Description
Pumpkin Patch Poke Cake is a delicious fall dessert featuring spiced cake mixed with pumpkin puree, topped with creamy vanilla pudding, and finished with a fluffy whipped topping. This cake is a festive and easy-to-make treat perfect for autumn gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 box spice cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box) or homemade spice cake using your favorite recipe
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
For the Filling:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
For the Topping:
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- ½ cup caramel sauce (optional)
- Pumpkin-shaped candies (for garnish)
- Crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven according to the spice cake mix package instructions.
- Prepare the spice cake mix as directed. Stir in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice.
- Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch baking pan and bake as per package directions.
- Poke and Fill:
- Let the cake cool slightly after baking. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
- Whisk together the instant pudding mix, cold milk, and cinnamon until thickened. Pour the pudding mixture over the cake, spreading it evenly into the holes.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the pudding to set.
- Add the Topping:
- Spread the whipped topping over the chilled cake.
- Optionally, drizzle caramel sauce on top and garnish with pumpkin-shaped candies and crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding the pudding to prevent it from melting.
- For a richer topping, consider using homemade whipped cream or cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg