Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake (Printer-Friendly Version)

Soft pumpkin spice cake with warm spices and creamy filling, ideal for autumn gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cake Base

01 - 1 box pumpkin spice cake mix (or yellow cake mix with pumpkin pie spice added)
02 - 3 large eggs
03 - 1 cup vegetable oil
04 - 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

→ Filling

05 - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

→ Toppings

06 - 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping or cream cheese frosting
07 - 1/2 cup crushed gingersnaps or cinnamon sugar

→ Spices

08 - 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice blend (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, allspice)
09 - Optional: 1/2 teaspoon additional ground cinnamon

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir gently until just combined to avoid a dense texture.
02 - Pour batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to maintain moisture.
03 - Let the cake cool for 10 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke evenly spaced holes all over the cake. Pour sweetened condensed milk over the top allowing it to seep into every hole.
04 - Once the cake has cooled completely, spread whipped topping or cream cheese frosting evenly. Sprinkle crushed gingersnaps or cinnamon sugar on top. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Additional Tips:

01 - To keep the cake moist, cover tightly with plastic wrap if not serving immediately.
02 - Adjust pumpkin pie spice to taste if a milder or stronger flavor is preferred.
03 - The cake can be made a day ahead; flavors improve after resting in the refrigerator.