Description
A festive Pumpkin Patch Poke Cake that combines a moist spice cake infused with pumpkin purée, filled with sweetened condensed milk, and topped with caramel sauce, whipped topping, and green coconut ‘grass’ decorated with candy pumpkins. Perfect for Halloween or Thanksgiving celebrations, this colorful dessert is easy to prepare and sure to delight guests with its creamy texture and fall flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box spice cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box — usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée
Toppings and Filling
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Green-tinted coconut flakes or crushed green cookies (for “grass”)
- Candy pumpkins for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix, pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, and the additional ingredients required by the cake mix box instructions (typically eggs, oil, and water). Beat the mixture until smooth and well blended.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke Holes: Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake. This will allow the filling to soak in for extra moisture.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Evenly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the warm cake, letting it seep into the holes for a rich, creamy texture. Allow the cake to cool completely before proceeding.
- Apply Caramel and Whipped Topping: Once cooled, spread the caramel sauce evenly over the cake, followed by an even layer of whipped topping. This creates a smooth and luscious finishing layer.
- Prepare ‘Grass’ Decoration: In a small bowl, mix shredded coconut with green food coloring drops until the coconut is evenly tinted. Alternatively, use crushed green cookies for the grassy effect.
- Decorate: Sprinkle the green coconut ‘grass’ over the whipped topping layer. Arrange candy pumpkins on top to complete the pumpkin patch look.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to set the layers and enhance the flavors. Slice into 12–15 servings and enjoy.
Notes
- You can add crushed graham crackers for a “dirt” effect under the grass decoration for added texture and realism.
- For extra detail, pipe frosting vines around the edges or on top to enhance the pumpkin patch theme.
- This cake is a festive and flavorful choice for Halloween or Thanksgiving gatherings.
- Ensure the cake cools completely before adding the toppings to prevent melting or sliding.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
