Cozy Pumpkin Patch Poke Cake Recipe: A Festive Fall Treat
Delightful pumpkin patch poke cake brings autumn’s warmth right to your dessert plate.
Seasonal spices dance through soft layers, creating a moist masterpiece.
Creamy filling seeps into delicate holes, promising rich flavor in every bite.
Rustic charm meets sweet indulgence with this simple yet impressive treat.
Subtle hints of cinnamon and nutmeg whisper memories of crisp fall afternoons.
Kitchen novices and baking pros alike will adore this effortless dessert.
Grab a fork and let the first magical taste transport you to a cozy pumpkin patch.
Why Pumpkin Patch Poke Cake Is a Fall Favorite
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Patch Poke Cake
Cake Base:Filling and Pudding:Topping and Garnish:Step-by-Step Preparation of Pumpkin Patch Poke Cake
Step 1: Bake the Spice Cake Base
Mix the spice cake mix in a bowl, adding pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to create a rich, autumnal flavor. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch baking pan and bake according to package instructions until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 2: Create Delightful Holes
After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Take a wooden spoon handle and playfully poke holes across the entire cake surface, creating little pockets for flavor absorption.
Step 3: Whip Up the Pudding Magic
In a separate bowl, blend instant pudding mix with cold milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Whisk until the mixture starts to thicken and becomes smooth. Carefully pour the pudding over the cake, ensuring it seeps into every hole.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This cooling time allows the pudding to set and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Decorate with Autumn Flair
Cover the entire cake with fluffy whipped topping. For extra indulgence:Step 6: Serve and Celebrate
Slice the cake and serve chilled. Each bite brings a burst of seasonal warmth and creamy delight that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Expert Advice for Making Pumpkin Patch Poke Cake
Delicious Variations of Pumpkin Patch Poke Cake
Best Pairings to Enjoy with Pumpkin Patch Poke Cake
Proper Storage Tips for Pumpkin Patch Poke Cake
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Patch Poke Cake
Yes, homemade pumpkin puree works perfectly. Just ensure it’s smooth and well-strained to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
Definitely! While spice cake complements pumpkin best, yellow or white cake mix can also work well with some added pumpkin pie spice.
You can substitute with vanilla or butterscotch pudding mix. The goal is to create a creamy, flavorful filling that complements the pumpkin spice profile.
The cake remains delicious for 3-4 days when stored covered in the refrigerator. The whipped topping and pudding layers keep it moist and creamy.
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Pumpkin Patch Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Sweet autumn memories come alive with this pumpkin patch poke cake, a delightful dessert that whispers fall’s warmth. Creamy layers of spiced pumpkin and rich cream will enchant your taste buds with nostalgic comfort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box spice cake mix
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) pumpkin puree
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) pumpkin pie spice
Additional Ingredients (as specified on the cake mix box):
(Note: These would typically include eggs, oil, and water as per the cake mix package instructions)
Instructions
- Craft the foundation by mixing spice cake blend with pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, following package guidance. Transfer batter into a 9×13-inch baking vessel and bake at recommended temperature until golden and springy.
- After removing from oven, allow cake to cool slightly, then perforate entire surface systematically using wooden spoon handle, creating channels for pudding absorption.
- Combine instant pudding mix with cold milk and ground cinnamon, whisking vigorously until mixture achieves a thickened consistency, approximately two minutes.
- Cascade pudding across cake’s surface, ensuring even distribution into previously created perforations, allowing liquid to seep thoroughly into cake’s interior.
- Transfer cake to refrigeration unit, permitting pudding to solidify and flavors to meld for minimum two hours.
- Once chilled, blanket entire cake with smooth layer of whipped topping, creating uniform coverage.
- Enhance visual appeal by drizzling caramel sauce in elegant patterns across topping’s surface, then sprinkle crushed graham crackers and strategically place pumpkin-shaped confections for festive presentation.
- Slice into symmetrical portions and serve chilled, celebrating autumn’s delectable essence in every decadent bite.
Notes
- Swap out whole milk for almond or oat milk to create a dairy-free version that’s equally delicious and creamy.
- Use sugar-free pudding mix and whipped topping to reduce overall sugar content for health-conscious guests.
- Enhance moisture by adding an extra quarter cup of pumpkin puree to the cake batter, creating a richer, more decadent texture.
- Toast the graham cracker crumbs before sprinkling for an extra layer of nutty, caramelized flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Sarah Mitchell
Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast
Expertise
Education
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC
American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online
Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.