Pumpkin Poke Cake is the magical dessert that tastes like autumn and feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine sinking your fork into a soft, moist cake layered with spiced pumpkin goodness, drenched in sweet cream, and topped with fluffy whipped cream. Trust me; this cake will have you doing a happy dance in your kitchen.
Growing up, my family made this Pumpkin Poke Cake every Thanksgiving. The aroma of spices would fill our home, and I’d sneak bites when no one was looking. It became a family tradition that elicited smiles and laughter around the table. perfect homemade stuffing Now, every bite takes me back to those cherished moments, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion where you want to spread joy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Pumpkin Poke Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, even for novice bakers.
- Its rich pumpkin flavor perfectly balances the sweetness of the cream filling.
- Visually appealing and festive, it makes a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.
- Versatile enough to serve at Thanksgiving or as an everyday treat, it’s sure to impress everyone who tries it!
Ingredients for Pumpkin Poke Cake
Here's what you'll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: This will form the base of your cake. Make sure it's fresh for the best results.
- Baking Powder: Essential for helping the cake rise and achieve that fluffy texture we all love.
- Canned Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling) for that rich flavor and moisture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key! Adjust based on your taste preference.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth; feel free to sprinkle extra if you're feeling spicy!
For the Filling:
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This creamy ingredient takes your poke cake to another level of sweetness.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: For that luscious topping—because life’s too short for skim milk!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. healthy banana bread recipe.
How to Make Pumpkin Poke Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grab a baking pan (9x13 inches works perfectly) and spray it with nonstick cooking spray so nothing gets stuck.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until they’re well combined. It should smell like fall already!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together canned pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. No lumps allowed here!
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined—overmixing can make your cake tough. We want soft and fluffy!
Step 5: Bake It Up
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly.
Step 6: Create Your Poke Holes
Once cooled slightly (but still warm), use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of your cake—don’t be shy! The more holes, the better absorbed the filling will be.
Step 7: Add Condensed Milk
Slowly drizzle sweetened condensed milk over those holes. Let it soak while you whip up some heavy cream.
Step 8: Whip It Good
In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Spread this dreamy layer over your cake and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving—if you can wait that long!
Serve chilled or at room temperature with additional cinnamon sprinkled on top if desired. Transfer slices onto plates with forks ready for action because this Pumpkin Poke Cake is going to disappear fast!
Now sit back and relish those compliments while secretly patting yourself on the back for creating such an epic dessert masterpiece!
You Must Know
- This delightful pumpkin poke cake is not just a dessert; it’s a conversation starter.
- The combination of spiced pumpkin and luscious cream makes it a showstopper for any gathering, whether it's Halloween or an autumn potluck.
- Plus, it's easy enough for even the most novice bakers to impress their friends!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix the pumpkin puree with sugar, eggs, and oil in one bowl, while combining flour, baking powder, and spices in another. Then, combine them quickly to avoid overmixing. Pour into a greased pan and bake for about 25 minutes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out pumpkin for sweet potato or butternut squash for a twist on this classic recipe. Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture, or spice things up with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover pumpkin poke cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, simply pop individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through and deliciously inviting.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter; it can lead to a dense cake.
- For best results, let the cake cool completely before poking holes and pouring in the frosting.
Nothing warms my heart quite like watching my friends devour this cake at gatherings. One time, my friend said it was "like autumn hugged me," which made me laugh—and feel like a baking genius all at once!
FAQs :
What is Pumpkin Poke Cake?
Pumpkin Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of pumpkin and spices with a moist cake base. The cake is baked and then poked with holes to allow a creamy filling to seep in, making it rich and flavorful. Often topped with whipped cream or frosting, this cake is perfect for fall celebrations or any time you crave the warm tastes of pumpkin. It’s easy to make and can be served as a comforting treat. For more inspiration, check out this easy pecan pie bars recipe.
How do I store leftover Pumpkin Poke Cake?
To store leftover Pumpkin Poke Cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will help maintain its moisture and flavor. You can keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing individual slices. Just wrap each slice well in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Can I use canned pumpkin for Pumpkin Poke Cake?
Yes, using canned pumpkin puree is highly recommended for making Pumpkin Poke Cake. Canned pumpkin provides a consistent texture and flavor, making your baking process easier. Just ensure you are using pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. This shortcut saves time while still delivering that delicious pumpkin flavor everyone loves.
What variations can I try with Pumpkin Poke Cake?
You can experiment with various flavors and toppings when making Pumpkin Poke Cake. Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for extra texture. For the filling, try mixing cream cheese with whipped topping for added richness. fruit salsa and cinnamon chips Additionally, you could top it off with caramel sauce or sprinkle some cinnamon on top for an extra festive touch. These variations can create unique twists on this classic recipe.
Conclusion for Pumpkin Poke Cake :
In summary, Pumpkin Poke Cake is an easy-to-make dessert that brings together the delightful flavors of pumpkin and warm spices. By using simple ingredients like canned pumpkin puree and whipped cream, you can create a moist and flavorful cake that everyone will love. Whether served at holiday gatherings or as an everyday treat, this cake is sure to impress family and friends alike. Don’t forget to explore different variations to personalize your creation!
Pumpkin Poke Cake
Pumpkin Poke Cake is a delightful autumn-inspired dessert that combines moist pumpkin cake with sweetened condensed milk and fluffy whipped cream. This easy-to-make treat not only captures the essence of fall but also brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Perfect for Thanksgiving or cozy nights in, each bite offers a heavenly blend of spices and cream that will leave everyone craving more.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently; pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly.
- Poke holes in the cake with a wooden spoon handle and drizzle condensed milk over it.
- Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form and spread over the cake; refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: - For a twist on flavor, substitute pumpkin with sweet potato or butternut squash. - Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture. - Sprinkle additional cinnamon on top before serving for added flavor.
