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Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 120 reviews

This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the soft, fluffy texture of a white cake with the rich flavors of cinnamon and cream cheese frosting. The cake is baked, then poked with holes to allow a luscious cinnamon sugar and sweetened condensed milk mixture to soak in, infusing every bite with gooey sweetness reminiscent of classic cinnamon rolls. Topped with a creamy vanilla cream cheese frosting, this poke cake is perfect for sharing at celebrations or enjoying as a comforting treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 1 box white cake mix (prepare as directed on the box)

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2½ teaspoons clear vanilla extract
  • 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 ounce bar cream cheese (softened)
  • ½ cup butter (softened)
  • 2 teaspoons clear vanilla flavoring
  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons half and half

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake: Follow the instructions on the white cake mix box to prepare the cake batter. Pour the batter evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake the cake according to the box directions, typically around 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly.
  2. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a small saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in 2½ teaspoons of clear vanilla extract. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Poke the Cake: Once the cake has cooled but is still slightly warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake, spacing about 1 inch apart. This creates pockets for the filling to seep in.
  4. Add the Filling: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, letting it soak into the holes. Next, pour the cinnamon sugar butter mixture over the cake surface, ensuring it fills the holes as well. Refrigerate the cake while you prepare the frosting to allow the filling to absorb.
  5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the clear vanilla flavoring and mix well. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Finally, add the half and half to reach desired spreading consistency.
  6. Frost the Cake: After the cake has chilled and absorbed the filling, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake using a spatula or knife.
  7. Serve: Slice the poke cake into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure the cake is slightly warm when poking holes so the filling seeps in properly rather than running off.
  • The cream cheese frosting should be smooth with no lumps for easy spreading.
  • You can substitute half and half with milk if you prefer a lighter frosting.
  • This cake can be made a day ahead; chilling allows flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Use a good quality unsalted butter for both filling and frosting for the best taste.

Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake, cinnamon cake, poke cake recipe, cream cheese frosting, easy dessert

Find it online: https://zestywithzane.com/cinnamon-roll-poke-cake-recipe/