This Caramel Apple Poke Cake is a fun twist on a classic dessert! It’s super moist and packed with sweet apple flavor, all topped with gooey caramel sauce and whipped cream.
You know the best part? It’s so easy to make! Just bake, poke holes, pour in that caramel goodness, and let it chill. Everyone loves it, and it’s perfect for gatherings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Cake Mix: The base of this recipe is a yellow cake mix, which keeps things quick and easy. You can also use a vanilla cake mix if you’d like a subtler flavor. For a homemade touch, you can make a simple cake from scratch using basic baking ingredients.
Apples: I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith for a lovely contrast to the sweetness. Fuji or Honeycrisp also work well if you want a sweeter cake. If you have canned apples, they can work in a pinch; just be sure to drain them well!
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and nostalgia, while nutmeg gives a hint of autumn. If you don’t have nutmeg, you can simply leave it out; the cake will still taste fantastic. A dash of allspice or pumpkin spice can also be a fun twist!
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient makes the cake super moist. If you’d prefer a lighter option, you can replace it with a mixture of cream and milk, though the texture may change slightly.
Whipped Topping: Store-bought whipped topping is convenient, but homemade whipped cream is a delicious and fresh alternative. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form for extra flavor!
How Do You Get The Cake to Absorb All That Caramel Flavor?
Poking holes in the cake is key to allowing all that sweetened condensed milk to seep in, creating a flavorful and moist dessert. Here’s how to do it:
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes across the surface of the cake. Space them about 1 inch apart.
- Make sure to poke all the way down to the bottom, so the milk can soak into the cake.
- Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, pour the sweetened condensed milk over the top, letting it fill the holes!
A tip from me: Let the cake cool completely before adding the whipped topping. This way, the whipped cream stays fluffy and doesn’t melt into the cake.
Delicious Caramel Apple Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box, like eggs, oil, and water)
- 2 cups peeled, diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Filling:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 jar (12-14 oz) caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
For the Topping:
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to bake the cake. Plus, give it at least an hour to chill afterward. In total, expect about 2 hours, including cooling and chilling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan so the cake doesn’t stick!
2. Mix the Batter:
Prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box. This usually involves mixing together the dry mix with water, eggs, and oil. Once everything is combined, gently fold in your diced apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly mixed.
3. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the greased pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove it from the oven.
4. Poke and Pour:
While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cake, spaced about an inch apart. This is where all the delicious filling will go! Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top, allowing it to seep into those holes.
5. Cool Down:
Let the cake cool down to room temperature before adding the topping. This will ensure your whipped cream stays nice and fluffy!
6. Top It Off:
Once cooled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake. Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the top and sprinkle chopped nuts if you like a little extra crunch.
7. Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving. This helps the flavors to meld together and makes it wonderfully moist. Slice it up, drizzle with extra caramel if desired, and enjoy your delicious caramel apple poke cake!
This recipe promises a delightful dessert with a lovely combination of flavors that everyone will love. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are a popular choice for their tartness, you can use any apple you prefer. Sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp also work well, giving a sweeter flavor to the cake.
What If I Don’t Have Sweetened Condensed Milk?
If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of equal parts heavy cream and sugar. Just mix until it thickens a bit, but it may create a slightly different texture. Another option is to use evaporated milk combined with sugar.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this cake a day in advance. Just follow the recipe through to adding the whipped topping, then cover and refrigerate. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to cover the cake well to keep it fresh! For best results, serve it chilled, and if needed, drizzle a little extra caramel before serving.
