This Caramel Apple Poke Cake is a delightful mix of apple goodness and creamy caramel. It’s moist, sweet, and perfect for fall gatherings or any sweet tooth cravings!
You can cheerfully poke holes in the cake, letting that creamy caramel soak in. Trust me, you’ll want seconds! It’s one of those cakes that makes you feel right at home. 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake Mix: Using a box of white or yellow cake mix is convenient. If you want a homemade touch, use your favorite scratch recipe instead! A lemon cake mix can add a nice twist.
Apples: I recommend Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances sweetness. Honeycrisp is another great pick if you prefer something sweeter. Feel free to mix varieties!
Spices: Cinnamon is essential for that warm flavor, and nutmeg adds an extra hint of warmth. If you’re not a fan of nutmeg, you can skip it or replace it with allspice.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This brings moisture and sweetness. You can substitute it with evaporated milk mixed with a bit of sugar if you’re in a pinch.
Whipped Topping: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use homemade whipped cream instead. It adds a fresh taste and can be a fun touch!
How Do You Get the Cake to Soak Up All That Sweetness?
Poking holes in the cake might sound strange, but it’s a game-changer! This step lets all that delicious sweetened condensed milk soak into the cake, making it incredibly moist and rich.
- Use a wooden spoon handle or a skewer to poke holes evenly over the surface.
- Do this while the cake is still warm. It helps the milk seep right in!
- Pour slowly so the milk has time to soak into those holes.
Letting the cake cool completely before adding the whipped topping is important too. This prevents the cream from melting into the cake. Be patient; it’s worth the wait!
Caramel Apple Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix (plus the ingredients called for on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Soaking Mixture:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Topping:
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Caramel Apple Poke Cake will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 35-40 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to allow for at least 1-2 hours of chilling time in the refrigerator before serving, or even overnight for the best flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
First, preheat your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix box. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure your cake doesn’t stick.
2. Mix the Batter:
In a large bowl, prepare the cake batter according to the package directions. This usually involves mixing the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water. Once that’s done, gently fold in the chopped apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg until everything is well combined.
3. Bake the Cake:
Pour the apple-spiced cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake according to the package directions, generally about 35-40 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the middle; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
4. Soak the Cake:
After removing the cake from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes. While it’s still warm, poke holes all over the top using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer. Do this generously so the soaking mixture can saturate the cake.
5. Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk:
Carefully pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, focusing on the holes to let it soak in evenly. It will create a rich, moist base for your cake.
6. Cool the Cake:
Let the cake cool completely at room temperature. This may take about 30 minutes to an hour.
7. Top with Whipped Cream:
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the whipped topping evenly over the top, covering all the delicious caramel-soaked cake.
8. Drizzle with Caramel and Nuts:
Generously drizzle the caramel sauce over the whipped topping and sprinkle with chopped nuts if you’re using them. The nuts add a nice crunch!
9. Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the cake for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. For the best taste, leave it in the fridge overnight. When ready to serve, slice the cake and drizzle with extra caramel if desired.
This Caramel Apple Poke Cake is bursting with flavor from the tender apple chunks and warm spices, all drenched in sweetened condensed milk, and topped off with whipped cream and caramel sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert that everyone will love!
Can I Use Other Types of Cake Mix?
Absolutely! While white or yellow cake mix works perfectly, you can try using spice cake mix or even a chocolate cake mix for a unique twist on flavors!
What Can I Substitute for Whipped Topping?
If you’d like a lighter option, homemade whipped cream is a fantastic substitute. Simply whip heavy cream until soft peaks form and sweeten to taste with powdered sugar.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The cake might continue to absorb the moisture, so it will stay deliciously soft!
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free cake mix instead of regular cake mix. Just ensure that all other ingredients, like the caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk, are also gluten-free!
