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
Scale
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.
