As a passionate food blogger, I’m excited to share a delightful twist on the classic Better Than Anything Cake – the Pumpkin Poke Cake. This fall-inspired dessert features a moist pumpkin cake infused with homemade salted caramel and crowned with a luscious caramel whipped cream and toffee bits. Whether you know it as Pumpkin Poke Cake or Pumpkin Better Than Anything Cake, this recipe is destined to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients Needed for Pumpkin Poke Cake
Creating a delicious Pumpkin Poke Cake requires assembling a few key ingredients to bring out the flavors and textures that make this dessert a crowd-pleaser. Below are the ingredients needed for the Pumpkin Poke Cake:
Cake Base
- 1 box White Cake Mix
- 15 oz Canned Pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 4 Eggs
Poke Filling
- 1 cup Caramel Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 16 oz Cool Whip
- 1 cup or more Toffee Bits (Heath or Skor Bar pieces)
These ingredients, when combined and prepared following the steps, will result in a delectable Pumpkin Poke Cake that is sure to impress your guests.
Necessary Tools and Equipment
To prepare this delicious Pumpkin Poke Cake recipe, you’ll need a few essential tools and equipment to ensure a smooth baking experience and a fantastic outcome.
Tools:
- Mixing Bowls: Use various sizes of mixing bowls for combining ingredients and preparing the cake batter.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer: A whisk or electric mixer will help you combine the ingredients smoothly and achieve the right cake batter consistency.
- Spatula: A spatula is handy for folding in ingredients and scraping the sides of the mixing bowl.
- Cake Pan: Use a standard 9×13-inch cake pan for baking the pumpkin poke cake.
- Poke Tool: You’ll need a tool like a straw, fork, or wooden spoon handle to poke holes in the cake for the caramel infusion.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to the specified temperature for baking the cake.
- Refrigerator: Refrigerate the caramel whipped cream overnight for the best consistency.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial, so have these tools on hand.
- Cake Stand or Serving Plate: Prepare a cake stand or serving plate for a beautiful presentation of the finished cake.
- Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife for cutting and serving the Pumpkin Poke Cake.
Having these tools and equipment ready will make the baking process easier and more enjoyable. Now, let’s move on to the next steps to continue creating this delectable pumpkin dessert.
Preparation Steps
Prepping the Baking Pan
To start, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and prepare the baking pan by spraying it with cooking spray. This will prevent the cake from sticking and ensure easy removal once baked.
Mixing the Cake Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients of the yellow cake mix and whisk them together. Then, add the canned pumpkin, egg, sour cream, and cinnamon. Stir the mixture either by hand or using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. This well-mixed cake batter will result in a deliciously moist pumpkin poke cake.
Baking the Cake
After preheating the oven to 350 degrees, spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent the cake from sticking. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, yellow cake mix, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. You can use either a stand mixer or a hand mixer for this step until the batter is fully combined and smooth.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly as the batter may be thicker in consistency. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. Using the round end of a wooden spoon or spatula, poke holes about every inch on the top of the cake. Be sure not to poke all the way to the bottom of the cake.
Next, pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, allowing it to fill all the holes made by the wooden spoon. This step is crucial to infuse the cake with flavor and moisture, creating a decadent and delicious Pumpkin Poke Cake that your guests will love.
Creating the Poke Filling
Choosing the Right Ingredients
- 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups toffee bits (Skor or Heath Bar pieces)
- In a mixing bowl, combine the caramel sauce, heavy whipping cream, and powdered sugar.
- Use a hand mixer to beat the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Gently fold in the toffee bits to add a delicious crunch to the filling.
- Once mixed, the poke filling is ready to be poured over the prepared pumpkin poke cake.
Assembling the Pumpkin Poke Cake
Assembling the Pumpkin Poke Cake involves adding the filling and applying the delicious toppings to create a flavorful and decadent dessert that captures the essence of fall.
Adding the Filling
- Allow the Cake to Cool: Ensure the cake has cooled completely before adding the filling. This step prevents the cake from becoming soggy and ensures a perfect texture.
- Choose the Right Size Poke Holes: Use the handle of a wooden spoon to create holes in the cake. Make sure the holes are large enough to absorb the filling but not too big to compromise the structure.
- Evenly Distribute the Holes: Space the holes evenly across the cake to ensure an even distribution of the flavorful filling.
- Pour Slowly and Evenly: When adding the filling, pour it slowly and evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and saturate the cake thoroughly.
- Let the Cake Chill: After adding the filling, refrigerate the cake to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to absorb the delicious filling.
- Serve Chilled: Pumpkin poke cake is best enjoyed chilled as the flavors intensify and develop further after being refrigerated.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings to suit your taste preferences. Consider trying chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, Snickers, or other favorite toppings to enhance the cake’s flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation Tips
When serving your Pumpkin Poke Cake, consider adding a sprinkle of additional toffee bits or mini chocolate chips on top for a colorful and enticing presentation. You can also drizzle some extra salted caramel sauce over each slice for an extra indulgent touch.
Accompaniments
Pair your Pumpkin Poke Cake with a warm cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures. The cake’s warm, spiced flavors complement the cool creaminess of ice cream or the rich aroma of a freshly brewed coffee. These accompaniments will elevate your dessert experience for a truly satisfying treat.
Storing and Preserving Pumpkin Poke Cake
After enjoying a delightful slice of Pumpkin Poke Cake, you might want to store any leftovers properly to maintain its freshness. Here are a few simple steps to help you preserve your pumpkin-infused dessert:
1. Refrigeration:
- Once the Pumpkin Poke Cake has been served, cover any remaining portions loosely with plastic wrap or foil.
- Place the covered cake in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
- Properly stored, the cake can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring you can savor its flavors over time.
2. Freezing:
- For longer-term storage, consider freezing individual slices or the entire cake.
- Wrap the slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the package with the date to keep track of its freshness.
- The Pumpkin Poke Cake can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months without compromising its taste and texture.
- When ready to enjoy your frozen Pumpkin Poke Cake, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator.
- Let the cake defrost slowly overnight to retain its moisture and taste.
- Optionally, warm the cake slightly in the microwave or allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
By following these storage and preservation tips, you can ensure that your Pumpkin Poke Cake remains delicious and ready to be enjoyed even after a few days or weeks.
Conclusion
I’ve shared the delightful Pumpkin Poke Cake recipe, a seasonal twist on the classic Better Than Anything Cake. This moist pumpkin cake infused with salted caramel, caramel whipped cream, and toffee bits is a must-try for any dessert lover. Remember to store your cake properly for lasting freshness – refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 1-2 months. When ready to enjoy, follow the defrosting and serving tips to savor the cake’s texture and flavor. Get creative with toppings like toffee bits or mini chocolate chips, and consider pairing it with a hot cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Make this Pumpkin Poke Cake a star at your next gathering and treat your taste buds to a burst of autumn flavors.