Description
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a wonderfully moist and flavorful dessert that transforms a simple boxed vanilla cake into a cinnamon-sugar soaked delight. With sweetened condensed milk filling and a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is reminiscent of your favorite cinnamon rolls, making it a perfect treat for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
For the Filling
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Make and Bake Cake: In a mixing bowl, prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the package directions, which usually includes combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate clean bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined. This mixture will soak into the cake, infusing it with cinnamon-sugar flavor.
- Make Frosting: Using an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until combined. Mix in vanilla extract, salt, and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. Increase the speed to high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add an extra tablespoon of cream if a thinner consistency is desired.
- Poke and Fill Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cooled cake, spacing them evenly. Pour the cinnamon-sugar filling over the cake, making sure to press it down into the holes with a rubber spatula to saturate the cake thoroughly.
- Frost and Chill: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the filled cake. Smooth it out with a spatula and refrigerate the entire cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.
- Serve: Slice the cake into 12 pieces and serve chilled. Enjoy the delicious, cinnamon roll-inspired treat!
Notes
- Allow the cake to cool completely before poking holes to prevent it from breaking apart.
- The poke holes can be spaced about 1 inch apart for even filling distribution.
- Chilling enhances the flavors and makes slicing easier.
- For a richer cake, use full-fat cream cheese and butter.
- You can substitute light brown sugar for dark brown sugar depending on your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
