Sweet Caramel Apple Poke Cake – Craving a dessert that screams fall? This Sweet Caramel Apple Poke Cake is the perfect combo of spiced apples and gooey caramel. Think of it like a warm apple pie, but easier and even more indulgent. With a few simple ingredients—yellow cake mix, apple pie filling, and caramel frosting—you’ll have a dessert that feels like a cozy hug. Seriously, it’s that good. And the best part? You can whip it up in no time!
The first time I made this cake, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Poke cakes are great, but with apple pie filling? I thought, “Is this going to be a hit or a total flop?” Spoiler alert: it was a total hit. My husband and our child took one bite, and let me tell you, I had to fight to save a slice for myself. The way the apple pie filling blends with the moist cake and caramel frosting—it’s next-level delicious. Now, it’s a must-make for every family get-together. You know those desserts where everyone asks for seconds? Yeah, this is one of those.
What makes this Sweet Caramel Apple Poke Cake truly special?
This cake is pure comfort in every bite. The sweet, spiced apple filling gives it that cozy, fall flavor, and the caramel frosting? It’s the cherry on top (except, you know, caramel instead of cherries). Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make. No complicated steps, just mix, bake, and pour. It’s the kind of dessert that tastes even better the next day, after all the flavors have melded together in the fridge. So whether you’re baking it for a party or just because you want a treat, it’s one of those recipes that’ll quickly become a favorite. And honestly, who doesn’t love cake that practically makes itself?
What You Need To Make This Sweet Caramel Apple Poke Cake Recipe?
Yellow Cake Mix: Honestly, this is your shortcut to a super fluffy cake. Any brand will do, just follow the box directions. I love how it absorbs all the sweet and spicy goodness we’ll be pouring into it later, making every bite soft and full of flavor. It’s basically a blank canvas for all the deliciousness to come!
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This stuff is the magic ingredient that makes the cake incredibly moist. Once you pour it over the cake and let it sink into the holes, it adds that extra creamy sweetness you didn’t know you needed. Plus, it helps give the cake that melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist.
Apple Pie Filling: I’m all about convenience, so the canned apple pie filling is a win for me. You can chop the apples up a bit smaller so they spread more evenly over the cake, or just leave them as is if you’re feeling lazy (no shame in that!). Either way, the sweet, spiced apples bring all the fall flavors to the table.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These are the secret weapons that make the cake taste like fall in every bite. Cinnamon brings that warm, cozy vibe, while nutmeg adds a little something extra. It’s the perfect combo for giving this cake that comforting, homemade flavor.
Caramel Frosting: Store-bought caramel frosting is a lifesaver here. Just zap it in the microwave for a few seconds to make it pourable, and boom—you’ve got a sweet, gooey topping that takes this cake to a whole new level. It’s like a caramel blanket for your cake. So good.
Steps To Make Sweet Caramel Apple Poke Cake:
Make the Cake: First things first, whip up that yellow cake according to the box instructions and bake it in a 13×9-inch pan. Easy, right? Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a bit. You don’t want to work with it when it’s super hot.
Poke Holes: Now, grab the handle of a wooden spoon or something similar and poke holes all over the cake. Space them out evenly so the filling gets into every bite. Don’t worry, they don’t have to be perfect!
Mix the Filling: In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure it’s all well blended—you want that spiced sweetness in every drop. Now, pour the mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into all those holes you just poked. Let the cake soak it all up!
Add the Apple Filling: Take your apple pie filling and chop up the apples into smaller pieces (if you haven’t already). Spread it evenly over the top of the cake. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just make sure there’s apple goodness everywhere.
Chill It: Pop the cake in the fridge for a few hours. Let it set and really soak in all those flavors. Trust me, this makes a huge difference!
Prepare the Frosting: When you’re ready, grab the caramel frosting, take off the foil seal, and microwave it for about 15 seconds. Give it a stir and repeat until it’s nice and smooth and pourable. Don’t overdo it, though—you just want it warm enough to pour.
Frost the Cake: Pour the warm caramel frosting over the chilled cake and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Make sure the whole thing is covered in that caramel goodness.
Chill Again: Stick the cake back in the fridge for a few more hours to really let everything set. It’s hard to wait, but it’s so worth it!
Tip:
Here’s a little trick to take this cake to the next level: when you’re poking the holes in the cake, don’t be afraid to really go for it! The more holes, the better. You want all that sweetened condensed milk mixture to soak into every part of the cake, so make sure your holes are deep enough. And here’s a bonus—after you pour the milk mixture over the cake, gently tap the pan on the counter a few times. This helps the mixture settle deeper into the holes. It’s a small step, but trust me, it makes every bite more flavorful. One more thing: if you want that frosting to have an extra smooth finish, warm your spatula under hot water before spreading the caramel frosting. It glides on like a dream!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you have the time and energy to make your own apple pie filling, go for it. Just make sure the apples are cooked and soft before adding them to the cake. Homemade will give it an even more personal touch, and you can control the level of sweetness and spices.
How long should I refrigerate the cake before serving?
You’ll want to let the cake chill for at least 4 hours, but honestly, overnight is ideal. This gives the cake plenty of time to absorb all the flavors and for the frosting to set perfectly. If you’re in a rush, a few hours will do, but the longer it sits, the better it gets!
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can! Once the cake is fully assembled and frosted, you can cover it tightly and freeze it for up to a month. When you’re ready to serve, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight. It’s a great way to make this dessert ahead of time for parties or when you just want to have a sweet treat ready to go.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Sweet Caramel Apple Poke Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix plus ingredients listed on the box
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 20 ounces apple pie filling
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 container caramel frosting
Instructions
- Start by baking your cake in a 13x9-inch pan, following the instructions on the box. Once it’s done, let it cool for a bit.
- Next, grab the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes evenly all over the cake—make sure you get a good number of them in there!
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg until it's well combined. Pour this mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps down into all the holes.
- Take your apple pie filling and chop the apples into smaller pieces. Spread the apple filling over the top of the cake, making sure it’s nice and even so every bite gets some of that delicious apple goodness.
- Go ahead and stick the cake in the fridge and let it chill for a few hours to really set and soak up all those flavors.
- When you're ready, open the caramel frosting, take off the foil seal, and microwave it for about 15 seconds. Stir it up and keep microwaving in short bursts until it’s smooth and pourable.
- Pour the frosting over the cake and use a spatula to spread it out evenly, making sure every bit is covered. Refrigerate for a few more hours before serving.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
