surface.

Step 9: Garnish With Flair

Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top.

Drizzle caramel sauce in elegant zigzag patterns.

Step 10: Chill And Serve

Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve.

Enjoy the delightful autumn-inspired dessert!

Fall Poke Cake Success Tips

  • Create evenly spaced holes using a wooden spoon handle for maximum frosting absorption and consistent flavor distribution.
  • Warm caramel frosting slightly to ensure smooth pouring and easy penetration into cake holes.
  • Add extra pumpkin spice directly into melted frosting for deeper, more intense seasonal flavor.
  • Partially thaw Cool Whip beforehand to achieve smooth, spreadable consistency for perfect cake coverage.
  • Store cake in refrigerator to maintain moisture and help flavors meld together, keeping texture soft and delicious.

Fall Poke Cake Flavor Variations

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free yellow cake mix. Use certified gluten-free ingredients for all components to ensure safe consumption.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap Cool Whip with coconut whipped cream. Use dairy-free cream cheese frosting instead of traditional frosting.
  • Reduced Sugar Option: Select sugar-free cake mix. Use sugar-free caramel sauce and low-fat whipped topping to decrease overall sugar content.
  • Vegan Transformation: Utilize vegan cake mix. Replace eggs with applesauce or flax eggs. Choose plant-based whipped topping and dairy-free caramel sauce.

Fall Poke Cake Serving Ideas

  • Cozy Autumn Gathering: Serve this cake as a delightful centerpiece during fall family get-togethers, creating warm memories around the dessert table.
  • Pumpkin Spice Pairing: Complement the cake with a hot mug of pumpkin spice latte or warm apple cider to enhance the seasonal flavors.
  • Dessert Bar Delight: Include this cake as part of a fall-themed dessert spread with other seasonal treats like apple pie or cinnamon rolls for variety.
  • Game Night Treat: Slice into small squares for a perfect sweet snack during movie nights or friendly board game competitions with friends and family.

Storing Easy Fall Poke Cake Properly

  • Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep covered to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut individual portions, wrap separately in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe container. Grab and reheat single servings as needed.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For best texture, let the cake sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften the Cool Whip topping.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, yellow or white cake mix works well with this pumpkin-flavored recipe.

  • Is this recipe suitable for people who don't like pumpkin flavor?

The pumpkin taste is subtle, so most people enjoy it even if they’re not big pumpkin fans.

  • What if I don't have a wooden spoon handle for poking holes?

You can use the back of a regular spoon or the handle of a wooden spatula to create holes in the cake.

  • Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

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Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy autumn magic unfolds with this Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake, blending seasonal warmth and rich dessert charm. Indulgent layers promise delightful spice-infused comfort that will sweep you into cozy culinary bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box spice cake mix
  • 15 ounces (425 grams) pumpkin puree
  • 2 eggs
  • 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) water

Frosting and Toppings:

  • 1 container cream cheese frosting
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) Cool Whip, thawed
  • 1 cup (170 grams) mini chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (170 grams) caramel chips
  • Caramel dessert topping for drizzling

Seasonings:

  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice seasoning
  • Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and allow Cool Whip to thaw at room temperature.
  2. Combine cake mix, pumpkin, eggs, and water in a mixing bowl, blending until the batter achieves a smooth consistency.
  3. Transfer the batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan and bake for 28-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  4. Allow the cake to cool for 5-10 minutes, then create evenly spaced holes using a wooden spoon handle.
  5. Microwave frosting for 30 seconds, stir in pumpkin spice, and heat an additional 10 seconds until pourable.
  6. Carefully pour the warm, spiced frosting over the cake, ensuring it fills the poked holes completely.
  7. Let the cake rest and absorb the frosting for 20 minutes at room temperature.
  8. Spread thawed Cool Whip evenly across the cake’s surface.
  9. Garnish with chocolate chips and drizzle caramel sauce for added texture and flavor.
  10. Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve, which helps set the toppings and enhance the flavor.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth cake batter and even mixing.
  • Adjust hole sizes carefully when poking to allow better frosting absorption without breaking cake structure.
  • Consider using gluten-free cake mix for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining recipe’s rich autumn flavor profile.
  • Swap Cool Whip with whipped coconut cream for dairy-free alternative that keeps dessert light and creamy.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 355 kcal
  • Sugar: 29 g
  • Sodium: 230 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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