Pumpkin Pie Poke Cake Recipe: Moist Spiced Dessert Guide

If you need a show-stopping holiday dessert, this Pumpkin Pie Poke Cake is a perfect choice. Packed with pumpkin and warm fall spices, it’s easy to make and travels well for potlucks and family gatherings—ideal for Thanksgiving or any autumn celebration.

Pumpkin Pie Poke Cake Recipe

This simple, flavorful dessert comes together quickly and is always a crowd-pleaser. I put this cake together in no time and my family loved it for dessert last week.

The recipe uses common ingredients: a white cake mix, pumpkin puree, instant vanilla pudding, evaporated milk, whipped topping, and pumpkin spice. It is essentially a classic poke cake with pumpkin pie–inspired flavors, making it perfect for fall menus.

INGREDIENTS
1 box white cake mix
3 eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
15 oz pumpkin puree
12 oz evaporated milk
2 boxes vanilla instant pudding mix (3.4 oz each)
1 tsp pumpkin spice
12 oz whipped topping, thawed

DIRECTIONS

• Prepare and bake the white cake in a 13×9-inch pan according to package directions. Let the cake cool slightly until it is warm but not hot.
• Use the end of a wooden spoon or a large straw to poke evenly spaced, large holes across the top of the cake.
• In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, 1½ boxes of the vanilla instant pudding mix, and the pumpkin spice. Beat until smooth and fully blended.
• Pour the pumpkin mixture slowly over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. Use a spatula to spread the topping evenly across the surface. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to help the filling set into the cake.
• In a separate bowl, mix the remaining ½ box of pudding mix with the thawed whipped topping until well combined.
• Spoon the whipped topping mixture over the cake and spread it evenly. Lightly dust the top with additional pumpkin spice for extra aroma and color.
• Refrigerate the cake at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and the topping to firm up. For best texture, chill longer if possible.

This Pumpkin Pie Poke Cake is an effortless way to bring pumpkin pie flavor to the table without the fuss of making a traditional pie. It slices easily, stays moist thanks to the pudding-pumpkin filling, and looks festive with a dusting of pumpkin spice. Serve chilled and enjoy a crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for holiday gatherings.