Caramel Apple Poke Cake Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Apple Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that combines moist yellow cake with gooey caramel and cinnamon-spiced apples. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for cozy gatherings or whenever you crave a sweet, comforting slice of fall.

Ingredients

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp preferred)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup whipped topping (optional)
• Additional caramel sauce for drizzling
• Chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
3. Step 3: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Step 4: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes.
5. Step 5: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the top of the cake, going about halfway down.
6. Step 6: While the cake is still warm, pour the caramel sauce evenly over the top, making sure it seeps into the holes.
7. Step 7: In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with cinnamon until well coated.
8. Step 8: Evenly distribute the cinnamon-coated apples over the top of the cake.
9. Step 9: Let the cake cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
10. Step 10: Before serving, optionally top with whipped topping, drizzle with additional caramel sauce, and sprinkle with chopped nuts.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance to the sweetness of the caramel.
• For a homemade touch, make your own caramel sauce using brown sugar and butter instead of store-bought.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra texture and flavor.
• Try adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or allspice along with cinnamon for a deeper warm spice flavor.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for softer texture. Reheat individual slices briefly in the microwave if desired, but it’s delicious served cold or chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute yellow cake mix with vanilla or even spice cake mix for a different flavor profile, but yellow cake is traditional and pairs best with the apple and caramel.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the cake?

Refrigeration helps the caramel soak in and the flavors meld, improving taste and texture. You can serve the cake slightly chilled or at room temperature after chilling.

Caramel Apple Poke Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 52 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This Caramel Apple Poke Cake is a delightful dessert combining moist yellow cake with warm cinnamon-spiced apples and rich caramel sauce. The cake is baked, poked for caramel to seep in, topped with apples, and optionally finished with whipped topping and nuts for extra texture and flavor. Perfect for a comforting fall treat or special occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs

Caramel and Topping

• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp preferred)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup whipped topping (optional)
• Additional caramel sauce for drizzling
• Chopped nuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prepare for the cake batter.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and uniform.
3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes to set.
5. Poke the Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the surface of the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart and pushing about halfway down to allow caramel to seep in.
6. Add Caramel Sauce: While the cake is still warm, pour the 1 cup of caramel sauce evenly over the top, ensuring it penetrates into the holes created.
7. Prepare the Apples: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and diced apples with the teaspoon of cinnamon until they are well coated with spice.
8. Top the Cake: Spread the cinnamon-coated apples evenly over the top of the caramel-soaked cake.
9. Chill the Cake: Let the cake cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld together beautifully.
10. Serve: Before serving, optionally spread the whipped topping over the cake and drizzle with additional caramel sauce. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired for added crunch and flavor.

Notes

• Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for the best balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Allow the cake to cool before refrigerating to prevent sogginess.
• Whipped topping, additional caramel drizzle, and chopped nuts are optional but enhance the dessert’s texture and richness.
• Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a homemade caramel sauce, prepare with brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream for fresh flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Caramel Apple Cake, Poke Cake, Autumn Dessert, Yellow Cake, Cinnamon Apples, Caramel Sauce