Fall is the season of cozy, warm, and comforting flavors. And what could be better than combining the beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) with a cake? Introducing the Pumpkin Spice Latte Poke Cake – a dessert that will remind you of your favorite PSL in cake form! Moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a creamy latte filling and a luscious whipped topping, this cake is perfect for cozy autumn gatherings.
In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about this delicious cake – from its origins to step-by-step instructions, and even some fun variations. So grab your apron, and let’s get baking!
What Is Pumpkin Spice Latte Poke Cake?
Pumpkin Spice Latte Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of a classic fall beverage, the Pumpkin Spice Latte, with the comfort of a cake. The “poke cake” method involves poking holes into the baked cake and then soaking it with a flavorful liquid – in this case, a rich, coffee-infused latte mixture. The result is a moist, flavorful cake that is both aromatic and indulgent.
This cake brings together the best of both worlds: the richness of pumpkin, the warmth of pumpkin pie spice, and the comforting kick of coffee. Topped with a fluffy whipped cream layer and a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, it’s a dessert that will wow everyone at your next gathering.
Origin of Pumpkin Spice Latte Poke Cake
While the origins of the Pumpkin Spice Latte Poke Cake are more modern, it draws inspiration from the popularity of the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL). The PSL was first introduced by Starbucks in 2003 and quickly became a fall favorite across the world. This cake takes that iconic drink and transforms it into a decadent dessert, making it the perfect way to enjoy the beloved fall flavor in a new, exciting way.
The poke cake concept itself has been around for decades. It became particularly popular in the 1970s when home bakers realized that poking holes in a cake and filling it with a liquid made it incredibly moist and flavorful. This cake blends the poke cake method with the PSL flavor profile, making it a modern twist on two beloved traditions.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box spice cake mix
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup oil
- 1 tbsp instant espresso powder (or 2 tsp instant coffee)
- 1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice (optional for extra warmth)
Latte Filling:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup brewed strong coffee (cooled)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch cinnamon
For the Topping:
- 1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip OR 2 cups whipped cream
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- Optional: caramel drizzle for that extra café vibe
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:
- Spice cake mix
- Pumpkin purée
- Eggs
- Milk
- Oil
- Espresso powder
- Pumpkin pie spice (if you’re using it for extra warmth)
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 28–33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
2. Poke the Cake
- While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke deep holes all over the cake, spacing about 1 inch apart. This is where the latte soak will go, making the cake extra moist and flavorful.
3. Make the Latte Soak
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Cooled brewed coffee
- Vanilla extract
- A pinch of cinnamon
- Slowly pour this mixture over the warm cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. This step is what makes the cake deliciously moist with that signature latte flavor.
4. Add the Topping
- In a separate bowl, fold pumpkin pie spice into the whipped topping (or whipped cream).
- Spread this creamy topping evenly over the chilled cake.
- For an extra treat, drizzle caramel over the top for a bit of café flair.
5. Chill + Serve
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving. This will allow the layers to set and ensure that the latte soak is absorbed fully into the cake.
- Once chilled, slice the cake into squares and enjoy!
Variations of Pumpkin Spice Latte Poke Cake
If you’re looking to mix things up, there are several ways to customize this Pumpkin Spice Latte Poke Cake to suit your tastes:
1. Add Chocolate:
For a richer flavor, try adding chocolate to the cake. You can fold in mini chocolate chips to the batter, or drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving.
2. Make It Nutty:
Add some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cake for added texture and a touch of nutty flavor.
3. Dairy-Free Option:
To make this cake dairy-free, swap out the milk for almond or oat milk, and use coconut whipped cream instead of Cool Whip or regular whipped cream.
4. Add a Layer of Caramel:
For an even richer flavor, you can add a layer of caramel sauce in the middle of the cake before adding the topping. It adds a sweet contrast to the pumpkin spice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pumpkin Spice Latte Poke Cake
1. Can I make Pumpkin Spice Latte Poke Cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually gets better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. The flavors meld together, and the cake becomes even more moist.
2. Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can use a vanilla or yellow cake mix, but the spice cake mix really enhances the pumpkin and coffee flavors, giving it that cozy autumn feel.
3. Can I freeze the cake?
You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to serve, thaw and add the whipped topping and caramel drizzle.
4. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin purée. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture before using it in the recipe.
Conclusion: Pumpkin Spice Latte Poke Cake
The Pumpkin Spice Latte Poke Cake is the ultimate fall dessert. It combines the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin spice and coffee with the moist, decadent texture of a poke cake. Whether you’re hosting a fall party, celebrating Thanksgiving, or simply indulging in a cozy treat on a chilly day, this cake is sure to impress. With its irresistible latte flavor and creamy topping, it’s the perfect dessert for any PSL lover. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
This Pumpkin Spice Latte Poke Cake will quickly become your go-to dessert for fall!
