Ultimate Moist Pumpkin Caramel Poke Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Make this incredibly moist Pumpkin Poke Cake, soaked in sweet caramel, and topped with rich cream cheese frosting. It is a simple, flavorful fall dessert perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Total Time: 150 min
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 can pumpkin puree (15 oz)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 package (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1/2 bag Heath bits (about 8 oz)
- Caramel sundae sauce for drizzling
- Cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package directions, substituting the required amount of water with the can of pumpkin puree. Mix well until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake the cake according to the package directions for a 9×13 pan, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a large fork to poke holes all over the top surface, spacing them about one inch apart.
- Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
- Drizzle a generous amount of caramel sundae sauce over the cake surface.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or until completely cool. This allows the caramel to set and the cake to absorb moisture.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle the Heath bits over the frosting layer.
- Chill the cake again until ready to serve. Cut into squares and serve cold.
Notes
- For an extra layer of flavor, you can substitute the yellow cake mix with a spice cake mix.
- If you prefer a lighter topping, use vanilla pudding instead of cream cheese frosting.
- You can make this dessert ahead of time; it tastes even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 55
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 40