This Caramel Apple Poke Cake is a tasty treat that combines moist cake, sweet caramel, and soft apples. It’s like autumn on a plate, perfect for any celebration!
What’s not to love about cake that has a gooey caramel center? I often serve it warm with whipped cream on top—trust me, it makes it even better! 🍏🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake Mix: Using a yellow or spice cake mix gives a lovely base. If you prefer to make it from scratch, you can use homemade recipes for yellow or spice cake. It’s a fun project if you have the time!
Apples: Granny Smith apples are my favorite for this cake due to their tartness, which balances the sweetness. If you want something sweeter, consider Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. You can also mix different varieties for a fun flavor combination!
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth. Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste, or even use apple pie spice for a more complex flavor if you have it on hand.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel sauce is convenient and tasty. If you want a homemade version, you can easily make caramel sauce with sugar, butter, and cream. It’s well worth the effort if you have time!
Whipped Topping: You can use whipped cream instead of whipped topping for a fresher taste. Just beat heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form—delicious!
How Do I Ensure the Cake Soaks Up the Caramel Well?
Poking holes in the cake allows the caramel sauce to soak in, creating that delicious gooey texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes across the entire cake while it’s still warm.
- Make sure the holes are about an inch apart. This allows for even caramel distribution throughout the cake.
- After pouring the caramel, gently press down on the cake to help it absorb even more.
This technique is key to achieving that rich caramel flavor in every bite, so don’t skip it! Enjoy the wonderful taste that comes from this method.
How to Make Caramel Apple Poke Cake
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow or spice cake mix (plus ingredients needed for cake mix, such as eggs, oil, and water)
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (such as Granny Smith or a mix of tart and sweet apples)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping or whipped cream
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. After it’s baked, let it chill for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the caramel to soak in nicely. In total, you’ll spend around 1 hour and 45 minutes, including cooling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to the temperature stated on the cake mix box—usually around 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
In a medium bowl, prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the box. Mix together the eggs, oil, and water as the package directs, then combine with the cake mix until there are no lumps. It should be nice and smooth!
3. Prepare the Apples:
In another bowl, stir together the chopped apples, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Make sure the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and cinnamon mix for extra flavor.
4. Combine Apples with Cake Batter:
Gently fold the apple mixture into the prepared cake batter. Be careful not to overmix—just enough to distribute the apples throughout the batter is perfect!
5. Bake the Cake:
Pour the apple-infused cake batter into the greased baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for the time specified on the mix box (usually 30-35 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are just fine).
6. Poke Holes for Caramel:
Once the cake is baked, take it out of the oven and, while it’s still warm, poke holes all over the top using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer. This helps the caramel sauce soak in nicely!
7. Add the Caramel Sauce:
Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the top of the warm cake, ensuring it fills the holes you made earlier. This is where all that delicious gooeyness comes from!
8. Cool the Cake:
Let the cake cool completely in the pan. This will usually take about an hour. It’s important to let it cool so the toppings don’t melt away!
9. Top with Whipped Cream:
Once the cake has cooled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the top. If you’re using whipped cream, just beat it until soft peaks form first and then gently spread it on.
10. Add Nuts and More Caramel:
If you like, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top and drizzle with additional caramel sauce for extra deliciousness and crunch.
11. Slice and Serve:
Now it’s time to slice the cake and serve! Pair it with some extra whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. Enjoy every sweet, caramel-y bite!
This Caramel Apple Poke Cake is a wonderful dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. You’ll love the scrumptious flavors that come together in this recipe. Enjoy! 🍏🍰
Can I Use Different Types of Cake Mix?
Absolutely! While yellow and spice cake mixes work best for this recipe, you can also try white or even chocolate cake mixes for a unique twist. Just be mindful that different flavors might alter the overall taste of the cake.
What Can I Substitute for the Whipped Topping?
If you prefer, you can use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping. Simply whip heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar until soft peaks form. It adds a fresh and delicious touch!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake remains moist and flavorful, but it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for optimal taste and texture!
Can I Freeze Caramel Apple Poke Cake?
Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. For the best quality, consume them within 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
