Easy Caramel Apple Poke Cake Recipe
If you love the cozy flavors of caramel apples and apple pie, you’re going to want to make this easy Caramel Apple Poke Cake! It starts with a simple spice cake mix, gets filled with sweet apple pie filling, and is finished with fluffy whipped topping and plenty of caramel sauce.
This easy fall dessert looks impressive, but it couldn’t be much simpler to make. It’s the kind of cake that’s perfect for fall parties, Thanksgiving, potlucks, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and cozy.
And the best part? You only need a handful of ingredients and a 9×13-inch baking dish!
I love this cake recipe because it is super easy to make, moist, delicious, and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Poke Cake
- Easy to make: Starting with a boxed spice cake mix keeps the prep simple.
- Perfect fall flavors: Apple, caramel, cinnamon, and warm spices are a delicious combination.
- Great make-ahead dessert: The cake needs time to chill, so it’s easy to prepare ahead of serving.
- Perfect for a crowd: This recipe makes 12 servings in a 9×13-inch pan.
- No complicated decorating: A layer of whipped topping and a caramel drizzle are all you need.
There’s something magical about a poke cake. Those little holes allow the filling to soak down into the cake, making every bite moist and flavorful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- spice cake mix & ingredients to make cake according to the mix
- oil
- water
- egg
- apple pie filling – This gives the cake plenty of sweet apple flavor without having to peel and chop fresh apples.
- whipped topping – Cool Whip or another whipped topping works perfectly here.
- caramel sauce – Drizzle it over the top for that classic caramel apple flavor.
How to Make Caramel Apple Poke Cake
Bake the Spice Cake
The first step is to make up the spice cake mix. Follow the directions on the box, and bake it in a 9″x13″ pan. Spice cake mix is great because it has all those fall flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Poke Holes in the Cake
Once the cake is done you want to let it cool 30 minutes before you poke holes on the top of the cake. I like to use the end of a wooden spoon to create the holes but you can also use an oversized, serving fork to create the holes if you prefer.
You can see in the picture how many holes I created. Basically you want a hole for each serving.
Prepare the Apple Pie Filling
In a food processor or blender, add the apple pie filling. You want to pulse it until it makes the apple pie filling a smooth consistency.
Add the Apple Filling
Pour the pureed apple pie filling over the top of the cake. Use a spatula to spread it over the top and into the holes that you created.
Chill the Cake
Place the cake into the fridge for at least 2 hours to chill.
Add the Whipped Topping
When ready to serve scoop the cool whip on top and spread to cover the top of the cake. If you prefer whipped cream you could definitely use that instead.
Drizzle With Caramel
Then drizzle the caramel sauce all over the top of the cake.
When I serve up the Caramel Apple Poke Cake I like to add some additional caramel after I’ve cut a slice from the baking dish.
Caramel Apple Poke Cake
Ingredients
- 1 Spice Cake Mix
- oil as directed on cake mix
- water as directed on cake mix
- eggs as directed on cake mix
- 21 ounce Apple Pie Filling
- 8 ounces whipped topping
- ½ cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Prepare and baking spice cake mix as directed on the cake mix packaging. Allow to cool 30 minutes before proceeding.
- After the cake has cooled 30 minutes, use the end of a wooden spoon to make holes in the top of the cake. Press the spoon about 2/3 to 3/4 down into the cake.
- Place the apple pie filling in a food processor or blender. Pulse until it is smooth.
- Pour the apple pie filling over the cake. Spread the filling over evenly and into the holes.
- Place the cake into a refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Remove when ready to serve.
- When ready to serve, take the whipped topping and spread it evenly on top of the cake.
- Then take the caramel sauce and drizzle on top of the cake.
Notes
Tips for Making the Best Caramel Apple Poke Cake
- Let the cake cool before adding the topping. Make sure the cake has cooled before adding the apple filling and whipped topping. This helps keep the topping from melting.
- Don’t skip the chilling time. The cake needs at least two hours in the refrigerator. This gives the apple filling time to soak into the cake and makes the dessert extra moist.
- Make the holes deep enough. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to create holes about two-thirds to three-quarters of the way through the cake. You want the filling to get down into the cake without poking all the way through.
- Add the whipped topping shortly before serving. For the prettiest presentation, add the whipped topping and caramel drizzle when you’re getting ready to serve the cake.
Can I Make This Caramel Apple Cake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! In fact, this is a great make-ahead fall dessert.
The baked cake and apple filling can be prepared and refrigerated ahead of time. Add the whipped topping and caramel drizzle closer to serving for the freshest presentation.
The finished cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What to Serve With Caramel Apple Poke Cake
This cake is delicious on its own, but if you want to turn it into an extra-special fall dessert, try serving each slice with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- An extra drizzle of caramel sauce
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
- A dollop of whipped cream
- A warm cup of coffee or apple cider
Other Apple Desserts
- The Most Delicious Apple Coffee Cake Recipe
- Pumpkin Apple Muffins Recipe
- The Easiest Spiced Apple Bread Recipe
- Easy Applesauce Spice Cake
