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Irresistible Pumpkin Caramel Poke Cake

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A moist pumpkin cake infused with caramel and topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for cozy fall gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box yellow or spice cake mix
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • 1/4 cup canned sweetened condensed milk
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • Extra caramel drizzle (optional)
  • Sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend the ingredients until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain. This should take about 2 minutes.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, let the cake cool for 10 minutes.
  4. Using a skewer, chopstick, or the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about an inch apart.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the caramel sauce with the sweetened condensed milk. Pour this mixture over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes completely. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface. Let the cake cool completely.
  6. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and salt, and gradually mix in the powdered sugar until the frosting is thick and fluffy.
  7. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Use a spatula to create swirls or peaks for a decorative touch.
  8. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for added crunch. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the frosting, and finish with a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Notes

[‘Don’t skip the poking to ensure caramel sauce infuses every bite.’, ‘Use room temperature ingredients for smooth frosting.’, ‘Let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.’, ‘Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark to prevent overbaking.’, ‘Add a pinch of sea salt to homemade caramel sauce for a salted caramel twist.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Pumpkin, Caramel, Cream Cheese, Poke Cake, Fall Dessert, Thanksgiving Dessert, Holiday Recipe

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/irresistible-pumpkin-caramel-poke-cake-recipe-youll-love/