This Decadent Pumpkin Caramel Poke Cake is a dessert that celebrates the warm, comforting flavors of fall. Infused with pumpkin spice, sweet caramel, and crunchy toffee bits, this cake is moist, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. With every bite, you’ll experience layers of creamy whipped topping, sweet condensed milk, and a hint of pumpkin – all combined into one delightful treat. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or any occasion when you want to impress with minimal effort, this cake is a seasonal crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix, plus the ingredients listed on the box to make the cake (typically eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 1 (12.25-ounce) jar caramel ice cream topping
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup Heath toffee bits
- 1 (8-ounce) tub Cool Whip, thawed
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the yellow cake mix box, and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix ingredients as directed on the box. Stir in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice, mixing until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake according to the cake mix box instructions, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Poke and Fill:
- Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly (about 10-15 minutes).
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar tool, poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about an inch apart. This will allow the fillings to seep into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Next, drizzle the caramel topping over the entire cake, filling the holes as much as possible.
- Chill the Cake:
- Cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least 1-2 hours, or until fully cooled. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and allows the cake to absorb the fillings completely.
- Add the Toppings:
- Once the cake is cool, spread an even layer of Cool Whip over the top of the cake.
- Sprinkle the Heath toffee bits generously over the whipped topping, ensuring even coverage.
- Serve:
- Slice into squares and serve cold. Each piece will be a delicious combination of pumpkin, caramel, whipped topping, and crunchy toffee.
Conclusion
This Decadent Pumpkin Caramel Poke Cake is a perfect combination of textures and flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth. The rich pumpkin and caramel flavors complement each other beautifully, while the whipped topping and toffee bits add creaminess and crunch. Quick to prepare yet impressively delicious, this cake is an ideal dessert for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or any occasion that calls for a sweet, comforting treat. Enjoy a slice (or two!) of this seasonal favorite!