This Caramel Apple Poke Cake is a simple, sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion! With layers of moist cake, gooey caramel, and yummy apple bits, it’s hard to resist.
I love how easy it is to make—just bake, poke, and pour on the caramel! Plus, the caramel oozes into the cake, making every bite extra delicious. Yum! 🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spice Cake Mix: This is the base of your cake, giving it that warm, cozy flavor. If you prefer to make your cake from scratch, you can mix flour, baking powder, spices (like cinnamon and nutmeg), sugar, and salt.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are tart and balance the sweetness well, but you can mix and match with Honeycrisps or Fuji for a sweeter flavor. Use whatever you have on hand!
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel is super convenient, but homemade caramel adds a special touch. Don’t worry if you can’t find any; you can always use butterscotch sauce instead.
Whipped Topping: If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, Greek yogurt can work as a substitute. You might want to sweeten it slightly to mimic the flavor of whipped topping.
How Do You Poke the Cake without Making a Mess?
Poking holes in the cake is a simple but crucial step. It allows the caramel to seep in and flavor each slice. Here’s how to do it gracefully:
- Once your cake is out of the oven, grab a wooden spoon or a skewer.
- Gently poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the surface of the warm cake.
- Be sure to poke through the top, but don’t go too deep that you hit the bottom of the pan.
- After poking, promptly drizzle caramel on top so it seeps in well while the cake is still warm.
Taking your time with this will help to infuse the flavors nicely, so don’t rush! Enjoy your baking!
Caramel Apple Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box spice cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- Ingredients called for on the spice cake box (usually eggs, oil, water)
For the Apple Layer:
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or your preferred variety)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), divided
For the Topping:
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping or whipped cream
- 1/2 cup chopped toffee bits or chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or walnuts)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. So in total, plan for roughly 2 hours to make and set this tasty dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to the temperature specified on your spice cake mix box—this is usually around 350°F (175°C). Next, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure your cake comes out easily once it’s baked.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
Prepare the spice cake batter following the package instructions. This usually involves mixing together the cake mix with the required eggs, oil, and water. Mix until just combined then pour the smooth batter into your prepared pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
3. Add the Apples:
Now, take those sliced apples and sprinkle them evenly over the top of the cake batter. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, if you’re using it. Sprinkle this sweet mixture over the apples so they’ll bake beautifully in the cake!
4. Bake the Cake:
Place the cake in the preheated oven. Bake according to the package instructions for about 30-35 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out clean (just be sure to avoid the apples).
5. Poke Holes for Caramel:
Once your cake is perfectly baked, remove it from the oven. Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the warm cake, making them about 1 inch apart. This allows the caramel sauce to soak in and flavor each bite!
6. Pour on the Caramel:
Now it’s time for the caramel! Pour about 3/4 cup of the caramel sauce all over the warm cake, letting it seep into the holes and the apple layer. This step adds that sweet, gooey goodness. Let the cake cool completely before moving on to the next step.
7. Add Whipped Topping:
Once the cake has cooled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the entire surface. This gives it a delightful creamy layer that contrasts nicely with the spice cake.
8. Final Touches:
Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup of caramel sauce over the whipped topping to make it look extra delicious. Then, sprinkle on the chopped toffee bits or nuts for a crunchy finish!
9. Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and the cake to firm up slightly. Serve chilled or at room temperature and watch it disappear!
Enjoy your moist, flavorful Caramel Apple Poke Cake with its luscious layers of spice, apple, caramel, and cream! It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix?
Absolutely! While spice cake mix gives a wonderful flavor, you can substitute it with yellow or vanilla cake mix if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the spice cake adds a nice warmth that complements the apples.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy!
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free spice cake mix as a substitute. Just check the package for the necessary ingredients. The apples and caramel sauce will still add delicious flavors, so you won’t miss a thing!
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative with the toppings! Instead of whipped topping, you could use cream cheese frosting for a different flavor. You can also add fresh whipped cream, caramelized nuts, or even a sprinkle of chopped dark chocolate for extra richness!
