Description
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake combines the ease of a boxed vanilla cake mix with rich cinnamon-infused filling and creamy cream cheese frosting, resulting in a moist, flavorful dessert reminiscent of classic cinnamon rolls but in a simple poke cake form.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 box vanilla (white) cake mix, prepared as directed on the box
For the Filling Mixture:
- 5 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
For the Frosting:
- 8 tablespoons (½ cup) butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 teaspoons clear vanilla flavoring
- 2 teaspoons half-and-half cream
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions. Once baked, let the cake cool slightly. Use the back of a spoon to poke holes evenly throughout the surface of the cake to allow the filling to seep in.
- Make the Filling: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and combined. Then add the sweetened condensed milk and stir continuously until fully combined into a luscious cinnamon filling.
- Soak the Cake: Pour the warm filling mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps thoroughly into the holes poked previously. Allow the cake to absorb the cinnamon filling for approximately 15 minutes to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla flavoring and half-and-half cream, then gradually blend in the powdered sugar while continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Assemble the Cake: Evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled, soaked cake. Slice into serving pieces and enjoy the cake immediately or refrigerate for later serving.
Notes
- Be sure to poke holes evenly and not too large to allow maximum absorption of the filling without breaking the cake apart.
- Using cream cheese frosting complements the cinnamon flavor perfectly, but you can substitute with any favorite frosting if preferred.
- This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature and keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extra cinnamon flavor, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon over the frosting before serving.
- If desired, toast some chopped pecans or walnuts and sprinkle on top for added texture and flavor.
