Caramel Apple Poke Cake – An easy fall cake recipe! Made with vanilla boxed cake mix and apple pie filling that is prepared and then holes are poked into it that are filled with caramel sauce and topped with cool whip, chopped pecans, and additional caramel sauce. This cake is easy to make and each bite tastes like fall!
Caramel Apple Poke Cake
Poke cakes are the best! As one of those desserts that I remember my mom bringing to parties and potlucks as a kid, they have a special place in my heart as a yummy dessert that was great for sharing. With it being pumpkin season being in full swing right now, I wanted to make make a caramel apple version of a poke cake that would be great to bring to fall parties and Thanksgiving!
To start it off, you need a box of vanilla cake mix. It may sound like cheating to have boxed cake mix in a recipe but trust me, it is the best base for this cake. You have to combine it with the ingredients on the back of the box (eggs, milk, canola oil) along with apple pie filling. I suggest chopping the apples up a bit before adding them into the batter so they aren’t quite as large. Once it’s baked, you poke hole in it and cover it with gooey caramel sauce. To finish it off, the whole cake gets coated in cool whip and all of your favorite toppings such as caramel sauce and pecan pieces.
Common Questions About Making Caramel Apple Poke Cake
What is a caramel apple poke cake?
Caramel apple poke cake is a simple cake made by combining vanilla cake mix, apple pie filling, and a few other simple ingredients. It’s then baked before holes are poked in the top with a skewer and then covered in caramel sauce. It is then topped with a whipped topping and additional caramel sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 12 slices of cake.
Can I use whipped cream instead of cool whip?
I only suggest using homemade whipped cream if you are going to serve it immediately as whipped cream can start to weep. If you are making it ahead of time, definitely use cool whip.
What kind of cake mix should I use?
I used vanilla cake mix but you could also use spice, yellow, or white cake mix.
How long does this cake last?
I suggest covering it with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerating it for up to 3 days.
What other types of poke cakes can I make?
There are so many awesome poke cake varieties! Some of my favorites include –
What can I top this cake with?
I love topping this cake with caramel sauce, toasted pecans, toffee pieces, and even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Looking for more fall dessert recipes? Check these out!
Caramel Apple Poke Cake
Caramel Apple Poke Cake – An easy fall cake recipe! Made with vanilla boxed cake mix and apple pie filling that is prepared and then holes are poked into it that are filled with caramel sauce and topped with cool whip, chopped pecans, and additional caramel sauce. This cake is easy to make and each bite tastes like fall!
Ingredients
- 1 (12 ounce) can apple pie filling
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box vanilla cake mix *(plus the ingredients on the back of the box - oil, eggs, etc)
- 1 cup caramel sauce (plus more for topping)
- 1 (8 ounce) tub of cool whip
- 1 cup chopped pecans (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to required temperature states on the cake mix box and grease a 9"x13" pan and set aside.
- Transfer the apples from the apple pie filling to a cutting board and chop into smaller pieces (I cut mine into 1" chunks).
- Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions and then stir in the apple pie filling.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and then bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Once the cake is done, immediately poke holes all over the surface and pour the caramel sauce onto the cake, making sure to get all the holes covered.
- Allow the cake to cool, then cover and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
- Top with the cool whip, additional caramel sauce, and pecans before slicing and serving.
Notes
* I don't include an exact amount of the ingredients that go into the cake mix because it depends on the box itself. There is some variance between brands so it's best to just reference the specific box that you have.
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