This Caramel Apple Poke Cake is a moist, sweet treat filled with yummy apple bites and drizzled with smooth caramel. It’s like autumn on a plate!
I love how easy it is to make this cake. Just bake, poke, and pour that caramel goodness on top! Serve it warm with ice cream for a cozy dessert. 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Cake Mix: This is the base of the cake and brings a sweet flavor. If you prefer, you can use a homemade cake recipe instead or choose a gluten-free cake mix for dietary needs.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are perfect for a nice tartness against the sweetness. You can swap them for Fuji or Honeycrisp if you want a sweeter flavor.
Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth to the cake. If you’re a cinnamon fan, feel free to increase the amount or try adding nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought sauce is convenient, but homemade is so much fun! If you want a lighter option, try using a butterscotch sauce or a sugar-free caramel syrup.
Whipped Topping: You can use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip if you prefer. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until fluffy.
How Do You Ensure Your Cake Stays Moist and Delicious?
Keeping this cake moist is all about the poking and soaking technique. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bake the cake and let it cool briefly. Don’t let it sit too long before poking, as you want it warm to absorb the caramel.
- Poke holes evenly across the cake. Use a skewer or the handle of a wooden spoon for fun-sized holes that soak up the caramel well.
- Pour caramel sauce quickly to let it seep in all those holes, ensuring every piece of cake is flavorful.
- Make sure to chill the cake after frosting it. This helps the cream cheese layer set while giving the caramel and cake time to marry the flavors.
By following these steps, you’ll have an irresistibly moist and flavorful Caramel Apple Poke Cake!
Delicious Caramel Apple Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients called for on box, typically eggs, oil, and water)
- 2 cups peeled, chopped apples (e.g., Granny Smith or a sweet-tart apple)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts), optional
- Additional caramel sauce for drizzling
- Whipped topping or whipped cream for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Caramel Apple Poke Cake takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 30-35 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll need to chill the cake for at least 2-3 hours, allowing all those delightful flavors to come together beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
First, preheat your oven according to the instructions on your cake mix box. Then, prepare the yellow cake batter as directed, which usually involves mixing the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water.
2. Add Apples and Cinnamon:
Once your cake batter is ready, gently fold in the chopped apples and ground cinnamon. This will give your cake a delicious apple flavor with a touch of spice.
3. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake according to the package directions, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
4. Poke the Cake:
Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the top of the warm cake, about every inch or so. This step is important as it allows the caramel sauce to seep into the cake.
5. Add Caramel Sauce:
Slowly pour 1 cup of caramel sauce evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into all those lovely holes.
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Don’t forget to mix in the vanilla extract!
7. Add Whipped Topping:
Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until everything is well combined and smooth.
8. Frost the Cake:
Spread the creamy frosting evenly over the cooled cake. This will create a lovely finish on top of your poked cake.
9. Chill:
Cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least 2-3 hours. This step is essential as it lets all the flavors meld together and helps the frosting to set nicely.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle some chopped nuts over the top, add extra apple pieces if you like, and drizzle more caramel sauce over everything. For an extra touch, add a dollop of whipped cream on each slice when serving.
11. Enjoy:
Slice and serve your Caramel Apple Poke Cake chilled or at room temperature. This cake is incredibly moist and bursting with flavor—a perfect treat for any occasion!
This delightful dessert blends the sweetness of apples and caramel with creamy frosting to create a comforting and satisfying cake that everyone will love!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, you can use any variety you like. Fuji or Honeycrisp apples are great alternatives for a sweeter flavor in your cake.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and follow the instructions as usual. Just ensure that all other ingredients, like the caramel sauce and whipped topping, are also gluten-free.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To enjoy the best flavor and texture, serve it chilled or at room temperature!
Can I Prepare This Cake in Advance?
Definitely! You can bake the cake a day ahead and add the caramel sauce; just wait to frost it with the cream cheese mixture until you’re ready to serve. This way, all the flavors will meld beautifully overnight!
