This Easy Caramel Apple Poke Cake is a moist and delicious treat with layers of apple goodness and creamy caramel. It’s like autumn on a plate, perfect for any gathering!
Honestly, the way the caramel seeps into the cake makes it extra special. I might even sprinkle some nuts on top for a little crunch. Who doesn’t love a cake that tastes like a cozy fall day? 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake Mix: A yellow or butter cake mix provides a lovely base for this poke cake. If you want a homemade version, you can use a from-scratch cake recipe instead, using all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, and butter.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are my go-to for their tartness, but Honeycrisp adds a nice sweetness. For a different flavor, consider using Fuji or Braeburn apples!
Caramel Sauce: You can use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience, or make your own by melting sugar and stirring in some cream. For a lower sugar version, try a sugar-free option available at most stores.
Cream Cheese: If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, consider using Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese. It will affect the texture slightly but still offers a tangy flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Cake Comes Out Perfectly Moist?
To keep your cake moist, follow these steps carefully: Baking the cake until just done is crucial; use a toothpick to check for doneness—when it comes out clean, it’s done! After baking, let it cool for only about 15 minutes before poking holes to allow the caramel to seep in, ensuring every bite is tasty.
- Use a wooden spoon or skewer for even spacing when poking holes.
- Pour caramel slowly, letting it soak in as you go.
- Refrigerating the cake for a couple of hours after topping helps everything meld together nicely.
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy every bite!
How to Make Easy Caramel Apple Poke Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow or butter cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, usually eggs, oil, water)
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Cream Cheese Topping:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
- Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Caramel Apple Poke Cake takes about 15 minutes to prep, 35-40 minutes to bake, and at least 2 hours in the fridge to set. In total, plan for about 3 hours to enjoy a deliciously cool treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Cake Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing the Cake Batter:
Follow the instructions on the box to prepare the cake mix. Once you have your batter ready, gently fold in the chopped apples along with the cinnamon and nutmeg for that autumn flavor.
3. Baking the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready! Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
4. Poking Holes:
Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the warm cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart. This will allow the caramel to seep into the cake nicely.
5. Adding the Caramel:
Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the cake, making sure it fills the holes. This will make every bite extra delicious!
6. Preparing the Cream Cheese Topping:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
7. Whipping the Cream:
In another chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with sugar until stiff peaks form. This will give your topping a nice, fluffy texture.
8. Combining Toppings:
Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined. This will help create a light and airy topping.
9. Spreading the Topping:
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the entire cake.
10. Garnishing (Optional):
If you like, sprinkle some chopped nuts over the top for a delightful crunch, and drizzle with extra caramel sauce to make it look even more appetizing.
11. Chilling Before Serving:
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow it to set properly. This will help all the flavors meld together beautifully.
And there you go! Enjoy your delicious Easy Caramel Apple Poke Cake — a perfect blend of moist cake, rich caramel, and creamy topping! It’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Caramel Apple Poke Cake
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are popular choices, you can also use Fuji, Braeburn, or any apple variety that suits your taste. Just remember that sweeter apples will make for a sweeter cake!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can use a gluten-free cake mix instead of regular yellow or butter cake mix. Be sure to check that all additional ingredients, like the caramel and cream toppings, are also gluten-free.
Can I Make This Cake in Advance?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day ahead and store it (unfrosted) tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Just hold off on adding the caramel and cream cheese topping until the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the topping fresh, you can cover it loosely with plastic wrap. Enjoy it chilled for a delicious treat!
