This Caramel Apple Poke Cake is a treat you won’t want to miss! With a soft vanilla cake soaked in sweet caramel and topped with apple pie filling, it’s a delightful fall dessert.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vanilla Cake Mix: This is the base of your cake. If you want to make it from scratch, a simple vanilla sponge recipe works too. You could also use a yellow cake mix for a richer flavor.
Apple Pie Filling: Canned apple pie filling is convenient, but you can make your own by cooking fresh apples with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of lemon juice. If you prefer a different fruit, try cherry or blueberry filling!
Whipped Topping: While store-bought whipped topping is easy, you can whip heavy cream with sugar for a homemade version. It adds a fresher touch. If you’re dairy-free, look for coconut whip or another alternative.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel is quick, but homemade tastes amazing! You can create your own by cooking sugar until it melts, then adding cream. If you’re keeping it simple, a quick drizzle of chocolate syrup works too!
How Do I Get the Perfect Poking Technique?
Poking holes in the cake is key for letting the caramel and filling soak in. Use a wooden spoon or any small, round tool. Don’t poke too deep; just go about halfway through the cake. Space them about an inch apart so the flavors can spread evenly.
- Make sure the cake is still warm, as this helps absorb the liquids better.
- After poking, pour the apple filling and caramel over the cake slowly, so it goes into all the holes. This makes each bite delicious!
Feel free to play with the ingredients to suit your taste. This cake is all about those cozy flavors and textures, and it’s sure to impress anyone you serve it to!
How to Make Caramel Apple Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients needed to prepare, usually eggs, oil, and water)
For the Toppings:
- 2 cans (about 21 oz each) apple pie filling
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), plus extra for drizzling
- Optional: whipped cream for serving
Time Needed:
This delightful cake will take about 30 minutes to prepare, with an additional 2 hours for chilling. So, in total, you’re looking at about 2 hours and 30 minutes before you can dig in—but most of that time is waiting while the cake chills! Perfect for a lazy afternoon or a gathering with friends.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix box. To prevent sticking, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Get everything ready to go—it’ll be a breeze!
2. Make the Cake Batter:
Prepare the vanilla cake batter according to the box instructions. Usually, this means mixing the cake mix with water, eggs, and oil. Once everything is combined, pour the batter evenly into the greased baking pan.
3. Bake the Cake:
Place the cake in the oven and bake it according to the package instructions or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This should take about 25 to 30 minutes, but keep an eye on it just in case!
4. Poke Holes in the Cake:
When the cake is baked to perfection, take it out of the oven and let it cool for just a few minutes. While it’s still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake, spacing them about every inch apart. This will create pockets for all that delicious caramel and apple filling!
5. Add the Apple Filling:
Open the cans of apple pie filling and spoon it generously over the top of the warm cake. Make sure to allow it to fill those holes—you want that lovely apple flavor to soak into the cake!
6. Drizzle with Caramel:
Pour about 1 cup of caramel sauce evenly over the apple filling and the cake. Take a moment to appreciate how gorgeous this looks!
7. Chill the Cake:
Now, it’s time to let the flavors meld together! Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until it’s fully chilled.
8. Add the Whipped Topping:
Once chilled, take the cake out of the fridge and spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the entire surface. It’s time for the cherry on top!
9. Drizzle More Caramel:
For that extra touch of sweetness, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the whipped topping. You can be as generous as you like here!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Optionally, you can add a dollop of whipped cream on each slice when you serve it. Slice the cake and prepare for your taste buds to be delighted by this scrumptious treat! Serve chilled for the best flavor.
Enjoy this moist, flavorful poke cake with layers of apples and caramel sweetness in every bite. It’s a fantastic dessert for fall gatherings, holidays, or any day you want a cozy treat!
Can I Use a Different Flavor Cake Mix?
Absolutely! While vanilla pairs perfectly with the caramel and apple flavors, you can experiment with different cake mixes like yellow cake or even spice cake for a fun twist.
How Long Does the Cake Last in the Fridge?
The Caramel Apple Poke Cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just note that the longer it sits, the softer the cake may become due to the moisture from the filling and caramel.
Can I Use Fresh Apples Instead of Canned Apple Pie Filling?
Yes! If you prefer fresh apples, you can make a homemade apple filling by cooking diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of lemon juice until tender. Just let it cool before spooning it onto the cake.
Can I Freeze This Cake?
While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze just the cake (without toppings) for optimal texture. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw it in the fridge before adding the fillings and toppings when you’re ready to serve!
