Carrot Cake Poke Cake

This stunning Carrot Cake Poke Cake begins with a simple cake mix and is guaranteed to end with your fork. Filled with cheesecake pudding and frosted with a sweet cream cheese frosting, it’s then sprinkled with toasted pecans for added crunch. Bakers of all skill levels can make this cake with success as it simplifies the classic carrot cake profile in the most delicious way.

Easy Carrot Cake Poke Cake Recipe

Poke cakes are traditionally made using a boxed cake mix. I most often bake completely from scratch, but I dearly love the idea of poke cakes and enjoy making them, too. They make me feel warm and fuzzy inside, go figure?  Bakers of all skill levels can be successful making this type of cake and flavor combinations abound. Part of the reason they’re so beloved is due to the ease of preparation making them a perfect choice for potluck events or Holiday gatherings when you need to be able to accommodate a crowd. This carrot cake version just brings the classic carrot cake recipe to the forefront and gives it another way to be presented. If you need a loaf cake variation of carrot cake see my Cream Cheese Frosted Carrot Cake Loaf. How to make Carrot Poke Cake: (Scroll down for full printable recipe.)

• Cake Batter – Prepare the cake per the instructions on the box in a 13×9 inch pan.
• Poke Holes – Bake cake. Immediately after removing from the oven use the handle of a wooden spoon or similar to poke holes all over the cake.
• Make the Cheesecake Filling – Whip together both boxes of cheesecake pudding mix with cold milk. Whip until thickened but still pourable. Spread over the cake and into the holes. Chill completely.
• Frosting – To frost, use a hand mixer to cream together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla. Add the whipped topping (i.e. Cool Whip) or fresh whipped cream and beat until fluffy.
• Spread over the cooled cake and garnish with toasted pecans. Store chilled.

How to Make the BEST Carrot Cake Poke Cake Recipe

Carrot cake is often associated with Easter, but remains a year-round favorite for many cake lovers. Just a few pointers for your success:

• Key Ingredients you’ll need to make Carrot Poke Cake: One box Carrot cake mix plus ingredients to prepare (eggs, oil, water], cheesecake instant pudding mix, cold whole milk or half and half, plain cream cheese, powdered sugar, pure vanilla extract, frozen whipped topping or 4 cup fresh sweetened whipped cream, chopped pecans or walnut pieces, toasted.
• Kitchen tools you’ll need: Stand mixer or hand mixer, large bowl, medium bowl, rubber spatula, offset spatula, wooden spoon or similar for poking the holes, measuring cups and spoons.
• Always check a cake for doneness using a toothpick or a cake tester prior to removing from the oven.
• When poking the holes in the cake be generous. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or similar to make the holes.
• Nuts – You can use chopped pecans or chopped walnuts for the topping.
• If you prefer you could swap out instant vanilla pudding mix for cheesecake instant pudding mix.
• Use an offset icing spatula or similar to gently spread the pudding into the holes.
• Poke cakes need to sit overnight so, the flavors of the cake and filling can marry. Ideally this cake should be made the night before and popped into the fridge prior to serving on your special day.
• If preferred, you can wait and frost the top the day you want to serve it to keep any special piping or decoration on the top from being damaged.
• While I piped the whipped cream on top, you can frost this cake any way you like.
• Leftovers – Store Carrot Cake Poke Cake chilled in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

More Poke Cake Recipes to Make

When you’re in the mood to bake and want to make a special cake for the holidays with little fuss, this carrot cake poke cake is just the ticket. Other poke cake variations you may like to try:

• Strawberries and Cream Poke Cake is simply divine.
• Rich and fudgy Rocky Road Fudge Poke Cake.
• This fusion Banana Pudding Poke Cake combines two desserts for one delectable treat.
• Party any day of the year with this Cheesecake Birthday Poke Cake.
• Island inspired Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake.
• Pina Colada Poke Cake from Kitchen Meets Girl.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Stand Mixer
• Cooling Racks
• Measuring Set
• 13 x 9 inch Pan