Irresistible Homemade Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake (Made From Scratch!)

As autumn leaves fall and the air turns crisp, there’s one flavor that reigns supreme: pumpkin! If you’re anything like us, the arrival of pumpkin season signals a delightful time for cozy treats, and this easy homemade Pumpkin Poke Cake is an absolute must-try. Made entirely from scratch, bypassing any cake mixes, this cake promises a depth of flavor and a texture that truly stands out. Topped with a luscious whipped cream frosting and served conveniently straight from the cake pan, even the most discerning pumpkin lover won’t be able to resist a second slice!

Pumpkin, pumpkin, and more pumpkin! Are you tired of pumpkin yet? We sincerely hope you said no, because the world of pumpkin-flavored delights is vast and wonderfully comforting. From the moment the first pumpkin spice latte makes its annual debut, it’s a signal to dive headfirst into all things autumnal. While many might jump straight to coffee shop treats, there’s something uniquely satisfying about baking with pumpkin at home. This year, we’re kicking off the season with a showstopper: our Homemade Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake.

This isn’t just any pumpkin cake. It’s a meticulously crafted, made-from-scratch pumpkin cake that’s lovingly infused with a rich pumpkin spice syrup. But the indulgence doesn’t stop there. Each slice is crowned with a light and airy whipped cream frosting, then generously sprinkled with a delightful combination of crunchy toffee bits and miniature chocolate chips, adding a fantastic textural contrast. The beauty of this dessert lies not only in its incredible flavor but also in its simplicity. It’s a single-layer cake, baked in a square pan, designed for easy serving directly from the pan – perfect for fuss-free entertaining or a cozy family dessert.

Why Choose a From-Scratch Pumpkin Poke Cake?

During our quest to find the perfect pumpkin poke cake recipe, a common theme emerged: nearly every recipe started with a box of cake mix. While convenient, we couldn’t help but wonder, “Why?” Why should a delicious poke cake *have* to rely on a pre-made mix when the superior flavor and texture of a homemade cake are so easily achievable? This observation ignited a mission: to create a truly from-scratch pumpkin poke cake. For those who, like us, prefer the satisfaction and quality that comes from combining flour, sugar, and fresh ingredients, this recipe is a game-changer. Starting from scratch means you control every ingredient, ensuring a moist, flavorful cake that tastes genuinely homemade, not like it came from a box.

The Magic of the Pumpkin Spice Poke: Infusion from Within

For those new to the delightful world of poke cakes, their name comes from the literal act of “poking holes” into the baked cake. These holes then serve as channels for a delicious liquid filling, infusing every bite with extra moisture and flavor. Traditionally, many poke cakes feature sweetened condensed milk, but we wanted to amplify the quintessential fall flavors in this pumpkin version. That’s why we opted for Amoretti Pumpkin Spice Syrup.

You might be familiar with pumpkin spice syrups from your favorite coffee houses, but Amoretti stands out. Their syrups are known for their concentrated flavor, meaning a little goes a long way. Where you might need several pumps of another brand’s syrup, 1-2 pumps of Amoretti’s is often sufficient to achieve that rich, authentic pumpkin spice taste. This concentration not only enhances the flavor profile of our poke cake but also ensures your bottle of syrup lasts through the entire pumpkin season, allowing you to create countless autumnal treats. Imagine making your very own gourmet pumpkin spice lattes at home while enjoying a generous slice of this decadent pumpkin poke cake – it’s pure autumn bliss!

The Perfect Balance: Light Whipped Cream Frosting

Given the delightful sweetness and rich spice of the pumpkin cake and the infused syrup, we knew the topping needed to provide a perfect counterpoint. A heavy, overly sweet frosting would overwhelm the delicate balance of flavors. This led us to choose a simple, not-too-sweet whipped cream frosting. Its ethereal lightness and creamy texture complement the moist cake and spiced syrup beautifully, adding a cloud-like finish that truly elevates the dessert. Plus, who can genuinely say no to fresh whipped cream on a perfectly baked cake? It’s a classic pairing for a reason, offering a refreshing contrast that makes each bite utterly enjoyable.

Bringing It All Together: A Dessert for Every Occasion

This Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. The process of baking from scratch, the inviting aroma that fills your kitchen, and the sheer joy of tasting the perfectly balanced flavors make it a truly rewarding endeavor. It’s the ideal dessert for autumn gatherings, holiday celebrations like Thanksgiving, or simply a cozy evening at home with a cup of tea or, indeed, a homemade pumpkin spice latte.

Tips for Your Best Homemade Pumpkin Poke Cake:

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients for the cake, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake.
• Perfect Holes: Use the round handle of a wooden spoon or a similar utensil to create the poke holes. Aim for evenly spaced holes, about 1 inch apart, to ensure even syrup distribution. Don’t poke all the way to the bottom to prevent the syrup from leaking out.
• Warm Cake, Cool Syrup: Pour the syrup into the cake while the cake is still warm. This allows the cake to absorb the syrup more effectively. Ensure the cake is completely cool before adding the whipped cream frosting, or it will melt.
• Chilling is Key: While delicious at room temperature, chilling the cake for a few hours (or overnight) after frosting allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cake to set, making for cleaner slices.
• Garnish Generously: The toffee bits and mini chocolate chips add a fantastic crunch and visual appeal. Don’t shy away from adding extra for that perfect finishing touch. A drizzle of additional pumpkin spice syrup also looks and tastes wonderful!
• Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

This recipe promises a homemade pumpkin spice poke cake that will become a beloved fall tradition. It’s easy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying – a true celebration of autumn’s bounty.

Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake

Yield:
12-16 servings

Prep Time:
30 minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour

This simple Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake is made from scratch without a cake mix, offering a superior flavor and texture. It’s infused with a delightful pumpkin spice syrup and topped with a light, airy whipped cream frosting, then garnished with toffee bits and chocolate chips. Perfect for fall gatherings, this easy one-layer cake can be served straight from the pan, making it as convenient as it is delicious. Prepare to fall in love with this ultimate homemade autumn dessert!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup Amoretti Pumpkin Spice Syrup, plus more for garnish

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

• 1/2 cup cold heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish:

• 1/4 cup toffee bits
• 1/4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
• Additional Amoretti Pumpkin Spice Syrup (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour an 8×8 inch square baking pan.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Beat in the egg until fully incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy. Next, add the canned pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, beating until just combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, adding the flour in three additions and the milk in two. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Bake the Cake: Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared 8×8 inch pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
6. Poke and Infuse: While the cake is still warm (but after the initial 15-minute cooling period), use the bottom of a long, round handle of a wooden spoon or a similar object to poke approximately 16 holes into the cake (creating 4 rows of 4 holes each). Pour the 1/4 cup of Amoretti Pumpkin Spice Syrup evenly into each hole, ensuring it soaks into the cake. Let the cake cool completely to room temperature before frosting.
7. Prepare the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl (preferably with a whisk attachment if using a stand mixer), beat the cold heavy whipping cream on medium-high speed until it begins to thicken. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form (when you lift the beater, the cream should hold its shape and not collapse).
8. Frost and Garnish: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the whipped cream frosting evenly over the top. Garnish generously with the toffee bits, mini semisweet chocolate chips, and an optional extra drizzle of Amoretti Pumpkin Spice Syrup for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.

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Source: Adapted from my caramel apple butter layer cake recipe

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Amoretti. We only partner with brands we truly love and believe in. Thank you for supporting me and the companies I work with, as sponsored posts help cover the operational costs of Chocolate Moosey, including website hosting, recipe development, and the fresh groceries that bring these delicious creations to life for you. Your support makes it all possible!