### Delicious Caramel Apple Poke Cake Recipe: A Sweet and Tasty Treat
Are you looking to satisfy your sweet tooth in a unique way? Try making this delicious caramel apple poke cake! This recipe combines the crispy texture of an apple with the rich flavors of caramel and cake, creating a delightful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Follow these detailed steps to create a show-stopping caramel apple poke cake.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 (2-layer) yellow cake mix
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 apples, peeled and sliced into thin rounds (preferably Granny Smith)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- Powdered sugar for dusting
#### Instructions:
1. **Preheat Oven**:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. **Prepare the Cake Batters**:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add in melted unsalted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and smooth.
3. **Bake the Cake**:
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly using a spatula or offset spatula.
- Bake for 25 minutes. Check if it's set by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
4. **Prepare the Apples**:
- While the cake is baking, prepare your apple slices. Slice 3 apples into thin rounds and set aside.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced apples and cook until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
5. **Make Holes in the Cake**:
- Once the cake has cooled for about 10 minutes, poke holes all over the surface using a skewer or fork.
- This allows the caramel to penetrate the cake layers and enhance their flavor.
6. **Add Caramel Sauce**:
- Pour 3/4 cup of caramel sauce evenly over the poked cake base.
- Place half of the apple slices on top, ensuring they are well distributed.
7. **Repeat Layering Process**:
- Add the remaining cake batter on top of the apples and caramel sauce, spreading it out gently but firmly.
- Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top layer is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. **Cool and Garnish**:
- Let the poke cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top for an extra touch of elegance.
9. **Serve**:
- Slice and serve your delicious caramel apple poke cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired!
#### Tips for Perfect Results:
- Ensure that the apples are sliced evenly so they cook uniformly.
- For a richer flavor, use real butter instead of margarine or vegetable oil in the cake batter.
- Adjust the amount of caramel sauce according to your preference; some might like it thicker and sweeter.
With these steps, you can create an impressive and delicious caramel apple poke cake that will impress both young and old alike. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just a special treat on a lazy weekend afternoon! Enjoy crafting this sweet masterpiece with your loved ones.