Apple Poke Cake
This apple poke cake is fall in a pan—moist spiced cake, rich apple butter, cinnamon whipped cream, and a spiced apple topping that’s basically apple pie in disguise. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy gathering.
Equipment
- 9" x 13" Baking Pan (a 3 quart pan will also work)
- Small & Large Saucepan
- Mixing Bowls
- Spatula
Ingredients
Spiced Apple Cake
- 1 Box Spiced Cake Mix
- 1.5 c Apple Sauce
- 2 Large Eggs
- ½ c Salted Butter
- 1 c Chopped Pecans
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- ½ tsp Allspice
- ½ tsp Nutmeg
- ¼ tsp Ground Cloves
- ½ tsp Salt
- 8-10 oz Apple Butter
Cinnamon Whipped Cream
- 2 c Heavy Whipping Cream
- 2 tbsp Powdered Sugar
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- ½ tsp Cinnamon
- ¼ tsp Nutmeg
Spiced Apple Topping
- 6 c Chopped Apples
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 6 tbsp Apple Cider or apple juice
- 6 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 6 tbsp Salted Butter
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- ½ tsp Nutmeg
- ½ tsp Allspice
- ¼ tsp Ground Cloves
Instructions
Apple Poke Cake
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a 9" x 13" pan and set aside.
- In a small saucepan melt the butter on medium low heat. Add the chopped pecans and cook 3-5 minutes until fragrant & lightly toasted.1/2 c Salted Butter, 1 c Chopped Pecans
- In a large bowl combine the cake mix, apple sauce, eggs, butter pecan mixture, spices, and salt.1 Box Spiced Cake Mix, 1.5 c Apple Sauce, 2 Large Eggs, 1 tsp Cinnamon, 1/2 tsp Allspice, 1/2 tsp Nutmeg, 1/4 tsp Ground Cloves, 1/2 tsp Salt
- Mix by hand until combined.
- Spread the batter into prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool while you prepare the filling and whipped cream.
- Once cooled, use the end of a wooden spoon or straw to poke holes all over the cake, being careful not to poke all the way to the bottom.
- Spread the apple butter all over the cake making sure all the holes are filled (some apple butter will remain on top of cake).8-10 oz Apple Butter
- Evenly spread the cinnamon whipped cream on top of cake. Dust with more cinnamon & nutmeg if desired. Chill in fridge for 15 minutes.
- Cut into squares and add a scoop of spiced apples on top before serving.
Cinnamon Whipped Cream
- In a medium bowl combine the whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg.2 c Heavy Whipping Cream, 2 tbsp Powdered Sugar, 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract, 1/2 tsp Cinnamon, 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
- Mix on low to combine ingredients, then beat on high until stiff peaks are formed.
Spiced Apple Topping
- Wash, peel, core, and chop the apples into small ½” cubes. Add lemon juice and mix to coat.6 c Chopped Apples, 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- Add apples to a medium saucepan and cook on medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes stirring occasionally. Add butter.6 tbsp Salted Butter
- Once the butter has melted add the sugar, apple cider and spices. Lower the heat and stir constantly until the apples are tender and sauce has thickened. Let cool before adding to the cake.6 tbsp Apple Cider, 6 tbsp Brown Sugar, 1 tsp Cinnamon, 1/2 tsp Nutmeg, 1/2 tsp Allspice, 1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
Notes
If the apples start to dry out before they are tender enough add more apple cider one tablespoon at a time. If they are too runny, keep cooking them until the sauce thickens.
Extra sauce can be used to drizzle over the cake slices (so good!).
Storing: Cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
