This Caramel Apple Poke Cake is a sweet treat that combines soft cake with delicious caramel and apples. It’s moist, rich, and perfect for any fall gathering!
Just think of it: a cake that practically hugs you with every bite! I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s a cozy dessert that feels like a hug from Grandma!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake Mix: A box of yellow or white cake mix is super convenient! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your cake from scratch with flour, sugar, baking powder, and other basic ingredients.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith apples for a nice tartness, but you can swap in any apple you prefer—Honeycrisp or Fuji work wonderfully too.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add warmth to the cake. If nutmeg isn’t handy, leave it out or use allspice as a substitute. The cinnamon is a must for that cozy flavor!
Caramel Sauce: You can easily make your own caramel sauce if you’re up for it! Just melt sugar until golden brown and add cream. If you’re short on time, store-bought works great too.
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts provide a nice crunch, but you can skip them if you have nut allergies or just prefer a nut-free dessert!
How Do I Ensure My Cake Is Perfectly Moist?
The secret to a moist cake lies in how you handle the poking and soaking process. After baking, poke the holes while the cake is still warm, but not too hot to handle. This allows the sweetened condensed milk to soak in without making the cake soggy.
- Use a wooden spoon or skewer to poke holes about 1 inch apart.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk slowly over the cake, letting it seep into the holes for maximum flavor.
- After adding the caramel sauce, let the cake cool completely before topping it with whipped cream.
This will give you a soft, moist cake that shines with flavor and delicious toppings!
Caramel Apple Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow or white cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- Ingredients required by the cake mix (usually eggs, oil, water)
- 2 1/2 cups peeled, chopped apples (about 3 medium apples)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Soaking Sauce:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), plus extra for topping
For the Topping:
- 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 35 minutes of baking time, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the fridge. All in all, you’re looking at around 2 hours before you can dig in—a small wait for a big treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the box. Once it’s mixed, gently fold in the chopped apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). This will add wonderful flavors and texture to your cake!
3. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out mostly clean. Remember, a little moistness from the apples is totally fine!
4. Poke and Soak:
As soon as you take the cake out of the oven, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the surface, about 1 inch apart. This will allow the delicious soaking mixture to seep in. Now, slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the warm cake, letting it fill those lovely holes. Then, drizzle 1 cup of caramel sauce over the cake—yum!
5. Cool and Frost:
Let the cake cool completely, which should take about 30-40 minutes. Once cooled, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top. If you like nuts, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts on top for an added crunch.
6. Chill and Serve:
For the best flavor, refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving. This lets all the flavors meld together. When you’re ready to enjoy, drizzle some extra caramel sauce over the top for a finishing touch. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy every delicious bite of your caramel apple poke cake!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples give a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake, you can use any variety you prefer. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Golden Delicious all work wonderfully!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator after adding the toppings. Just wait to add the whipped topping and caramel sauce until you’re ready to serve to keep it fresh and visually appealing.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you really want to keep it fresh, cover the top with a layer of plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out.
What If I Don’t Have Whipped Topping?
No worries! If you’re out of whipped topping, you can make your own by whipping heavy cream with a little sugar until soft peaks form. Alternatively, you can use cool whip or even cream cheese frosting for a different flavor twist!