Autumn has graced us with its presence, and what better way to embrace the season than with a slice of delicious caramel pumpkin poke cake? As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, and the air becomes crisp and cool, there's nothing quite like indulging in a sweet treat that captures the essence of fall.

Pumpkin season is truly a magical time of the year. The rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin pairs perfectly with the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. And when you add the decadent sweetness of caramel and the light, fluffy texture of whipped cream, you've got a dessert that's simply irresistible.

Luckily, we've got the perfect recipe to help you celebrate this wonderful season. Our caramel pumpkin poke cake is a showstopper that's sure to impress your family and friends. Each bite is loaded with the goodness of pumpkin, the freshness of shredded apple, the gooey sweetness of caramel, and the creamy richness of whipped cream. It's a dessert that's both comforting and indulgent, making it the perfect treat for any occasion.

To make this delicious caramel pumpkin poke cake, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 1 cup shredded apple
• 1 cup whipped cream

Here's how to make the cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix well until smooth.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
4. While the cake is baking, make the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until it turns a deep amber color. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the caramel sauce. Set aside.
5. Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Use a wooden skewer or a toothpick to poke holes all over the cake. Pour the caramel sauce over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
6. Sprinkle the shredded apple over the top of the cake. Let the cake cool completely before frosting it with whipped cream.
7. When the cake is completely cooled, spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake. Garnish with additional caramel sauce and shredded apple, if desired.

Now, let's talk about the flavors in this amazing cake. The pumpkin puree adds a rich, creamy texture and a deep, earthy flavor that's characteristic of fall. The spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves give the cake a warm, comforting aroma and a hint of sweetness. The caramel sauce is the star of the show, adding a gooey, sticky sweetness that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin and the spices. And the shredded apple adds a fresh, crisp element that balances out the richness of the cake.

But it's not just the flavors that make this cake so special. It's also the texture. The cake itself is light and fluffy, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The caramel sauce seeps into the cake, creating pockets of gooey goodness that add a delicious contrast to the lightness of the cake. And the whipped cream on top adds a creamy, smooth texture that ties everything together.

This caramel pumpkin poke cake is not only delicious, but it's also relatively easy to make. It's a great recipe for beginners or for those who don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. And because it's made with simple, everyday ingredients, you probably already have everything you need to make it in your pantry.

So, the next time you're looking for a delicious dessert to celebrate the fall season, give this caramel pumpkin poke cake a try. It's a dessert that's sure to become a family favorite for years to come. Whether you're enjoying it with a cup of hot coffee on a cool autumn afternoon or serving it at a dinner party, this cake is sure to be a hit.

So, go ahead and embrace the pumpkin season with this amazing caramel pumpkin poke cake. Your taste buds will thank you!