Description
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, featuring a moist vanilla cake infused with a sweet cinnamon-sugar condensed milk mixture and topped with creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and vanilla in an easy-to-make poke cake format that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- Ingredients called for on the box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
Cinnamon 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
- Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven according to the cake mix package instructions. Prepare the vanilla cake batter following the package directions, then pour into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, usually around 25-30 minutes.
- Poke Holes: While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly all across the surface to allow the cinnamon mixture to seep in deeply.
- Mix Cinnamon Filling: In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Filling to Cake: Slowly pour the cinnamon mixture over the warm cake, making sure it seeps into the holes evenly. Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until incorporated. Mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream or milk until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula or knife.
- Garnish: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over the frosted cake for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set and the flavors to meld together.
Notes
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon or any similar tool to poke holes evenly for the best absorption of the cinnamon mixture.
- Make sure the cake is warm when pouring the cinnamon mixture to ensure it soaks properly.
- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon amount by 1 teaspoon in the filling mixture.
- You can substitute heavy cream with milk in the frosting for a lighter texture.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
