Cozy up with Caramel Apple Poke Cake, a classic fall treat. Moist white cake, apple pie filling, whipped cream, and a sweet caramel drizzle.
Calling all caramel apple lovers, this fall treat is for you. This Caramel Apple Poke Cake has been on my mind ever since I made it! Light, moist, and packed with caramel apple flavor, it captures all the best parts of the classic fall treat in one warm, comforting cake. With this recipe, you get the perfect blend of flavor and indulgence in every bite! I love to make this recipe for fall parties, potlucks, and any special occasion.
Love caramel apples? Find more highly-rated recipes inspired by the popular fall dessert here. 🍏
CARAMEL APPLE POKE CAKE
The recipe starts as a typical poke cake. Once the cake is baked and cooled, holes are poked all over it, and then drizzled with sweetened condensed milk. It’s what comes after that that takes it to caramel apple paradise: the apple pie filling! It is filled with chunks of apples and glaze. It all seeps down into the holes and makes this cake completely delicious. This recipe does take some time to prepare, but the payoff is a delicious fall cake everyone will be drooling over. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent fall dessert experience.
Find my expert tips below on how to make caramel apple poke cake below! Don’t forget to tag me in your caramel apple creations on Instagram and Facebook @lifeinthelofthouse. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Poke Cake Recipe:
- Moist & Fluffy Poke Cake: Made from a simple white cake mix, this cake is light, tender, and the perfect base for all the delicious toppings.
- Creamy Sweetened Condensed Milk: Poking holes in the cake and pouring sweetened condensed milk creates a rich, luscious texture in every bite.
- Warm Apple Flavor: Chopped apple pie filling adds cozy, classic fall flavors that pair perfectly with the cake.
- Decadent Caramel Drizzle: Finished with caramel sauce, every slice is sweet, gooey, and irresistible.
- Perfect for Fall & Holidays: This cake is ideal for holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving, family dinners, or any time you want a comforting fall dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) white cake mix
- including the eggs, water and oil needed for the cake mix
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (21 ounces) apple pie filling
- 1 container (8 ounces) Cool Whip, thawed OR fresh whipped cream
- Caramel sauce/topping
Instructions
Prepare and bake the cake according to directions on the box, using a 9×13-inch pan.
Once the cake is cooled, use a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly throughout the cake. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, trying to fill up the holes.
Chop the apples up (contained in the apple pie filling) into smaller pieces. Spread the chopped apple pie filling evenly over the cake.
Top cake with cool whip or whipped cream. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve each slice with drizzles of caramel sauce. Enjoy!
Servings
This cakes serves 12.
Storage
If you have a few pieces leftover, not to worry. This cake is just as good the next day, if not better! When stored in the refrigerator, the cake will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Holly’s Tips for The Best Caramel Apple Poke Cake:
- Even Baking: Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and make sure to follow the cake mix instructions exactly for a perfectly even, fluffy cake.
- Cool Completely Before Poking: Let the cake cool fully before poking holes; this prevents the cake from crumbling and ensures the sweetened condensed milk soaks in evenly.
- Poke Carefully: Use the back of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the cake for maximum flavor absorption.
- Whipped Cream Options: Fresh whipped cream adds a lighter, fluffier texture than store-bought Cool Whip, but both work beautifully.
- Chill for Best Results: Refrigerate the cake after assembling to let the flavors meld together; it’s even better the next day.
- Caramel Drizzle Tips: Warm the caramel slightly for easier drizzling over each slice, or use a squeeze bottle for precision.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! This cake actually tastes even better the next day after chilling, as the flavors meld together. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator.
Absolutely! Yellow or spice cake mixes work well, though white cake keeps the flavors light and lets the caramel apple shine.
Yes! Peel, core, and chop about 2-3 cups of fresh apples, then lightly cook them with sugar and cinnamon until tender before spreading on the cake.
For the classic poke cake texture, sweetened condensed milk is best. You could try evaporated milk plus sugar, but it won’t be quite as rich and creamy.
Make this Caramel Apple Poke Cake dairy-free by using a dairy-free white cake mix, substituting sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk (or homemade from coconut milk and sugar), topping the cake with coconut whipped cream instead of regular whipped cream, and drizzling with a dairy-free caramel sauce. These simple swaps keep the cake moist, creamy, and full of caramel apple flavor while making it safe for those avoiding dairy.
Make this Caramel Apple Poke Cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free white cake mix instead of the regular mix. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels to be sure.
Similar Recipes
Craving something similar? Make my Caramel Apple Sheet Cake next.
Can’t get enough of apples? My Shredded Apple Pie is just as delicious.
Looking for something more bite-sized? My Caramel Apple Slices are perfect for Halloween and Friendsgiving parties.
Wanting something more filling? My Apple Crisp Pizza is a warm dessert pizza with cinnamon, apples, and a homemade oat topping with caramel.
Searching for something different? My Apple Fritter Bread is a classic morning pastry to go with your cup of joe, and a dense, sweet bread with an easy-to-make glaze over the top.
Have you made this Caramel Apple Poke Cake recipe? 🍏
Leave a review, and don’t forget to tag me in your creations on Instagram and Facebook! @lifeinthelofthouse! #FallDessert #CaramelApplePokeCake #FallSnack #LifeInTheLofthouse
Caramel Apple Poke Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) white cake mix including the eggs, water and oil needed for the cake mix
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (21 ounces) apple pie filling
- 1 container (8 ounces) cool whip, thawed Or fresh whipped cream
- caramel sauce/topping
Instructions
- Prepare and bake the cake according to directions on the box, using a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Once the cake is cooled, use a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly throughout the cake. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, trying to fill up the holes.
- Chop the apples up (contained in the apple pie filling) into smaller pieces. Spread the chopped apple pie filling evenly over the cake.
- Top cake with cool whip or whipped cream. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve each slice with drizzles of caramel sauce. Enjoy!
Whoa! This looks heavenly! In fact, if there’s food in heaven, I’m sure this is there. ๐ Pinning to try ASAP!
Thanks, Erin!! ๐
This looks incredible, will be trying it for sure ๐
I made this today and followed the recipe exactly but i didnt have apple pie filling…. i used homemade apple butter that i made a week ago.. delish! I will be making this again and again. Thank you for a fantastic recipe!
Hi there Holly, This does look delicious.I do have a question. Can I use a yellow cake mix? I want to make this and that is what I have on hand. ๐ Thanks so much for the delicious recipes and keep them coming, Please ๐
Hi JoAnn! Yes, a yellow cake mix would most certainly work with this recipe ๐
Pinning! This looks delicious! =)
Thanks for sharing!