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Caramel Apple Poke Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 52 reviews
  • Author: Lana
  • Total Time: 50-55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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

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Find it online: https://mealsbylana.com/caramel-apple-poke-cake-recipe/