Caramel Apple Poke Cake is packed with apples and then smothered in whipped cream and caramel. It's the easiest most delicious fall cake!
Caramel Apple Poke Cake is an easy cake mix recipe that takes hardly any time, but everyone will think you slaved all day over it. Don't like using cake mix? Go ahead and use your favorite spice cake recipe, but I love using the mix as a shortcut with this recipe. Jump into fall with this GREAT, totally delicious and super simple Caramel Apple Poke Cake! It's the fall dessert you’ve been dreaming of!
Fall desserts are my favorite, and I especially love everything caramel apple-y like these Caramel Apple Dumplings, Waffle Iron Caramel Apple Pies, and this Apple Monkey Bread with Caramel Drizzle!
What is a Poke Cake?
- A poke cake is a baked cake that is then 'poked' with the back of a wooden spoon to make holes in the cake. The holes should go to the bottom of the cake, allowing whatever filling to fill the holes.
- Poke cakes can be filled with puddings, whipped creams, syrups, caramel, jell-o and other liquids.
How to make Caramel Apple Poke Cake:
**Scroll down for how to make video and full ingredient list and directions**
- Use your favorite Spice Cake Mix for this recipe. Add chopped apples to the cake batter (make it according to the box directions). I love using fresh tree picked apples for this recipe, but in the fall super markets are FULL of fresh apples! Bake it!
- Once the cake is baked, poke holes using the handle of a wooden spoon (like this) all over the cake. Drizzle caramel - try my HOMEMADE CARAMEL SAUCE RECIPE - all over the cake, letting it flow into the holes.
- Make the stabilized whipped cream (see below), then spread it over the top of the cake and top with more caramel and walnuts!!! YUM!!!!
I also love a pumpkin flavor in the fall and this pumpkin dump cake is very tasty! While I love these flavors in fall, be sure to try this Peach Dump cake in the summer when peaches are in season!
More of my favorite fall recipes:
- Apple Grilled Cheese is perfect for fall! Smokey gouda cheese melted between tart granny smith apples is savory and delicious!
- Best back to school dinner recipes - With fall right around the corner, having easy meals for school nights is essential!
- Caramel Apple Dumplings - delicious caramel apples wrapped inside a crispy sugary shell! This is the PERFECT dessert!
- Caramel Apple Cider made in the slow cooker has only 3 ingredients, will leave your house smelling amazing, and warms your soul.
- Apple Monkey Bread is loaded with caramel, apples, and a sweet brown sugar butter glaze, this going to be everyone’s favorite fall treat! Serve it up for breakfast or dessert!
- One Pot Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta is creamy and comforting with cheese and pumpkin paired together in this delicious one pot meal!
- On this list you will find over 15 Fall Slow Cooker Recipes which are perfect to set and forget!
Caramel Apple Poke Cake is packed with apples and then smothered in whipped cream and caramel. It's the easiest most delicious fall cake!
- 1 box spice cake mix plus ingredients to make the cake - eggs, water, oil- see box directions
- 2-3 granny smith apples chopped into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoon non flavored gelatin
- 1 cup caramel syrup/sauce divided in half
- ⅓ cup walnuts roughly chopped
-
Prepare box cake according to directions. In a small bowl, place apples and add flour and cinnamon, toss to coat. Fold apples into the cake batter. Pour into 9x13 baking dish. Bake and cool completely. Set aside.
-
In a small bowl, add 2 TBS warm water, and add your gelatin, mixing to combine. Let sit for 3-5 minutes, or until set. Using a stand or hand mixer, pour in heavy cream and powdered sugar. Beat for 30 seconds on medium speed. Cook gelatin in microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and then 30 additional seconds, stir. Gelatin should be liquid, if not, cook until it is liquid. Turn stand mixer onto high speed, and slowly stream the gelatin into the bowl with the cream. Turn all the way onto high and beat until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
-
Use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over your cooled spice cake. Drizzle ½ cup caramel syrup over the poked holes.
-
Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake, then top with remaining caramel syrup. Add chopped nuts to the top, then refrigerate at least 2 hours.
Recipe Video
This recipe was first published on Domestic Superhero in September 2016, and was updated in September 2017, August 2018, and September 2021.
kateclysmic says
This looks delicious but where are the apples?
Allyson says
Wow, you are so right, I totally forgot to write them into the written recipe! If you watch the video, you can see that I add the apples into the batter before baking! Geez, total brain lapse! Thanks for letting me know!
Des @ Life's Ambrosia says
This looks like a perfect fall dessert!
kudoskookies3 says
This cake looks incredibly moist and delicious!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
OMG Amazing!
Amy @ Little Dairy on the Prairie says
I love DESSERT anything! I want to stuff my face with this now!
Dee says
I could use a nice big slice of this right now. It looks amazing!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
I love that it's almost fall, and I love how easy this cake seems to make! It looks absolutely scrumptious!
Catalina @ Peas & Peonies says
OMG! Perfect fall dessert!
Lisa Huff says
Such a fun idea! Love it!
Des says
Poke cakes are the best! This one tops the list for fall must-make desserts!
Jaide says
This looks amazing!!!!
Mallory Lanz says
Such a simple, easy cake recipe for fall! Love it!
Amanda says
Such a good combination! Just in time for the fall season!
Kim - Today's Creative Life says
What a perfect fall dessert!
Demeter says
This looks like the perfect way to welcome in fall! So good!
Sabrina says
I love how easy poke cakes are to make. Can't wait to try this version!
Charity Beth Long says
I have to eat this! I can't resist caramel!
Mahy Elamin says
Sounds perfect! YUM, these really sound delicious! Thank you for a great recipe!
Amanda Livesay says
I love a poke cake recipe! This looks so good!
Beth K says
This is the most amazing cake I've ever seen!
Sandra | A Dash of Sanity says
This is absolutely droolworthy! Can't wait to give it a try!
Kevin says
I always was interested in this subject and still am, appreciate it for putting up.
Julia says
This cake is so delicious. It's difficult to beat apples and caramel combo!
Allyson says
It is the perfect combo!!!
Eden says
Loved this caramel apple cake! It was so flavorful and good, we ate it right up! My entire family loved it 🙂
Krystle says
I love the caramel and nuts on top. Planning to make again for thanksgiving!
Erik says
Definitely perfect for this time of year! Love the caramel element, too.
Erin says
This Caramel Apple Poke Cake looks absolutely delicious! Yummy!
Beti | easyweeknightrecipes says
Sounds like the perfect dessert for fall! I need to try this asap!
katerina @ diethood.com says
This is such a fantastic dessert! Perfect for fall!
Sandra says
Such a really delicious dessert! A must-make for the apple season!
Amanda Livesay says
This is our favorite cake for fall! I've made it so many times and everyone always loves it.
Allyson says
So happy that you enjoyed it as much as we do!