Name: Pumpkin Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15.25 ounce spice cake mix; 1½ cups pumpkin purée; 2 large eggs; ½ cup melted butter; 2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup caramel sauce plus more for drizzling; 1 cup cream cheese frosting; ½ cup chopped pecans

There's something irresistible about the warm spices and creamy drizzle in this autumn favorite. The Pumpkin Poke Cake Recipe delivers soft, moist layers infused with pumpkin and caramel, making every bite a cozy treat that feels like a big hug from the inside out.

A square piece of orange-brown cake with a rough, soft texture sits on a stack of three white plates. The cake has a thick layer of smooth white frosting on top, sprinkled with chopped pecans in varying sizes. Golden caramel sauce is drizzled over the frosting and around the plate, with a few whole pecans scattered on the plate. A gold fork is placed beside the cake on the top plate, and the background shows a white marbled surface with a white baking dish partially visible, also containing the remaining cake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Poke Cake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Pumpkin Poke Cake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Poke Cake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I always find myself coming back to this Pumpkin Poke Cake Recipe when I want something impressive yet easy. It’s one of those desserts that looks like it took all day but actually comes together in a flash.

Flavor Explosion: Moist spice cake soaked with luscious caramel—it's like fall on a plate.
Simple Technique: The poke step lets the caramel soak in perfectly, adding moisture and richness effortlessly.
Creamy Topping: Cream cheese frosting paired with pecans and caramel drizzle balances tangy, nutty, and sweet notes beautifully.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for prepping ahead for guests.

A square piece of orange-brown cake sits on a white plate with a gold fork to the left. The cake has two main layers: a moist, crumbly orange-brown base and a thick, creamy white frosting on top. The frosting is sprinkled with small pieces of brown pecans, with some pecans scattered around the plate. Golden caramel sauce is drizzled over the frosting and plate, pooling in areas around the cake. The background is a white marbled surface with a white baking dish holding more cake blurred in the back, along with decorative pumpkins and scattered pecans. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This cake nails it with just a few simple ingredients that work harmoniously to deliver that cozy pumpkin flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Here’s why each one is important.

Flat lay of vibrant pumpkin purée in a small glass jar, golden melted butter glistening in a clear container, rich caramel sauce flowing gently beside smooth, creamy white cream cheese frosting dolloped softly, whole bright brown pecans scattered artfully, fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg powder sprinkled lightly as pumpkin pie spice, warm golden-brown spice cake pieces broken to show texture, and two fresh large eggs with clean shells, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Spice Cake Mix: Offers a flavorful base with spices already blended in, so you’re saving time on measuring and mixing.
Pumpkin Purée: Adds moisture and that unmistakable fall flavor; make sure to use plain pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
Eggs: Help bind everything together and add richness.
Butter: Melted butter makes the cake tender and adds a buttery depth.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: Enhances the warm spice profile even more for that traditional cozy taste.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts all the other flavors.
Caramel Sauce: This is the magic for soaking the cake; it seeps into every hole adding gooey sweetness.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Brings creamy tanginess to counterbalance the sweet caramel and spices.
Chopped Pecans: Provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that makes each bite more interesting.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love to switch things up sometimes, and this Pumpkin Poke Cake Recipe is super flexible! Don’t hesitate to tweak the toppings or even the spices to suit your taste buds or dietary needs.

Variation: I once swapped out the pecans for toasted walnuts and added a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra warmth—it was a hit with my family.
Diet-Friendly: For a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream cheese frosting and a plant-based caramel sauce—you’ll still get loads of flavor!
Spice Mix: Feel free to adjust pumpkin pie spice—if you prefer more cinnamon or cloves, add a bit extra to make it uniquely yours.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Gather and prep with care

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly—this keeps the cake from sticking and makes serving easier later. I use a bit of butter and a quick flour dusting to be extra safe.

Step 2: Mix the batter to perfection

In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix, pumpkin purée, eggs, melted butter, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir until everything’s smooth and evenly combined — no lumps should remain. Don’t overmix because that can make the cake tough; stop stirring once it looks uniform.

Step 3: Bake until golden and inviting

Pour your batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes—start checking at 25 minutes by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a crumb or two. Let it cool slightly before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Poke and pour that caramel magic

Now comes the fun part—use the handle of a small wooden spoon to poke holes across the entire surface of the cake, about an inch apart. Don’t press too hard, just enough to pierce through. Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the top, letting it seep into every hole. Then, pop the cake into the fridge for 30 minutes to let all that caramel soak in nicely.

Step 5: Frost, sprinkle, and drizzle

Once chilled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake. A trick I learned is to let the frosting sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes beforehand to make spreading smoother and easier. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top, then drizzle extra caramel sauce for that beautiful finishing touch.

Step 6: Chill again and serve

Pop the cake back in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This final chill helps everything set properly, so each slice holds together beautifully, and the flavors meld for the best taste.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Pumpkin Poke Cake Recipe a dozen times, these tips will help you nail it every time without fuss or frustration.

Perfect Poking: Don’t rush the hole-poking step. Take your time to evenly space the holes, so the caramel can saturate the cake perfectly without puddling on top.
Room Temperature Frosting: Let your cream cheese frosting sit out for a bit before spreading—it makes it so much easier to get a smooth, even layer.
Chill Time is Key: Be patient with chilling. The caramel soaking and final chill make a big difference, turning a good cake into a showstopper.
Avoid Overbaking: Since this cake has pumpkin purée, it can dry out if overbaked—start checking your cake as soon as 25 minutes hit!

How to Serve Pumpkin Poke Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this cake with an extra light sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few whole toasted pecans for presentation. A quick dollop of whipped cream on individual slices brings extra creaminess that everyone appreciates.

Side Dishes

This Pumpkin Poke Cake Recipe pairs beautifully with warm drinks like chai tea, coffee, or even a spiced apple cider when you want to enhance those fall vibes. If you’re serving it after dinner, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this poke cake in smaller individual glass jars or trifle bowls—making it look fancy while keeping it fun and approachable. Drizzle extra caramel on top just before serving for that shiny, tempting look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always keep this cake covered tightly in the fridge, where it stays fresh for up to 4 days. I find it tastes best chilled, but bringing it out for 10-15 minutes before serving lets the flavors bloom and the frosting soften just right.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, I recommend doing so before frosting and topping. Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and add frosting and pecans fresh for best results.

Reheating

While this cake is best cold or at room temp, if you want to warm a slice, a few seconds in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) works nicely. Just avoid too long or the frosting might melt and get messy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade pumpkin purée for this cake?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin purée works beautifully, just make sure it’s cooked and pureed smooth. You might need to adjust moisture a bit if your purée is very watery, but otherwise it’s a perfect, fresh swap.

What if I don’t have caramel sauce on hand?

If you don’t have caramel sauce, you can make a quick homemade version with brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Alternatively, dulce de leche is a great substitute that adds a similar sweet, gooey element.

Can I make this pumpkin poke cake gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free spice cake mix and check all your other ingredients like frosting and caramel for gluten-free labels. The recipe works just as well, and the results are equally delicious.

How do I prevent the cake from becoming soggy from the caramel?

Poking evenly spaced holes and pouring the caramel slowly ensures it seeps in without pooling on top. Also, chilling the cake between steps helps the caramel absorb well, keeping the texture moist but not soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Poke Cake Recipe feels like a little slice of autumn joy that’s approachable for bakers of any level. It’s my go-to when I want something comforting without hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it with that gooey caramel soak and creamy frosting, you’ll be hooked—and maybe even find yourself making it for unexpected guests or special moments. Go ahead, bake one today and savor a taste of cozy!