# Apple Cider Poke Cake

> A seasonal snacking cake that uses up your orchard spoils with apple butter, cider, and caramel whipped cream.
- Title: Apple Cider Poke Cake · Taste of Home | Shortify
- Summary: A seasonal snacking cake that uses up your orchard spoils with apple butter, cider, and caramel whipped cream. Poke holes in yellow cake and fill with apple…
- Keywords: apple cider poke cake, apple butter, apple cider, poke cake, fall desserts, autumn baking, yellow cake mix, caramel whipped cream, taste of home, seasonal recipes, orchard recipes, Apple
- Source: Taste of Home — https://tasteofhome.com/recipes/apple-cider-poke-cake
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: apple cider poke cake, apple butter, apple cider, poke cake, fall desserts, autumn baking, yellow cake mix, caramel whipped cream, taste of home, seasonal recipes, orchard recipes
## The orchard spoils problem
Apple butter and fresh cider sit in the fridge barely touched despite promises of grilled cheese and doughnuts.
## A cake that uses them up
This seasonal snacking cake uses a ton of both apple butter and cider so they don't go to waste.
## The filling is the star
After poking holes in yellow cake, apple butter and cider become the filling. Their natural flavor stands out instead of being hidden in frosting.

> We knew right away we didn't want to hide these orchard spoils in the frosting or bake away their flavor.
## Start with boxed cake mix
Use yellow cake mix with water, eggs, and oil. Room temperature eggs emulsify better for a more stable cake structure.
## The filling base is key
Sweetened condensed milk is thick, rich, and sugary. It fills the holes without oversaturating the cake.
## Bake and cool the cake
Pour batter into a greased 13 by 9 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees until a toothpick comes out clean, then cool 15 minutes.
## Pierce the cake everywhere
Use the end of a wooden spoon or straw to poke holes at half-inch intervals all over the cake.
## Mix the apple filling
Whisk sweetened condensed milk, apple butter, and apple cider until smooth. Spread it into the holes and over the top immediately.
## Refrigerate before frosting
Chill the filled cake for one hour before adding the topping. This lets the filling set into the cake.
## Caramel whipped cream topping
Whisk thawed whipped topping with caramel ice cream sauce. Spread over the cake and refrigerate at least one more hour.
## Make it ahead of time
Bake the cake and add filling the day before. Cover and refrigerate overnight, then add frosting a few hours before serving.
## Don't substitute applesauce
Applesauce doesn't have strong enough apple flavor and is too liquid. It will make the cake soggy instead of flavorful.
## Storage and serving tips
Store covered in the fridge for up to four days. Serve cold or at room temperature with coffee, warm cider, or after-dinner drinks.
## Key takeaway

Poke holes in yellow cake and fill with apple butter, cider, and condensed milk for an easy fall dessert that keeps orchard ingredients from going to waste.