Caramel Drizzled Pumpkin Poke Cake Recipe Unveiled

Ingredients for the Cake

Before we dive into creating the delectable Caramel Drizzled Pumpkin Poke Cake, let's gather all the necessary ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• For the Poke Filling:
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• For the Topping:
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce, for drizzle
• Crushed pecans, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let's embark on this culinary journey by preparing the pumpkin cake:

Preparing the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just blended.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.

   🎂 Note: For a fluffier texture, ensure not to overmix the batter.

6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Creating the Poke Filling

1. While the cake is baking, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce in a bowl. Set aside.
2. Once the cake is done and still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the cake.
3. Pour the caramel-sweetened condensed milk mixture evenly over the warm cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.

Topping and Serving

1. Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. Spread the whipped cream over the cooled cake.
3. Drizzle the top with caramel sauce and sprinkle with crushed pecans, if desired.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Poke Cake

• Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.
• Use good quality caramel sauce for the best flavor. Homemade is always an excellent choice.
• If you prefer a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of bourbon or dark rum to the poke filling mixture.

Serving Suggestions

This Caramel Drizzled Pumpkin Poke Cake is best served chilled, allowing all the flavors to meld together:

• Chill it: After assembling the cake, let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight to ensure the poke filling is absorbed and the cake is set.
• Serving: Slice into squares and serve each piece with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce or a dollop of additional whipped cream for an even richer experience.
• Accompaniments: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the cake's richness with something cool or warming.

As we reach the end of our culinary adventure, remember that this Caramel Drizzled Pumpkin Poke Cake is not just a dessert but a celebration of autumn flavors. It combines the sweetness of caramel, the warmth of spices, and the comfort of pumpkin in one delightful bite. Whether you’re enjoying it during a festive gathering or simply as a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around with its moist, flavorful layers.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

+

Yes, you can prepare the cake up to two days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. The poke filling will ensure that the cake remains moist.

How do I store leftovers?

+

Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it refrigerated. It should last well for up to five days. Note that the whipped cream topping might start to deflate after a couple of days, so consider adding fresh whipped cream when serving leftovers.

Can I use whipped topping instead of fresh cream?

+

Yes, you can substitute with whipped topping for convenience, but using freshly whipped cream gives a richer flavor and texture.

What can I do if I don’t have a 9x13 inch pan?

+

You can use two 8-inch or 9-inch round pans. Adjust the baking time accordingly, checking after 20-25 minutes for doneness.

Is this cake suitable for dietary restrictions?

+

This recipe can be adapted to be dairy-free by using coconut milk and vegan butter. However, for gluten-free or egg-free diets, significant adjustments would be needed which might alter the texture and flavor of the cake.