Name: Caramel Apple Poke Cake
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box); 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 20 oz can apple pie filling (coarsely chopped); 1 cup caramel sauce (room temperature or slightly warmed); 8 oz frozen whipped topping (thawed); ⅔ cup toffee bits

Caramel Apple Poke Cake

If you’re looking for an easy and impressive dessert to share with friends and family, look no further than the delightful caramel apple poke cake.

This recipe combines the moist flavors of a vanilla cake with a sweet and tangy apple pie filling. The magic happens when the cake is poked with holes and doused with a rich caramel sauce, allowing the sauce to seep into the cake and create pockets of gooey goodness. Topped with fluffy whipped topping and crunchy toffee bits, this cake is an explosion of textures and tastes that will tantalize your senses.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using a boxed cake mix as a base streamlines the preparation process, while the addition of chopped apple pie filling and store-bought caramel sauce ensures a quick and hassle-free baking experience.

For those who prefer a deeper flavor profile, a spice cake mix can be substituted for the vanilla cake mix. Additionally, homemade apple pie filling can be used instead of the canned version, allowing for more control over the sweetness and tartness of the apples.

No matter your preference, a caramel apple poke cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a delightful taste for all!

Questions I often get asked about this recipe:

Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, spice cake or yellow cake would work well.

What if I don’t have apple pie filling?
You can use chopped fresh apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the whipped topping?
Yes, you can use dairy-free whipped topping or coconut whipped cream.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead of time. Just assemble it completely and refrigerate it until serving.

This seems too sweet for me, can I adjust the sugar content?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of caramel sauce used or use a sugar-free caramel sauce.

Are there any other flavors I can add to this cake?
Sure! You could try adding a teaspoon of apple pie spice to the cake batter or a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the top.

Can I make this cake in a different size pan?
Yes, you can adjust the baking time slightly depending on the pan size. Just be sure to check the cake for doneness with a toothpick.

What you need to make Caramel Apple Poke Cake:

1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
20 oz can apple pie filling (coarsely chopped)
1 cup caramel sauce (room temperature or slightly warmed)
8 oz frozen whipped topping (thawed)
⅔ cup toffee bits

How to make Caramel Apple Poke Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl using an electric mixer, combine the cake mix, cinnamon, water, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract on medium speed for 2 minutes.
Gently fold in the chopped apple pie filling with a rubber spatula.
Pour the batter into your greased pan and bake for 28-33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
While the cake is warm, use a straw to poke holes all over the top, about an inch apart and halfway into the cake.
Drizzle ¾ cup of caramel sauce over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Once cool, spread the thawed whipped topping over the entire cake.Sprinkle the toffee bits and remaining ¼ cup of caramel sauce over the top.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, before serving.

Tips:

For a richer flavor, you can use a spice cake mix instead of vanilla.
If you don’t have apple pie filling, you can simply chop up some fresh apples and add a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar to them before folding them into the batter.
You can adjust the amount of caramel sauce to your liking.
This cake is best served chilled.
Enjoy your delicious homemade caramel apple poke cake!

Latest Reviews:

“This cake was a HUGE hit at our fall potluck! It’s so easy to throw together with a boxed cake mix, and the caramel sauce is insanely good. My only tip – go easy on the toffee bits, they can get a little overwhelming. Otherwise, perfect!”

“I followed this recipe exactly, and it turned out beautifully! The cake is moist and flavorful, and the apple pie filling adds the perfect amount of tartness. My family devoured it in no time. Definitely will be making this again!”

“This cake is like fall in a dessert pan! I used a spice cake mix for an extra kick, and it did not disappoint. The only downside is that it disappears way too fast around here. Next time, I might double the recipe!”

“I’m a baking newbie, but this recipe was a breeze! The instructions were super clear, and even I managed to make it look presentable. The taste? AMAZING. Gooey caramel, fluffy whip cream, and those little apple bits – yum! Thanks for sharing!”

“This recipe is a keeper! It’s so easy to customize – I used homemade apple pie filling with Granny Smith apples for a tangier flavor, and it was perfect. Definitely a crowd-pleaser for any fall gathering.”

Printable Recipe:

Yield: 8 servings