Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Poke Cake is a moist and decadent recipe, which is made with spice cake mix and pumpkin puree. It’s the perfect fall dessert, ready in about 45 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Poke Cake Ingredients
A simple, semi-homemade mix for the ultimate fall treat.
- 1 (15-ounce) box spice cake mix
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (11-12 ounce) jar caramel sauce (about 1 1/3 cups)
- 1 container cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish (optional)
How To Make Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Poke Cake
A step-by-step guide to this incredibly easy and delicious dessert.
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the dry spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about one minute, until the batter is smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Cake: The batter will be thick. Spread it evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake springs back when lightly pressed.
- Poke and Pour: Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack. While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a wide straw to poke holes all over the top of the cake, about an inch apart.
- Add the Caramel: Immediately and slowly pour the caramel sauce over the warm cake, trying to guide it into all of the holes. Spread any excess caramel evenly over the top.
- Frost and Serve: Let the cake cool slightly, then spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. If desired, sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts. The cake can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Recipe Tips
For the most decadent and moist pumpkin poke cake.
- How to get the caramel in the holes? Pouring the caramel sauce over the cake while it’s still warm is key, as the heat helps the caramel stay fluid and seep down into the holes. Pour slowly and deliberately over each hole to ensure it gets a good soaking.
- What’s the best tool for poking holes? The round handle of a wooden spoon is the perfect size for creating holes that are large enough to be filled with plenty of caramel. A thick straw also works well.
- Can I use a different cake mix? Yes. If you can’t find a spice cake mix, you can use a yellow or butter cake mix and simply increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice in the batter to 3-4 teaspoons to get that classic fall flavor.
- Can I make my own frosting? Absolutely! A homemade cream cheese frosting is delicious on this cake. Simply beat together an 8-ounce block of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of softened butter, 4 cups of powdered sugar, and a teaspoon of vanilla until smooth and creamy.
What To Serve With Pumpkin Poke Cake
This rich cake is a complete dessert on its own.
This caramel-soaked pumpkin cake is incredibly rich and satisfying. It’s perfect as is, but also lovely with:
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
- A dollop of fresh whipped cream
- A hot cup of black coffee or a spiced chai latte
How To Store Pumpkin Poke Cake
Keeping your poke cake moist and delicious.
- Refrigerate: If you use a homemade cream cheese frosting, the cake must be stored in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly and it will keep for up to a week.
- Room Temperature: If you use a store-bought, shelf-stable cream cheese frosting, you can store the cake, covered, at room temperature for up to five days.
- Serving Tip: The cake is delicious cold, but for an extra gooey treat, gently reheat a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds before serving.
Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Poke Cake Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 317 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 14 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Does the cake need to be warm when I pour the caramel over it?
Yes, this is very important. The warmth of the cake helps the caramel sauce stay liquid and flow down into the holes you’ve poked. If you let the cake cool, the caramel will just sit on top.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this is a great make-ahead dessert! You can bake and assemble it completely, then store it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld and become even more delicious the next day.
Is pumpkin puree the same as pumpkin pie filling?
No, they are different products. Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling is pre-sweetened and spiced and will make the cake overly sweet.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Hummingbird Cake Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Hummingbird Cake Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Poke Cake Recipe
Description
An incredibly moist and easy pumpkin spice cake, poked while warm and drenched in gooey caramel sauce, then topped with a rich cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- In a large bowl, beat together the dry cake mix, pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, and spices until smooth.
- Spread the thick batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the top with the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Slowly pour the caramel sauce over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
- Let the cake cool slightly, then spread with cream cheese frosting. Garnish with nuts, if desired.
Notes
- u003cliu003eThe cake batter will be very thick; this is normal.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eIt is crucial to poke the holes and pour the caramel sauce while the cake is still warm.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis cake is delicious served warm, at room temperature, or chilled from the refrigerator.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eStore in the refrigerator if using homemade cream cheese frosting.u003c/liu003e
