As the scents of cinnamon and ginger fill the air, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me—those cozy holiday memories spent with family and friends. This year, I’m excited to share my show-stopping Gingerbread Poke Cake, a delightful dessert that brings a festive twist to our celebrations. Not only is it wonderfully easy to whip up, but it also transforms a simple gingerbread cake into a moist, indulgent treat soaked in luscious caramel. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and a crunchy gingersnap crumble, this cake is sure to become a crowd favorite among your loved ones, making it perfect for holiday gatherings. Who’s ready to create some new sweet memories together? Why is Gingerbread Poke Cake a Must-Try? Festive Flavor Explosion: The rich combination of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg captures the spirit of the holidays in every bite. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a perfect choice for bakers of all skill levels. Impress Your Guests: This eye-catching dessert not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning on any table. Ready to pair it with a delicious warm drink? It goes wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced cider. Versatile Delight: Customize your cake with nuts or flavored creams for even more variation. Get ready to enjoy this show-stopping Gingerbread Poke Cake at all your festive gatherings! Gingerbread Poke Cake Ingredients • Get ready to bake a cozy winter treat! For the Cake Gingerbread Cake Mix – This is the heart of the dessert, providing that iconic spiced flavor. Note: Feel free to swap it with homemade gingerbread for a personal touch. For the Caramel Soak Caramel Sauce – This luscious addition keeps the cake moist and adds a sweet richness. You can opt for store-bought or make your own for an extra special touch. For the Whipped Cream Topping Heavy Whipping Cream – A must for creating that fluffy, airy topping; it makes the dessert feel indulgent. If you want a dairy-free version, coconut cream works beautifully! Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the whipped cream and helps it maintain its shape; it can be reduced or omitted for a less sweet topping. Cinnamon and Nutmeg – These warm spices elevate the flavor, enhancing the holiday vibe. Adjust to your liking, or try pumpkin pie spice for a fun twist! For the Crumble Topping Gingersnap Cookies – Adds a delightful crunch and extra ginger flavor; if you’re in a pinch, crushed graham crackers work as a substitute. Now you’re all set to create this delightful Gingerbread Poke Cake that will warm your heart and home this holiday season! Happy baking! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Gingerbread Poke Cake Step 1: Prepare the Cake Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, prepare the gingerbread cake mix according to the package instructions, or use your homemade recipe. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes. Step 2: Soak the Cake Once the cake is cooled, use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over the surface of the gingerbread poke cake, about an inch apart. Gently warm the caramel sauce in the microwave for 20–30 seconds until it is pourable, but not too hot. Carefully drizzle the warm caramel over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to soak in the flavor. Step 3: Make Whipped Cream In a mixing bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Using an electric mixer, whip the mixture on medium speed until soft peaks form, which should take about 3–5 minutes. Keep an eye on the consistency; you want it fluffy and stable but not overwhipped. This luscious whipped cream will crown your gingerbread poke cake perfectly! Step 4: Top the Cake Spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface of the now-soaked gingerbread poke cake, using a spatula to create a smooth layer. Make sure to cover all the caramel-soaked areas so that every bite is a delightful mix of flavors. The fluffy white whipped cream provides a beautiful contrast against the spiced gingerbread underneath, setting the stage for a festive presentation. Step 5: Add Topping Crush the gingersnap cookies into small pieces, either by hand or using a food processor for finer crumbs. Sprinkle the gingersnap crumble generously over the whipped cream layer, adding a crunchy texture that complements the moist cake. This final touch enhances both the flavor and presentation, making your gingerbread poke cake irresistible. Step 6: Chill Cover the cake with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent it from drying out. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the whipped cream to firm up. For best results, consider chilling it overnight, ensuring every bite of your gingerbread poke cake is a cold, sweet delight at serving time. Gingerbread Poke Cake Variations & Substitutions Feel free to let your creativity shine as you personalize your Gingerbread Poke Cake with delightful twists! Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a luscious, dairy-free whipped topping. The tropical notes pair well with spiced ginger! Flavor Boost: Add a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream for a warm, aromatic twist. This simple adjustment adds an extra layer of comfort to the dessert. Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the cake batter for a delightful crunch and added richness. Nuts offer a wonderful contrast to the soft cake! Fruity Surprise: Mix in dried cranberries or chopped apples into the cake batter for a burst of fruity flavor. These additions create a sweet balance to the spiced notes. Pumpkin Spice: Swap the cinnamon and nutmeg with pumpkin pie spice for a unique spiced twist. This variation brings a lovely depth of flavor that screams fall festivities! Caramel-Free Option: Replace caramel sauce with a rich cream cheese frosting for a different flavor profile that’s equally delightful. It adds a perfect tangy sweetness that’s hard to resist! Chocolate Twist: Drizzle a bit of chocolate ganache over the whipped cream topping for an indulgent treat. Chocolate and ginger are a surprisingly delicious pairing! Shortcake Style: Transform your poke cake into a layered dessert by adding fresh whipped cream and sliced strawberries in between layers. This charming variation adds a fresh touch that’s perfect for warming the soul. Elevate your dessert experience during holiday gatherings and beyond! And if you’re in the mood for more sweet inspirations, consider exploring Mini Loaf Cakes or delightful Blackberry Lemon Cheesecake for an added festive flair. Happy baking! What to Serve with Gingerbread Poke Cake? Create the perfect holiday spread that delights the senses! Spiced Apple Cider: This warm beverage echoes the cozy spices in the cake, creating a harmonious festive experience. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the spiced cake, balancing the sweetness with creamy richness. Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai bolster the flavors of the Gingerbread Poke Cake, making each bite feel even more indulgent. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness and creamy texture beautifully complement the spiced notes of the cake while adding a touch of heartiness to your meal. Pecan Pie: The rich, nutty goodness of pecan pie serves as a classic dessert pairing, with contrasting textures that bring more sweetness to the table. Peppermint Hot Chocolate: This festive drink adds a refreshing twist that pairs wonderfully with the warmth of gingerbread, perfect for cold winter days. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad provides a burst of freshness that offsets the cake’s richness for a well-rounded dessert option. Gingerbread Cookies: For true ginger lovers, serving homemade gingerbread cookies alongside reinforces the theme and adds delightful crunch. Chocolate Covered Cherries: The deep flavors and sweetness of chocolate-covered cherries create an indulgent experience melding beautifully with the cake’s spiced notes. Make Ahead Options These Gingerbread Poke Cakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can bake the gingerbread cake and let it cool up to 24 hours in advance, storing it covered at room temperature. Once cooled, feel free to poke holes and soak it with caramel, allowing the flavors to deepen. The whipped cream can be prepared up to 3 days in advance; store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just before serving, spread the whipped cream over the cake and sprinkle with gingersnap crumble. This way, you’ll have a rich, decadent Gingerbread Poke Cake ready to impress your guests with minimal last-minute effort! Expert Tips for Gingerbread Poke Cake Warm Caramel Sauce: Ensure the caramel sauce is warm, but not scalding hot, to avoid the cake becoming too soggy. Poking Technique: Use a skewer to make precise holes in the cake. This technique allows for better caramel absorption, enhancing flavor. Chill Overnight: For an even richer taste, allow the cake to chill overnight in the refrigerator before serving. This step deepens the flavors significantly. Flavor Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste or try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream for an extra depth of flavor. Crumble Substitutes: If you don’t have gingersnap cookies, crushed graham crackers can be a great alternative for the crumble topping, still providing a nice texture. Storage Tips for Gingerbread Poke Cake Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, placing it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheating: To enjoy your frozen Gingerbread Poke Cake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Chilling: After preparing, allow it to chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully. Gingerbread Poke Cake Recipe FAQs What type of gingerbread cake mix should I use? I recommend using a high-quality gingerbread cake mix for the best flavor. If you prefer homemade, feel free to whip up your own gingerbread cake—it adds a personal touch! How should I store leftovers of my Gingerbread Poke Cake? Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps keep the cake moist and the whipped cream fresh. Can I freeze Gingerbread Poke Cake? How do I do that? Absolutely! To freeze your Gingerbread Poke Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. What should I do if my caramel sauce is too thick? If your caramel sauce is too thick, gently warm it in the microwave for 20–30 seconds. Stir it to ensure even consistency and then drizzle it over the cake. Remember, it should be pourable but not overly hot to avoid making the cake soggy. Are there any dietary considerations for this cake? Yes! If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, you can substitute the heavy whipping cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Additionally, check the ingredients of the cake mix for any allergens and use a gluten-free mix if needed. Can I add other ingredients to the batter? Definitely! You can customize your Gingerbread Poke Cake by stirring in raisins, chopped nuts, or even a splash of vanilla extract to the batter before baking. These additions can enhance texture and flavor, making it even more special. Cozy Gingerbread Poke Cake: A Festive Holiday Delight Savor the nostalgia of the holidays with a Gingerbread Poke Cake, featuring moist layers soaked in caramel and topped with whipped cream. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 35 minutes minsChilling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 55 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cake1 box Gingerbread Cake Mix Feel free to swap with homemade gingerbread for personal touch.For the Caramel Soak1 cup Caramel Sauce Store-bought or homemade.For the Whipped Cream Topping2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream Coconut cream works for dairy-free.1/4 cup Powdered Sugar Adjust for sweetness.1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon Adjust to taste.1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg Alternatively, try pumpkin pie spice.For the Crumble Topping1 cup Gingersnap Cookies Crushed, or use crushed graham crackers as substitute. Equipment Large mixing bowl9x13-inch baking dishElectric mixerSkewer or forkSpatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the gingerbread cake mix according to package instructions, or use your homemade recipe. Pour into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.Poke holes all over the cooled cake with a skewer or fork, about an inch apart. Warm the caramel sauce in the microwave for 20–30 seconds until pourable. Drizzle it over the cake and let it sit for 10 minutes.In a bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until soft peaks form (3–5 minutes).Spread the whipped cream over the soaked cake, covering all caramel areas evenly.Crush gingersnap cookies and sprinkle them over the whipped cream layer generously.Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesFor richer flavor, allow the cake to chill overnight in the refrigerator. Adjust the spices to your taste or add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
