Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake: The Ultimate Fall Dessert

When pumpkin season hits, there’s no shortage of delicious treats — but if you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and downright irresistible, look no further than Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake. This moist, spiced cake is infused with creamy caramel sauce and topped with fluffy whipped cream and crunchy toffee bits. It’s the kind of dessert that gets devoured at potlucks, family dinners, or holiday gatherings.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is a no-fuss crowd-pleaser with big flavor and cozy autumn vibes in every bite.

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Why You’ll Love Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake

🎃 Super moist and flavorful thanks to pumpkin puree
🍰 “Poke” method lets the caramel soak deep into the cake
🥄 Easy to make using cake mix as a shortcut
🍮 Irresistibly gooey with caramel and whipped topping
🥧 Perfect for Thanksgiving or fall celebrations
❄️ Great for making ahead — actually tastes better the next day!

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What Is a Poke Cake?

A poke cake is a sheet cake that’s baked, then poked with holes and filled with a sauce, pudding, or cream that seeps into the cake, creating a super moist, flavorful interior. In this case, the warm pumpkin spice cake gets poked and filled with sweet, rich caramel sauce, creating gooey layers in every bite.

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Ingredients

This recipe makes a 9×13-inch cake and serves 12–15 people.

For the Cake:

• 1 box spice cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
• ⅓ cup milk (or almond milk)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (optional for extra flavor)

For the Filling:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For the Topping:

• 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
• ½ cup toffee bits or chopped pecans
• Extra caramel drizzle, for garnish

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How to Make Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake

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Step 1: Bake the Pumpkin Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, milk, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice (if using).
3. Mix until smooth and well combined — about 2 minutes.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
5. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for 10–15 minutes.

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Step 2: Poke and Fill

1. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, skewer, or a straw, poke holes all over the cake — spacing about 1 inch apart.
2. While the cake is still slightly warm, pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top, letting it soak into the holes.
3. Follow with the caramel sauce, reserving a few tablespoons for drizzling on top.
4. Let the cake cool completely before adding the topping.

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Step 3: Add the Whipped Topping

1. Once the cake is cool, spread the Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream) evenly over the top.
2. Sprinkle with toffee bits, chopped pecans, or both for crunch.
3. Drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce.

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Step 4: Chill and Serve

• Refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours, or overnight for best results.
• Slice, serve, and enjoy! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.

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Tips for the Best Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake

✅ Use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling
✅ Let the cake cool slightly before poking to avoid it falling apart
✅ Poke deep holes so the filling gets all the way in
✅ Use homemade whipped cream for an extra decadent touch
✅ Make it the night before — it tastes even better the next day!

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Homemade Caramel Sauce (Optional)

If you’d like to make your own caramel sauce, here’s a quick version:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp butter, cut into cubes
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts and turns amber-colored.
2. Add butter and stir until melted.
3. Slowly whisk in cream (be careful — it will bubble).
4. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and salt.
5. Let cool slightly before using.

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Variations and Add-Ons

🍫 Chocolate Twist – Add chocolate chips to the cake batter
🍎 Apple Spice Poke Cake – Replace pumpkin with apple pie filling
🌰 Nutty Crunch – Add walnuts, pecans, or almonds on top
🍮 Salted Caramel Version – Sprinkle with sea salt before serving
🥧 Pumpkin Pie Layer – Spread a layer of pumpkin pie filling under the whipped cream topping

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What to Serve With Pumpkin Poke Cake

This cake is rich and flavorful, perfect on its own, but can be paired with:

☕ A warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or apple cider
🍨 A scoop of vanilla ice cream or pumpkin gelato
🥂 A festive drink like sparkling cider or caramel lattes

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This cake actually gets better as it sits. Make it up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes — yellow cake or vanilla cake mix can be used, though spice cake gives the best flavor.

Is there a way to make this lighter?

Use lite Cool Whip, fat-free sweetened condensed milk, or low-fat milk. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of whipped topping for a tangy finish.

Can I freeze Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake?

It’s not recommended, as the whipped topping may separate. If you must freeze, do so before adding the topping.

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Nutrition Info (Per Slice – Approximate)

• Calories: 410
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Sugar: 40g
• Protein: 4g

Nutrition varies based on ingredients and portion size.

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Why This Recipe Works

✅ Moist and flavorful thanks to pumpkin and condensed milk
✅ Layered textures — soft cake, gooey filling, creamy topping, crunchy bits
✅ Easy to make — no stand mixer or decorating skills required
✅ Perfect for fall parties, potlucks, or Thanksgiving dessert tables
✅ Kid-friendly and make-ahead — less stress, more flavor

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Final Thoughts: A Fall Favorite for Every Occasion

Whether you’re looking for a new Thanksgiving dessert, hosting a fall potluck, or just craving pumpkin and caramel, Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake checks all the boxes. It’s sweet, moist, simple to make, and guaranteed to get rave reviews.

This is more than just cake — it’s fall in a forkful.

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