Description
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a decadent dessert that combines a moist vanilla cake with a sweet cinnamon and brown sugar filling, topped with creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Easy to make and perfect for gatherings, this poke cake mimics the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in a convenient, sliceable form.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- Ingredients called for on the box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
Filling
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 tablespoons melted salted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Frosting
- 1/2 block (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk
Topping
- Cinnamon sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare and bake the cake: Preheat your oven according to the cake mix package instructions. Prepare the vanilla cake batter by combining the cake mix with the required ingredients (usually eggs, oil, and water). Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about the time indicated on the box.
- Poke holes in the warm cake: When the cake is freshly out of the oven and still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly spaced all across the surface. These holes will allow the filling to seep directly into the cake for maximum flavor.
- Make the cinnamon filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, melted salted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until fully combined and smooth.
- Add the filling to the cake: Slowly pour the cinnamon mixture over the warm cake, making sure to evenly cover the surface and let the liquid seep deeply into the holes. This step saturates the cake with a rich cinnamon sweetness. Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting: Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream or milk until the frosting reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency.
- Frost the cooled cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake using a spatula.
- Add the finishing touch: Lightly sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the frosted cake to enhance the cinnamon flavor and create an appealing look.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set and the flavors to meld for the best texture and taste experience. Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Make sure to poke holes while the cake is still warm so the filling soaks in better.
- Use softened cream cheese and butter at room temperature for smooth frosting.
- Chilling the cake improves the flavor and texture of the frosting.
- You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk if desired.
- For extra cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in the filling or sprinkle more on top.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
