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Spiced Caramel Apple Poke Cake Recipe

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4 from 12 reviews

This Spiced Caramel Apple Poke Cake is a delightful autumn-inspired dessert that combines moist spiced cake with creamy butterscotch pudding, tender cinnamon-sugar apples, and a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, this cake offers layers of flavor and texture with a satisfying balance of sweet and spice.

Ingredients

Cake:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as called for on box)

Pudding Layer:

  • 1 box (3.4 oz) butterscotch pudding mix
  • 3 cups milk

Apple Topping:

  • 3 cups chopped peeled apples
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Finishing Touch:

  • Caramel sauce, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cake Batter: Mix the spice cake mix according to the package directions, using the specified eggs, oil, and water to create the batter.
  2. Bake Cake: Pour the prepared batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake as directed on the cake mix box until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Poke Cake Holes: Remove the cake from the oven and, while still warm, poke holes evenly all over the surface using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer.
  4. Make Pudding: In a mixing bowl, combine the butterscotch pudding mix with 3 cups of milk. Whisk until smooth and thickened.
  5. Apply Pudding Layer: Pour the pudding evenly over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes for maximum flavor infusion.
  6. Cook Apple Topping: In a skillet over medium heat, combine the chopped peeled apples, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples become tender and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
  7. Top Cake with Apples: Spoon the warm apple mixture evenly over the pudding layer on the cake.
  8. Drizzle Caramel Sauce: Generously drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the apples to add a rich, sweet finish.
  9. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
  10. Storage: Keep the cake refrigerated to maintain freshness and prevent the pudding layer from spoiling.

Notes

  • The cake is best served chilled to allow the pudding and apple layers to set properly.
  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance against the sweetness of the caramel and pudding.
  • Ensure the cake is warm when poking holes so the pudding seeps deeply for better flavor.
  • You can substitute caramel sauce with salted caramel for an added depth of flavor.
  • Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/spiced-caramel-apple-poke-cake-recipe/