Description
This Pumpkin Patch Poke Cake is a festive and moist dessert perfect for fall celebrations. It starts with a spiced pumpkin cake base filled with a cinnamon-flavored vanilla pudding, topped with fluffy whipped topping, caramel drizzle, and decorated with seasonal pumpkin-shaped candies and crushed graham crackers for texture and visual appeal.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 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
Pudding Filling
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Topping and Garnish
- 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. This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
- Mix the Batter: Prepare the spice cake mix as directed on the package. Stir in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice thoroughly to infuse the batter with warm pumpkin flavor.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake as per the package directions until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Poke Holes in the Cake: After baking, allow the cake to cool slightly. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly all over the surface of the cake, which will allow the pudding to seep in.
- Prepare the Pudding Filling: Whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and cinnamon until the mixture thickens. Pour this cinnamon-infused pudding evenly over the cake, spreading it so it fills all the poked holes.
- Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the pudding filling to set and meld with the cake for a moist texture.
- Add the Whipped Topping: Spread the whipped topping uniformly over the chilled cake to create a light, creamy layer.
- Garnish: Optionally, drizzle caramel sauce over the top and decorate with pumpkin-shaped candies and crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs for added sweetness and crunch.
- Serve: Slice the cake and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Using a wooden spoon handle for poking holes ensures the cake isn’t damaged excessively.
- Refrigeration time is crucial for pudding to set and cake to become moist.
- Caramel sauce is optional but adds a delicious richness.
- Substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a fresher option.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
