Pumpkin Caramel Poke Cake

This Pumpkin Caramel Poke Cake is a dreamy autumn dessert that blends warm, spiced pumpkin flavors with a rich, gooey caramel soak. The result is a cake that’s soft and moist, topped with fluffy whipped cream and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce.

Perfect for fall gatherings, this dessert will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s simple yet stunning, making it a fantastic choice for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any cozy fall evening. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just indulging in a weekend treat, this pumpkin caramel poke cake will surely be the highlight of your dessert spread.

Full Recipe:

• 1 box yellow cake mix

• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree

• 1 cup water

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 3 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling

• Whipped topping or whipped cream for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, pumpkin puree, water, vegetable oil, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Stir until fully combined.

3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top.

4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.

6. Using the back of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake.

7. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.

8. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the cake and let it cool completely.

9. Once cooled, spread the whipped topping or whipped cream over the cake, and drizzle more caramel sauce on top for extra sweetness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 12 servings

History and Origin

Pumpkin-based desserts have a long history, particularly in North America, where pumpkins are native. The tradition of baking with pumpkins dates back to Native American times, who would use pumpkins in a variety of ways, from roasting to stewing. When European settlers arrived, pumpkins became a staple in their kitchens, particularly in pies and cakes, a practice that has evolved into many variations we enjoy today.

The poke cake, on the other hand, is a more recent phenomenon in the American culinary scene. This type of cake became popular in the 1970s, often made using boxed cake mixes. Poke cakes are characterized by their signature method of creating holes in the cake, which are then filled with sweetened condensed milk, pudding, or, in the case of the Pumpkin Caramel Poke Cake, caramel. The idea of soaking the cake in a liquid helps create a super moist, almost custard-like texture that makes every bite irresistible. Combining the poke cake with pumpkin and caramel taps into the essence of fall, offering a dessert that celebrates the flavors of the season.

Variations and Adaptations

While the basic concept of a poke cake remains consistent, there are many ways to customize and adapt it depending on personal tastes and regional variations.

• Pumpkin Spice Variations: Some people prefer adding additional spices to the batter, such as ground cloves, allspice, or cardamom, to create a more aromatic and complex flavor profile. These additional spices can be tailored to suit individual tastes, making the cake as warm and comforting as possible.

• Caramel Variations: The caramel sauce in this recipe can be swapped for other flavorings. For instance, some like to use butterscotch sauce or chocolate sauce for a different twist. If you want a salted version of the cake, a sprinkle of sea salt over the caramel layer can create a delightful contrast between sweet and savory.

• Topping Variations: While whipped cream or whipped topping is the classic choice for topping a poke cake, there are plenty of variations here as well. Some might opt for a cream cheese frosting to complement the pumpkin’s richness. Others may enjoy a streusel topping, adding a crunch factor that contrasts with the smoothness of the cake.

• Dietary Adaptations: If you’re looking for a gluten-free version of this pumpkin poke cake, you can easily substitute the regular cake mix for a gluten-free version. Vegan versions can also be created by using plant-based milk, replacing eggs with flax or chia eggs, and using dairy-free whipped topping. There’s no shortage of ways to make this treat suit different dietary needs.

Nutritional Information

The Pumpkin Caramel Poke Cake, while undeniably delicious, is also a rich dessert. Let’s break down the nutritional profile to see what’s inside each slice.

• Calories: A typical serving of Pumpkin Caramel Poke Cake comes in at approximately 350 kcal. This can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, especially the type of frosting or caramel.

• Macronutrients:

  • Carbohydrates: This cake contains a healthy dose of carbs from both the cake mix and the sweetened condensed milk. A typical slice has around 50 grams of carbohydrates.

  • Protein: With eggs and the cake mix, there is some protein content, but it’s relatively low. Expect about 3 grams of protein per slice.

  • Fat: The fat content is higher due to the oil in the cake batter, the caramel, and any whipped cream topping. A single serving can have up to 15 grams of fat, including about 3 grams of saturated fat.

• Micronutrients:

  • Vitamin A: Thanks to the pumpkin, this dessert is a good source of vitamin A, providing about 20% of the recommended daily intake in one slice.

  • Iron: The pumpkin and eggs also offer a modest amount of iron, which helps maintain good blood health.

  • Calcium: If you use dairy products in the recipe, you’ll get a bit of calcium from the condensed milk and whipped cream.

While this cake may not be the healthiest dessert, it’s certainly a treat that provides a good amount of vitamins and minerals, particularly if you make the cake using nutrient-dense options like whole wheat flour or plant-based milk.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

The Pumpkin Caramel Poke Cake is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It’s the perfect fall dessert for Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or cozy weekend gatherings. You can serve it as a standalone dessert, or pair it with a variety of other sweet treats and drinks to elevate the meal.

• Coffee Pairing: Pumpkin and coffee are a match made in heaven. Serve a slice of this cake alongside a steaming cup of spiced latte or rich black coffee for a warm, comforting treat.

• Ice Cream Pairing: A scoop of vanilla, cinnamon, or even butter pecan ice cream would be the perfect complement to the cake. The cold creaminess of the ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the rich, warm cake.

• Whipped Cream Variations: Try drizzling a little caramel sauce over the whipped cream topping or even adding a sprinkle of crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts to add some texture and extra flavor to the cake.

• Pairing with a Wine: If you’re planning a dinner party, this cake pairs beautifully with a dessert wine like a late harvest Riesling or a Moscato. The sweetness of these wines will match the caramel and spice notes in the cake.

Tips and Tricks for Success

To ensure that your Pumpkin Caramel Poke Cake turns out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:

• Do not over-bake the cake: Be sure to check your cake for doneness a few minutes before the suggested cooking time is up. Overbaking can result in a dry cake, which won’t soak up the caramel and condensed milk as well.

• Use room temperature ingredients: For a smoother batter and better mixing, let your eggs, oil, and water come to room temperature before starting.

• Let the cake cool slightly: After baking, allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before poking holes. This prevents the sweetened condensed milk from running off the cake instead of soaking in.

• Make ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight, and it actually gets more moist as it sits.

Potential Health Benefits

While this dessert is undoubtedly indulgent, it does have some potential health benefits, thanks to the star ingredient—pumpkin. Here’s a quick look at how pumpkin can be a healthy addition to your diet:

• Rich in Vitamin A: Pumpkin is packed with beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that supports eye health and boosts your immune system.

• High in Fiber: Pumpkin is a good source of dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and supports a healthy gut.

• Low in Calories: While the cake itself is indulgent, the pumpkin puree adds a relatively low-calorie component to the dessert, giving you that satisfying fall flavor without adding excessive calories.

Conclusion

The Pumpkin Caramel Poke Cake is a must-try dessert for fall lovers. Its combination of spiced pumpkin, gooey caramel, and soft, moist cake creates a dessert that’s not only delicious but perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner, a family gathering, or just enjoying a quiet afternoon treat, this cake will surely be a hit. With its versatility in flavors and the warmth it brings to the table, it’s a dessert that you’ll want to make again and again. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and indulge in this fall favorite. Happy baking!