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As summer fades and the crisp air of autumn settles in, the culinary world transforms in celebration of one of the season's most beloved ingredients: pumpkin. Whether it's in lattes, pies, or baked goods, pumpkin desserts have a unique way of ushering in fall, offering warmth and nostalgia with every bite. Among the myriad of pumpkin recipes, poke cakes stand out due to their moist texture and the delightful surprise of flavors embedded within.

Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake

Embrace the flavors of fall with this delicious Spooktacular Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake! Perfect for autumn gatherings and Halloween, this moist cake features rich pumpkin puree and a blend of warm spices. It’s transformed by a luscious caramel filling that seeps into its depths, making every bite a delightful surprise. Topped with whipped cream and crunchy pecans, this easy recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite that brings warmth and joy to your table.
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Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix

1 cup canned pumpkin puree (ensure it’s not pumpkin pie filling)

1/2 cup vegetable oil

3 large eggs

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup water

For the Poke Filling:

1 cup caramel sauce (can use store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

For the Topping:

1 cup whipped cream (or Cool Whip)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Additional caramel sauce for drizzling

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.

    Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, canned pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, water, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. Use a whisk or electric mixer to blend the ingredients until everything is smooth and well incorporated.

      Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared cake batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.

        Poke the Cake: After the cake has cooled slightly, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes in the surface of the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart. This step creates channels for the filling.

          Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk until they are well combined. Carefully pour this sweet filling over the poked cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes. Let the cake sit for 15-20 minutes so it can absorb the delicious mixture.

            Make the Topping: In another mixing bowl, combine the whipped cream and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and has a fluffy texture.

              Top the Cake: Spread the whipped cream mixture evenly over the top of the cake. If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle chopped pecans on top for extra flavor and crunch.

                Serve and Drizzle: For a final touch, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the whipped topping, adding an extra layer of sweetness. Cut the cake into squares and serve it up. Enjoy your delightful Spooktacular Caramel Pumpkin Poke Cake with family and friends!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 1 hr | 12 servings