The tantalizing aroma of caramel mingling with pumpkin wafts through your kitchen, promising a slice of heaven in every bite. This Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake combines rich caramel sauce with warm fall spices and tender pumpkin cake to create the ultimate seasonal treat. Imagine a moist, fluffy cake, punctuated by silky caramel and hints of cinnamon and nutmeg—perfect for cozy family gatherings or festive celebrations.
More than just dessert, the Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake is an experience—one that brings laughter, joy, and togetherness to the table. Whether served at Thanksgiving, a holiday party, or a casual weekend dinner, it’s a showstopping dessert that everyone will remember.
For more inspiration, check out this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars recipe.
As you dig your fork into this sweet creation, you might be reminded of cozy autumn evenings spent with loved ones—maybe even playfully arguing over the last slice of cake (we won’t judge). The Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic, feel-good experience baked into every bite. It’s the kind of treat you bring to a Thanksgiving table, an office potluck, or serve on a quiet Tuesday night just because you deserve something special.
This cake is perfect for fall gatherings, festive dinners, or anytime you want to embrace the flavors of the season. The moist pumpkin base, infused with warm spices and drenched in rich, buttery caramel, makes this recipe irresistible. Let’s embark on this delicious journey together and create a Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake that will have everyone asking for the recipe (and maybe even a second helping).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy and Foolproof: The Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake is incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect choice for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
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Fall Flavors in Every Bite: Each slice delivers the perfect balance of cozy spices, pumpkin goodness, and sweet caramel drizzle.
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Visually Stunning: The golden-brown cake topped with gooey caramel and creamy topping makes for a beautiful presentation at any table.
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Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Whether served at casual gatherings, fall brunches, or grand holiday celebrations, this cake always steals the show.
Ingredients for Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake
To create the perfect Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and cozy fall flavors. Each ingredient plays a key role in delivering that soft, spiced crumb and rich caramel finish that makes this cake unforgettable.
All-Purpose Flour
This is the foundation of your cake batter. Sift it well to ensure a smooth, airy texture in your Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake.
Pumpkin Purée
Use canned or homemade pumpkin purée—just make sure it’s 100% pumpkin and not pie filling. It adds moisture, richness, and that unmistakable autumn flavor without overpowering the cake.
Granulated Sugar
White sugar sweetens the batter and helps balance the earthy tones of the pumpkin.
Brown Sugar
Light brown sugar deepens the flavor with its molasses notes, enhancing the caramel profile and keeping the cake extra moist.
Baking Powder
A leavening agent that ensures the cake rises beautifully and achieves a fluffy, tender crumb. Always double-check that it’s fresh.
Cinnamon
This warm spice is essential to bring out the best in the pumpkin. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for an even cozier flavor.
Eggs
Eggs act as a binder and help give structure to the cake. They also contribute richness and moisture.
Vegetable Oil
Keeps the cake soft and moist. If you prefer a slightly richer taste, you can substitute it with melted butter or even a blend of both.
Heavy Cream
Used to make the luxurious caramel sauce that gets poured into the poke holes. It ensures a creamy, indulgent texture.
Caramel Sauce
Whether store-bought or homemade, caramel is the star of this dessert. It seeps into the cake through the poked holes, infusing every bite with gooey, buttery sweetness.
The full list of ingredients, including precise measurements, is available in the recipe card below. Once combined, they create a Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake that’s rich, moist, and irresistibly festive.
How to Make Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake
Creating the ultimate Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake is easier than you might think—and the payoff is pure dessert bliss. With warm fall spices, moist pumpkin cake, and a generous drizzle of buttery caramel, this recipe is destined to become a seasonal favorite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, weekend potluck, or just a cozy treat for yourself, these step-by-step instructions will help you make a poke cake that impresses every time.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with nonstick spray or butter. A well-greased pan ensures easy removal and beautiful presentation of each slice of your Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the following:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup granulated sugar
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½ cup light brown sugar
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon salt
This aromatic blend sets the foundation for your cake, filling the air with warm fall scents. Want to boost the flavor even more? Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to deepen the spice profile.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another mixing bowl, combine:
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1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
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3 large eggs
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½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer taste)
Whisk thoroughly until smooth and creamy. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and color, while the eggs and oil ensure the cake is soft and tender. This mixture should have a thick, luscious consistency that promises a moist crumb once baked.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep your cake light and fluffy. The batter will be slightly thick and fragrant, and that’s exactly what you want.
Step 5: Bake
Transfer the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth it out with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While it bakes, your kitchen will be filled with a heavenly aroma—spiced pumpkin and sugar blending into the perfect autumn scent.
Step 6: Poke and Drizzle
Allow the cake to cool for about 10–15 minutes after baking. Then, using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes evenly across the surface of the cake. Be sure to poke deeply and generously—these holes will be filled with rich, gooey caramel!
Warm your caramel sauce slightly to make it easier to pour. Then slowly drizzle it over the top of the cake, allowing it to sink into each hole. The sauce will soak into the cake, infusing it with irresistible sweetness in every bite.
Pro Tip: If using homemade caramel, make it just before drizzling to ensure the best texture and flavor. If using store-bought, choose a thick, buttery caramel sauce for the best result.
Step 7: Chill or Serve Warm
You can serve your Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake right away while it’s warm and gooey, or let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld even more. Either way, it’s absolutely divine.
Top each slice with:
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A dollop of whipped cream
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A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
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Optional chopped pecans or crushed graham crackers for extra crunch
Perfecting the Cooking Process for Your Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake
To truly master this Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake, timing and technique are everything. Begin by baking your pumpkin cake just until it’s perfectly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—overbaking can dry out the delicate crumb, so keep a close eye near the end of the baking time.
While the cake cools slightly, prepare your caramel sauce. You can use a high-quality store-bought version or opt for a homemade caramel with butter, brown sugar, and cream for a deeper, richer flavor. Warm it just enough so it flows easily—this ensures it sinks beautifully into the poke holes, creating ribbons of gooey sweetness throughout the cake.
Next comes the whipped topping. For the best results, chill your mixing bowl and cream beforehand, then whip until soft peaks form. A hint of vanilla or cinnamon can add an extra layer of warmth and elevate the flavor of your Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake even more.
Timing is essential: poke and drizzle the caramel while the cake is still slightly warm for better absorption, and wait to add the whipped topping until just before serving to keep it light and fluffy. By following this rhythm, you’ll achieve a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and visually irresistible—each layer working in perfect harmony for a fall dessert worth repeating.
Add Your Touch
One of the best things about this Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake is how easily you can customize it to suit your taste. Want to change things up? Swap the caramel sauce for rich chocolate ganache or drizzle with maple syrup for a deeper fall vibe. Add a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even toasted coconut for an added crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, moist cake.
Looking to elevate the spice level? Sprinkle in a bit of nutmeg, clove, or pumpkin pie spice to intensify that cozy autumn flavor. The beauty of poke cakes lies in their flexibility—so don’t be afraid to get creative and make this Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you. To keep your Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake tasting fresh and moist, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The caramel will continue to soak into the cake, making each bite even more decadent over time.
Craving a warm slice? Just pop a piece into the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This quick zap revives the gooey caramel and makes the cake taste like it just came out of the oven. Don’t forget to re-top with a bit of whipped cream for that fresh-made feel!
Freezer Friendly: You can also freeze the cake (without the whipped topping) for up to a month. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Want bakery-quality results at home? Here are a few tried-and-true tips for perfecting your Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake every time:
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your eggs and pumpkin puree sit out before baking. This helps everything mix more smoothly and ensures the cake bakes evenly.
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Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir until ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the soft, fluffy texture we’re after.
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Cool Before Poking: Let the cake cool at least 15–20 minutes after baking before poking holes. This prevents it from tearing or becoming overly soggy when adding the caramel.
🧡 Baker’s Note: My first time baking this cake, I brought it to a casual dinner with friends—and they were absolutely swooning. One bite in, and they were already asking for the recipe. That moment sealed the deal for me: this Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake is a keeper.
FAQs About Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake
What is Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake?
Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake is a moist and flavorful fall-inspired dessert that features a pumpkin spice cake base with holes “poked” throughout—hence the name. These holes are filled with silky caramel sauce, which seeps into the cake for extra moisture and sweetness. Often topped with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting, this decadent treat is perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or any cozy autumn gathering.
How Do I Store Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake?
To keep your Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake fresh, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. The caramel helps keep the cake moist, and the flavors often deepen with time.
Want to make it last longer? Wrap individual slices in plastic and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy as usual.
Can I Make Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! In fact, Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake is even better when made in advance. Baking it a day ahead allows the caramel to soak into the sponge and intensify the flavor. After baking and adding the caramel, refrigerate the cake overnight. Before serving, top it with freshly whipped cream or frosting. It’s an effortless, make-ahead dessert your guests will love.
Conclusion for Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake
In conclusion, Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake is the ultimate fall dessert that brings warmth, comfort, and indulgence to any table. Its perfectly moist pumpkin base, soaked with luscious caramel sauce, delivers a rich and satisfying flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a festive holiday dinner, attending a potluck, or simply craving a sweet seasonal treat, this cake checks every box.
One of the best things about this dessert is its make-ahead convenience—a true lifesaver for busy hosts. Prepare it the night before, let the flavors meld, and top it off with whipped cream right before serving for that freshly made touch. Plus, its flexibility allows for countless custom variations, from chocolate drizzles to spiced toppings.
Add this Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake to your fall baking lineup, and it’s guaranteed to become a crowd favorite. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a dessert that satisfies every time—perfect for pumpkin lovers and caramel fans alike.
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