Description
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake offers the delightful flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in an easy, moist cake form. Soft vanilla cake is baked and then poked with holes to soak up a delicious cinnamon and brown sugar mixture, creating bursts of gooey sweetness. A creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting tops it all off, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- Ingredients called for on the box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 tablespoons melted salted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the 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
For Topping
- Cinnamon sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare and Bake Cake: Preheat your oven as directed on the vanilla cake mix box. Prepare the cake batter according to the package instructions using the required eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch baking pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make Holes in Cake: While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to carefully poke holes evenly across the entire surface of the cake. This allows the cinnamon filling to seep in and infuse flavor.
- Mix Cinnamon Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, melted salted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour Filling Over Cake: Slowly pour the cinnamon mixture evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to flow into the holes you made. This step ensures each bite is moist and flavorful. Let the cake cool completely to set the filling.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream (or milk) until the frosting is spreadable and smooth.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake, ensuring full coverage and a smooth finish.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Lightly sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the frosted cake for extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Chill Before Serving: Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the frosting set and enhances the overall texture and taste before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Be sure to poke holes evenly to allow the filling to distribute thoroughly.
- Use softened cream cheese and butter for a smoother frosting consistency.
- Chilling the cake improves the texture and flavor melding.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator covered tightly for up to 5 days.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives.
