Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Poke Cake

This holiday season, delight in a gluten-free pumpkin spice poke cake that brings the essence of cinnamon rolls into a moist, sumptuous dessert.

Cake Ingredients:

• 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp mixed pumpkin spice
• 1 cup pure pumpkin purée
• 2 large eggs, brought to room temperature
• 1/2 cup alternative milk, such as oat or almond, at room temperature
• 2/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/2 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

Cinnamon Filling Ingredients:

• 1 homemade cinnamon filling (consisting of ground cinnamon, your favorite sweetener to taste, and a binding agent like almond butter to thicken)
• 2.5 tbsp non-dairy milk
• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
• A dash of ground cinnamon
• Non-dairy whipped topping for serving

Instructions:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 345°F. Thoroughly grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, eggs, non-dairy milk, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean paste until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spice.
4. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to form a smooth batter.
5. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 27-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. While the cake is baking, prepare the cinnamon filling by mixing the homemade cinnamon blend with non-dairy milk and confectioner’s sugar until it reaches a pourable consistency. Adjust with a dash of ground cinnamon.
8. Once the cake is done, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake.
9. Pour the cinnamon filling over the cake, taking care to fill the holes.
10. Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to allow the filling to set.
11. Before serving, spread a generous layer of non-dairy whipped topping over the cake.
12. Chill the cake for an additional hour to firm up the topping.

Serve this decadent gluten-free pumpkin spice poke cake as a stunning dessert that’s sure to impress. With its rich cinnamon swirl and lush pumpkin flavor, this cake is a testament that gluten-free baking can be just as indulgent as traditional recipes. Enjoy the freedom of a holiday dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture!