Pumpkin Caramel Cream Cheese Poke Cake: A Fall Favorite 🍂

When autumn rolls around, nothing hits quite like warm spices, creamy topping, and a drizzle of gooey caramel. Introducing the Pumpkin Caramel Cream Cheese Poke Cake—a dessert that’s moist, sweet, and utterly comforting. Perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or whenever you need something indulgent yet homey.

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

• Delightfully moist thanks to pumpkin puree and spice cake mix.
• Poke cake format lets the caramel seep in—every bite has flavor in the cake.
• Cream cheese topping adds tang and richness, balancing sweetness.
• Simple to prepare with mostly pantry‑staples; impressive result.

Ingredients

• 1 (13.25 oz) box Spice Cake Mix
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned)
• 1 cup water
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¾ cup caramel sauce, divided
• Cream Cheese Topping:
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1½ cups whipped topping (e.g. Cool Whip)

Directions

Bake the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350 °F (≈ 175 °C). Lightly spray a 9×13‑inch pan with non‑stick spray.
2. In large mixing bowl, combine spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, water, eggs, and oil. Use hand or stand mixer; scrape down sides to ensure even mixing.
3. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for about 30‑33 minutes, or until toothpick inserted comes out clean (no batter/gummy crumbs).

Poke & Caramel Soak

1. When the cake is still hot out of the oven, use the end of a plastic straw or chopstick to poke holes across the top.
2. Warm ½ cup of the caramel sauce (20‑30 seconds in microwave) to make it easier to pour.
3. Pour warm caramel over the top, ensuring lots seeps into the holes.
4. Let the cake cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Topping

1. In bowl, beat cream cheese, milk, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Fold in the whipped topping gently, keeping light texture.
3. Spread topping over the cooled cake, pressing gently so some cream cheese mixture fills the holes.
4. Drizzle remaining ¼ cup caramel over the top. For decoration, drag a toothpick through the caramel in opposite directions to form a herringbone or other pattern.

Nutrition & Health Considerations

This cake is rich and sweet, and while it makes for a lovely dessert, here are some tips and considerations for making it a bit more balanced or accommodating dietary needs:

• Portion control: With 20 servings, a small slice gives you dessert satisfaction without going overboard.
• Reduce sugar: Use a caramel sauce with lower sugar, reduce powdered sugar, or use a light whipped topping.
• Ingredient swaps: Light cream cheese, non‑dairy whipped topping, or even pumpkin alternatives can adjust richness or allergens.
• Storing safely: Because of the cream cheese and whipped topping, keep the cake refrigerated and consume within ~3‑5 days.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)**

**These values are approximations. Actual nutrition depends on exact brands and sizes of ingredients used.

Tips & Expert Advice

• Room temperature cream cheese: Makes for smoother topping without lumps.
• Warm caramel slightly: Pouring warm caramel helps it flow into holes rather than just sitting on top.
• Even poking: Distribute holes fairly evenly so caramel and cream mixture soak throughout the cake.
• Don’t skip cooling: If the cake is too warm, the topping may melt or slide off.
• Flavor boost: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the cream cheese topping or a little vanilla extract.

Variations & Customizations

• Use a different cake mix flavor (yellow, butter, or even chocolate) to tweak the base.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts either inside the cake batter or as garnish for crunch.
• Swirl in some cinnamon or nutmeg into the caramel for more autumn warmth.
• Substitute whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for lighter texture.
• Make a mini version in smaller pans if you don’t need a full size 9×13.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling?

You MUST use 100 % pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar, spices, sometimes eggs, and more liquid—and will change texture, flavor, and moisture dramatically.

2. Can I use a from‑scratch spice cake instead of box mix?

Yes! Substitute your homemade cake batter, but be sure it’s sturdy enough to hold moisture and toppings. Adjust baking time as needed.

3. How do I reduce sweetness if it’s too much?

Use a less sweet or “light” caramel sauce, reduce the powdered sugar in the cream cheese topping, or use less caramel drizzle. Also, choosing a whipped topping with less sugar helps.

4. How should I store leftovers?

Cover the cake and refrigerate. Because of the cream cheese top, keep it chilled and consume within ~3‑5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving if desired for softer texture.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Bake and poke the cake, pour the caramel, then chill. Make the topping just before serving so it stays fresh and looks pretty.

6. Is it okay to freeze slices?

Freezing is tricky because toppings with whipped cream or whipped topping don’t always freeze & thaw well. If you freeze, wrap well and thaw in fridge. Texture may change.

7. Can I substitute dairy‑free or lighter options?

Yes. Use dairy‑free cream cheese, non‑dairy whipped topping, or light versions to reduce fat. Also swap full‑fat caramel for versions with less sugar or fat.

8. What pan size is best?

A standard 9×13‑inch (≈ 23×33 cm) pan works well. If using smaller, adjust baking time, and cover edges to avoid over‑browning.

9. Can I add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or clove for more flavor?

Certainly! Pumpkin pairs wonderfully with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, clove. A small pinch extra in the batter or topping enhances warm flavor.

10. Can I reduce calories or fat here and there?

Yes. Use reduced‑fat cream cheese, light whipped topping, lower‑sugar caramel sauce, or smaller portion sizes.

Related Recipes & Internal Links

• Try Pumpkin Pie Bars for another pumpkin‑spiced treat.
• If you love moist desserts, check out our Moist Banana Bread Muffins.
• Looking for something creamy & rich? See our Lemon Cheesecake.

Indulge in your Pumpkin Caramel Cream Cheese Poke Cake—it’s the kind of dessert that warms you from the inside out. Happy baking! 🎂