Spooky-Sweet Pumpkin Patch Poke Cake Recipe for Fall Fun

Delightful pumpkin patch poke cake brings autumn’s warmth right into your kitchen with its rich, comforting flavors.

Layers of moist spiced cake infused with sweet caramel create an irresistible dessert experience.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, promising a treat that feels like a cozy embrace.

Soft pockets of creamy filling peek through each slice, inviting you to savor every delectable bite.

Hints of cinnamon and nutmeg whisper nostalgic memories of harvest celebrations.

Crafted with simple ingredients and minimal effort, this cake turns ordinary afternoons into special moments.

What Makes Pumpkin Patch Poke Cake So Special

• Craft Seasonal Delight: A pumpkin-themed cake that transforms ordinary baking into a festive experience perfect for autumn gatherings and celebrations.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal kitchen skills required with straightforward steps using convenient packaged ingredients that guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines classic comfort flavors like pumpkin spice and caramel that appeal to both kids and adults, making it an ideal treat for family events or potluck parties.
• Customize Your Creation: Offers flexible decorating options with optional toppings like caramel drizzle, candy garnishes, and graham cracker crumbs to personalize the dessert's appearance and taste.

Essential Ingredients for Pumpkin Patch Poke Cake

• Spice Cake Mix: A convenient and flavorful foundation for the pumpkin-inspired dessert.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture and rich pumpkin flavor to the cake.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Enhances the warm, seasonal taste of the cake.

• Instant Pudding Mix: Creates a creamy, smooth filling that seeps into the cake.
• Cold Milk: Helps activate and thicken the pudding mixture.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides an extra layer of warm spice to the pudding.
• Whipped Topping: Adds a light, creamy finish to the cake.

• Caramel Sauce: Offers a sweet, rich drizzle for extra indulgence.
• Pumpkin-Shaped Candies, Graham Crackers or Cookie Crumbs: Provide a decorative and crunchy topping that complements the cake's texture.

How to Bake Pumpkin Patch Poke Cake Perfectly

Step 1: Whip Up the Cake Batter

Mix the spice cake mix according to package guidelines. Fold in pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice until the batter is smooth and well combined. The mixture should have a rich, warm color and fragrant autumn aroma.

Step 2: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the batter into a 9×13-inch baking pan. Slide the pan into a preheated oven and bake following the package instructions. Watch for a golden-brown surface and a toothpick that comes out clean when inserted.

Step 3: Create Delicious Holes

After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Take a wooden spoon handle and gently poke evenly spaced holes across the entire cake surface. These holes will become channels for the creamy filling.

Step 4: Craft the Pudding Filling

• Instant pudding mix
• Cold milk
• Ground cinnamon

Whisk vigorously until the mixture starts to thicken, which takes about 2 minutes. Pour the pudding slowly over the cake, ensuring it seeps into every hole.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This allows the pudding to set completely and helps the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Add Dreamy Topping

Spread a generous layer of whipped topping across the entire cake surface. For extra indulgence, drizzle caramel sauce in a zigzag pattern. Sprinkle pumpkin-shaped candies and crushed graham crackers for a festive touch.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Cut into generous squares and serve chilled. Each bite promises a symphony of spiced cake, creamy pudding, and sweet toppings that capture the essence of autumn.

Expert Tips for Pumpkin Patch Poke Cake Success

• Enhance Pumpkin Flavor: Add an extra tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice to intensify the warm, autumnal taste throughout the cake.
• Prevent Dry Cake: Check cake doneness early and remove from oven immediately to maintain moisture, using a toothpick test to ensure perfect baking.
• Create Smooth Pudding Layer: Whisk pudding mixture thoroughly and pour slowly to guarantee even distribution and complete hole filling.
• Stabilize Whipped Topping: Chill whipped topping before spreading to maintain a firmer, more decorative texture on the cake surface.
• Boost Texture Variation: Sprinkle additional crushed graham crackers between pudding and whipped topping layers for a delightful crunch.

Flavorful Twists to Try with Pumpkin Patch Poke Cake

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Patch Cake: Replace spice cake mix with gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Autumn Treat: Swap milk with almond milk, use coconut whipped topping, and select dairy-free pudding mix for lactose-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Harvest Cake: Utilize plant-based cake mix, substitute eggs with flax eggs, replace milk with oat milk, and use vegan whipped cream alternative.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Version: Select sugar-free pudding mix, use sugar-free cake mix, replace caramel sauce with sugar-free caramel syrup, and incorporate stevia-based whipped topping.

Best Pairings to Enjoy with Pumpkin Patch Poke Cake

• Sip Seasonal Spiced Cider: Warm apple cider infused with cinnamon sticks and nutmeg perfectly complements the pumpkin cake's rich, spicy flavors, creating a cozy autumn drinking experience.
• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Latte: A smooth vanilla latte balances the cake's sweetness and echoes its warm spice profile, offering a delightful coffee-dessert combination that enhances each bite.
• Match with Spiced Rum Whipped Cream: Spike whipped cream with a hint of spiced rum to elevate the cake's decadence, adding an adult twist that intensifies the dessert's seasonal warmth.

Storing Pumpkin Patch Poke Cake for Freshness

• Seal the cake in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid adding whipped topping before freezing.
• Transfer the frozen cake to the refrigerator overnight for gradual, even thawing. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to soften the texture.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power.

Common Questions About Pumpkin Patch Poke Cake

• Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Yes, homemade pumpkin puree works perfectly. Just ensure it’s smooth and strained to avoid excess liquid that might affect the cake’s texture.

• Is pumpkin pie spice necessary?

Not really. If you don’t have it, mix ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to create a similar flavor profile for your cake.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free spice cake mix and ensure your pudding mix and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• How do I know the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done baking.

Pumpkin Patch Poke Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Seasonal spice meets creamy indulgence in this Pumpkin Patch Poke Cake, blending autumn’s warmest flavors with silky smooth textures. Moist pumpkin cake layers infused with sweet condensed milk create a dessert that invites you to savor each delightful, spice-kissed bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box spice cake mix
• 1 cup (240 ml) pumpkin puree

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pumpkin pie spice

Additional Box Mix Ingredients:

• Ingredients required on the box of spice cake mix (such as eggs, oil, water)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cake batter by mixing spice cake mix according to package instructions, incorporating pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice for enhanced autumn flavor.
2. Transfer the batter into a 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring even distribution, and bake at the temperature specified on the package until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
3. Allow the cake to cool slightly, then methodically create deep holes across the entire surface using the rounded end of a wooden spoon.
4. Craft the pudding filling by whisking instant pudding mix with cold milk and ground cinnamon until the mixture achieves a thick, smooth consistency.
5. Carefully pour the pudding over the cake, guiding it to seep into the previously poked holes, creating saturated pockets of creamy goodness.
6. Refrigerate the cake for a minimum of 2 hours, enabling the pudding to set and flavors to meld completely.
7. Once chilled, generously spread whipped topping across the entire cake surface, creating a smooth, cloud-like layer.
8. Enhance the presentation by drizzling caramel sauce in an artistic pattern and sprinkling crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs for added texture.
9. Garnish with pumpkin-shaped candies to emphasize the seasonal theme and create a visually appealing dessert.
10. Slice and serve chilled, revealing the delectable layers of spice, pumpkin, and creamy pudding.

Notes

• Swap out traditional pudding mix for a dairy-free or vegan alternative to make the recipe allergy-friendly and inclusive for different dietary needs.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free spice cake mix and ensuring all additional ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Reduce sugar content by selecting a sugar-free pudding mix and using a light whipped topping for a healthier dessert option.
• Experiment with seasonal spices like nutmeg or cardamom to enhance the pumpkin flavor profile and add depth to the cake’s taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg