Description
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is an easy dessert made with vanilla cake mix, a rich brown sugar cinnamon filling, and smooth cream cheese frosting. This soft and moist cake delivers classic cinnamon roll flavor in every bite and is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the cake
1 box vanilla cake mix
Eggs, oil, and water as listed on the cake mix box
For the filling
14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
4 tablespoons melted salted butter
1 half cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the frosting
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 third cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk
Cinnamon sugar for topping, optional
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the package instructions using the listed eggs, oil, and water. Mix until smooth, then pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for approximately 38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Take the cake out of the oven and let it cool completely before moving on to the next step.
- Once fully cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes across the cake at one inch intervals. Make sure the holes are deep enough for the filling to seep into the cake.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to fill the holes. Use the back of a spoon or a butter knife to gently spread the filling across the surface.
- To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl until creamy. Slowly mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until the frosting becomes smooth and fluffy.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cake. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top if desired.
- Refrigerate the cake for about one hour to allow the filling to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
Make sure the cake is fully cooled before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.
Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for a smooth frosting.
For extra cinnamon flavor, add an additional half teaspoon of cinnamon to the filling.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American