This Pumpkin Jello Poke Cake is a fun and colorful dessert! With layers of moist pumpkin cake and creamy pumpkin-flavored jello, it’s perfect for fall celebrations.
Don’t you just love how easy it is to make? Just poke holes, pour the jello, and let it chill! I like to serve it with whipped cream on top—so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spice Cake Mix: This is the base of your cake. A spice cake mix gives it a warm flavor that’s perfect for fall. If you can’t find this, a regular yellow cake mix works too. Just add some cinnamon or nutmeg for that spiced flavor.
Pumpkin Puree: While optional, adding pumpkin puree into the cake batter boosts the pumpkin flavor and makes the cake moist. If you don’t have it, unsweetened applesauce can be used as a substitute, but it won’t have the same rich taste.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This is great for extra flavor! If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can mix ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in equal parts to create a homemade blend. It adds a lovely warmth to the cake.
Whipped Topping: Cool Whip is commonly used for convenience, but you can make your own whipped cream. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form. It tastes fresh and is easy to whip up!
How Do I Ensure the Cake Has the Perfect Texture?
Getting the right texture is all about following a few key steps. First, make sure you’re measuring your ingredients correctly. For cake mix, use the scoop-and-level method to avoid packing in too much flour.
- Mix your wet ingredients well before combining with the dry to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
- Don’t overmix after adding the dry ingredients; mix just until combined. This helps keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Let the cake cool slightly before poking holes. This ensures it retains moisture but is still warm enough for the jello to seep in properly.
How to Make Pumpkin Jello Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix (or a pumpkin cake mix)
- Ingredients required for the cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (optional for extra pumpkin flavor)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional, if using a non-pumpkin cake mix)
For the Jello:
- 1 package (3 oz) pumpkin-flavored gelatin (Jello)
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Topping:
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dessert takes about 20 minutes to prepare and bake, plus 4 hours of chilling time to let the jello set. So all in all, you need roughly 4 hours and 20 minutes before your cake is ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) or follow the instructions on your cake mix box. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the cake batter as directed on the box. To give it more pumpkin flavor, you can stir in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice if you’re using a yellow cake mix.
3. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the greased baking pan and bake according to the box instructions until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This usually takes about 25-30 minutes.
4. Poke the Cake
Once the cake is baked, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Make sure to poke deep enough so the jello can seep in.
5. Prepare the Jello
In a separate bowl, dissolve the pumpkin jello powder in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir it well until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
6. Pour the Jello
Carefully pour the warm jello mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes you made. This is what makes the cake moist and flavorful!
7. Chill the Cake
Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, allowing the jello to fully set.
8. Add the Whipped Topping
Once the cake is set, remove it from the fridge. Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake for a creamy finish.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Cut the cake into squares and serve it chilled. For an extra touch, you might want to add another dollop of whipped topping on each piece. Enjoy your delicious, creamy Pumpkin Jello Poke Cake!
Can I Use a Different Flavor of Jello?
Yes, you can experiment with different jello flavors! While pumpkin is great for the fall, you might also try orange or vanilla for a different twist. Just be cautious with flavors that could clash with the pumpkin spice cake.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness, as the whipped topping may start to lose its texture over time.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just replace the spice cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Make sure to follow the packaging instructions, and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I Freeze Pumpkin Jello Poke Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake, but it’s best to do so before adding the whipped topping. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving, then add the topping just before serving.
