If you have a soft spot for comforting desserts that bring together the warm flavors of fall and a delightful twist in texture, you are going to adore this Caramel Apple Pie Poke Cake Recipe. This dessert takes the beloved essence of apple pie and transforms it into a luscious, pudding-like cake with pockets of caramel and apple surprises in every bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for everything from casual family dinners to festive gatherings, offering a juicy, sweet, and creamy experience that feels like a big, delicious hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Caramel Apple Pie Poke Cake Recipe comes from combining simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role. The cake base is moist and tender, the apple pie filling is bursting with cinnamon-spiced fruitiness, and the caramel adds that irresistible gooey touch. Together, they create a texture and flavor combination that’s nothing short of spectacular.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides a tender, buttery foundation that bakes up perfectly every time.
- Apple pie filling (21-oz can): Adds sweet, cinnamon-dusted apple chunks that bring classic pie flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
- Cinnamon (½ tsp): Sprinkles in cozy spice that complements the apple beautifully.
- Eggs (2): Help bind the batter and enrich the crumb.
- Milk (¼ cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14-oz can): Creates the creamy, luscious drizzle that soaks into the cake.
- Caramel ice cream topping (12.25-oz jar): Brings a rich, buttery caramel sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the apples.
- Cool Whip (8-oz container): Adds fluffy creaminess to top off the cake.
- Toffee bits (1 cup): Provides a delightful crunch and a hint of buttery caramel flavor on top.
How to Make Caramel Apple Pie Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350ºF to get it nice and hot for baking. Grease a 9×13 inch pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and make sure every slice comes out clean and neat. This step sets the stage for baking a perfectly golden cake.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with the apple pie filling, vanilla extract, cinnamon, eggs, and milk. Using an electric mixer, blend everything just until it’s combined. This mixture creates a beautifully moist batter with delightful bits of apples throughout. Be careful not to overmix so your cake stays tender.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen as it bakes is one hint that this cake is going to be incredible.
Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Milk Mixture
While the cake bakes, stir together the sweetened condensed milk and caramel ice cream topping in a bowl. This mixture is the surprise soaking liquid that will be poured into the cake’s holes, turning it moist and luscious with every bite.
Step 5: Poke and Pour
Once the cake comes out hot from the oven, grab a fork or a straw and poke holes evenly all over the top. This step is essential for the caramel milk mixture to seep deep into the cake layers. Slowly pour the mixture over the cake, allowing it to fill each hole and infuse the cake with incredible flavor. Let the cake cool completely for the best texture.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
When the cake has cooled, sprinkle half of the toffee bits evenly over the surface. Spread a generous layer of Cool Whip on top, which brings a light, creamy texture to balance the rich caramel and apples. Finish by sprinkling the remaining toffee bits on top for a delightful crunch that complements every forkful.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Pie Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make this cake look as special as it tastes, consider adding a drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top or a few fresh apple slices gently fanned out on each piece. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar can add a perfect seasonal touch that makes your presentation pop.
Side Dishes
While the cake shines wonderfully on its own, pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream elevates the dessert experience. A cup of rich coffee or spiced chai tea also pairs beautifully, balancing the sweetness with warm, aromatic sips.
Creative Ways to Present
This cake is wonderfully versatile: serve it in individual mason jars layered with extra caramel and toffee for a rustic look, or cut it into mini squares for a party platter. You can even assemble the entire dessert in a trifle bowl for a dramatic, crowd-pleasing centerpiece that keeps all those beautiful layers visible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Caramel Apple Pie Poke Cake Recipe is made, store any leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld even more beautifully over a day or two, making each slice taste freshly made. It stays tasty for about 3 to 4 days.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this cake freezes well. Wrap it securely with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer it a little warm, simply microwave an individual slice for 15-20 seconds. Avoid heating the whole cake as it may soften the whipped topping too much.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of a boxed mix?
Absolutely! While the recipe is designed for convenience with a boxed mix, a homemade yellow cake batter will work just as well and add a personal touch. Just be sure it’s a moist cake for the best soak-in effect.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap out the milk for a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free caramel and whipped toppings available at many grocery stores. The texture will still be delightful.
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Fresh apples can be used, but you’ll want to cook them down with sugar and cinnamon first to mimic the softness and sweetness of the canned filling. This step ensures the apples are tender enough to blend into the cake batter easily.
What is the best way to poke holes in the cake?
A fork works great for penetrating the cake evenly, but a straw allows for more controlled, deeper holes. Just make sure to poke enough holes so the caramel milk mixture distributes throughout the entire cake.
Can this cake be made in smaller pans?
Yes, you can use smaller pans but keep in mind the baking time will vary. Start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier and adjust accordingly. The flavor is just as wonderful no matter the size!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Caramel Apple Pie Poke Cake Recipe that makes it a standout dessert to keep in your repertoire. It’s perfectly cozy, effortlessly delicious, and packed with the warm nostalgia of apple pie in a whole new form. I encourage you to try this recipe soon, grab a fork, and enjoy every gooey, sweet bite with those you love. Once you do, it might just become your new favorite treat to share around the table.
Print
Caramel Apple Pie Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Caramel Apple Pie Poke Cake is a delightful twist on traditional apple pie, combining moist yellow cake with apple pie filling, warm cinnamon flavors, and a luscious caramel and sweetened condensed milk drizzle. Topped with fluffy Cool Whip and crunchy toffee bits, it’s an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for gatherings and cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 (21-oz) can apple pie filling
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup milk
Caramel Drizzle
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12.25-oz) jar Smucker’s caramel ice cream topping
Toppings
- 1 (8-oz) container Cool Whip
- 1 cup toffee bits
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly, then set it aside for later use.
- Mix cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, apple pie filling, vanilla extract, cinnamon, eggs, and milk. Use an electric mixer to blend the ingredients just until smoothly combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare caramel mixture: While the cake is baking, blend the sweetened condensed milk and caramel ice cream topping in a bowl until combined. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Poke and drizzle: Once the cake is done and still hot, use a fork or straw to poke holes evenly all over the cake surface. Slowly pour the caramel and condensed milk mixture over the cake, letting it soak into the holes. Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle half of the toffee bits evenly over the cooled cake. Spread the Cool Whip on top to create a creamy layer, then sprinkle the remaining toffee bits evenly as the finishing touch. Chill the cake in the refrigerator before serving.
Notes
- Using warm cake for poking and pouring the caramel mixture ensures better absorption and a moist texture.
- For a stronger apple flavor, add a little more cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the batter.
- Toffee bits add a delightful crunch, but chopped pecans or walnuts could be used as an alternative topping.
- Make sure to allow the cake to cool completely before topping to prevent the Cool Whip from melting.
- This cake tastes best after being chilled for at least 2 hours.
