This Easy Caramel Apple Poke Cake is a fall favorite! Moist cake filled with sweet caramel and topped with tender apple pieces makes for a delightful dessert.
Trust me, one bite and you’ll be smiling like a kid in a candy store. I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream—it’s the perfect cozy treat for any day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Cake Mix: This is the base of your poke cake. While I love the convenience of a box mix, you could use a homemade vanilla cake recipe if you prefer! Just remember to adjust your baking time.
Apples: I recommend Granny Smith for their tartness, which balances the sweetness. You could also try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor. Just keep the skin on and choose firm apples!
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices bring warmth to the cake. If you’re not a fan of nutmeg, you can skip it, but cinnamon is a must for that cozy flavor. Using pumpkin spice is another option if you’re looking for something different!
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel is great, but you can also make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. Check out easy microwave recipes online! For a lighter option, try a simply flavored yogurt instead of caramel.
Whipped Topping: If you want a homemade touch, whip up some heavy cream and add sugar. That being said, Cool Whip is super convenient and tastes good too!
How Do I Make Sure the Cake Comes Out Perfectly Moist?
Getting the right moisture is essential for a poke cake! Start by not overmixing your batter; mix until ingredients are just combined. This keeps the cake light and fluffy. Once it’s baked, poking holes while it’s still warm is crucial. This allows the caramel to soak into the cake nicely, keeping it moist and flavorful.
- After removing the cake from the oven, poke holes using a skewer or wooden spoon handle to ensure an even distribution of caramel.
- Let the cake cool completely before topping with whipped cream to keep it from melting.
With these tips, your caramel apple poke cake will be a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy!
Easy Caramel Apple Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box: usually eggs, oil, water)
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith or another tart variety)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- For the Topping:
- 1 jar (12 oz) caramel sauce or thick caramel topping
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll need some time for it to cool and set in the fridge, making the total time about 2-3 hours, including the chill time. But trust me, the wait is worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Make The Cake Batter:
Follow the instructions on the box to prepare the cake batter. Mix everything together in a large bowl until smooth.
3. Add The Apples and Spices:
Stir in the diced apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the batter. This is where the cake gets its awesome apple flavor!
4. Bake The Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for a few minutes once done.
5. Poke the Cake:
While the cake is still warm, take the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer and poke holes all over the top of the cake. It’s going to be the key to infusing it with caramel.
6. Add The Caramel:
Gently pour the caramel sauce over the top of the cake. Make sure it seeps into all those holes you’ve made for maximum flavor!
7. Cool The Cake:
Let the cake cool completely to room temperature before adding the topping.
8. Top With Whipped Topping:
Once the cake is cool, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly across the top.
9. Finish With Nuts (Optional):
If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a nice crunch and additional flavor.
10. Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving. This will allow all the flavors to meld beautifully!
Now, enjoy your moist, caramel-infused apple poke cake—it’s perfect for any gathering or just for treating yourself!
FAQ for Easy Caramel Apple Poke Cake
Can I Use Other Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer a nice tartness, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even Golden Delicious apples for a sweeter cake. Just be sure to pick firm apples to avoid a mushy texture!
What If I Don’t Have Caramel Sauce?
If you’re out of caramel sauce, you can easily make your own by melting brown sugar and butter together. Alternatively, a thick dulce de leche or even chocolate sauce can be used for a different twist!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the cake covered well to maintain its moisture. If you want to freeze it, slice it first and wrap well to prevent freezer burn; it will last about 2-3 months in the freezer.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Just substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Be sure to check that all your other ingredients, like the caramel sauce, are gluten-free as well. Enjoy without the gluten worry!