Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
Introduction
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining the soft texture of white cake with the rich flavors of cinnamon and cream cheese frosting. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for gatherings or a comforting treat at home.
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla (white) cake mix, prepare as directed on the box
- 5 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2½ teaspoons clear vanilla extract
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 8 tablespoons butter, softened (½ cup)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons half and half
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with baking spray.
- Step 2: Prepare the cake according to the box instructions. Use either whole eggs or egg whites as preferred. Keep an eye on the baking time, as box cakes often finish earlier than suggested. Allow the cake to cool until just slightly warm to the touch.
- Step 3: Use the handle end of a silicone spoon or wooden spatula to poke holes about ½ inch apart all over the cake.
- Step 4: In a heat-safe bowl, whisk together 5 tablespoons butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, 2½ teaspoons vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave the mixture on high for 1 minute, stir, then repeat once more. Continue heating in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until all brown sugar clumps are dissolved.
- Step 5: Carefully ladle the warm butter and cinnamon mixture evenly over the poked cake.
- Step 6: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened 8 tablespoons butter and cream cheese using a stand or handheld mixer on medium speed. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Step 7: Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and half and half. Gradually add powdered sugar ½ cup at a time. Increase speed to medium and beat until smooth.
- Step 8: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake using a silicone spatula. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer cinnamon flavor, sprinkle additional cinnamon on top of the frosting before serving.
- Substitute light brown sugar with dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses taste.
- Use half and half or whole milk depending on desired frosting creaminess.
- Try adding chopped nuts or raisins into the cake batter for extra texture.
Storage
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture. Leftover frosting can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days and re-whipped before use if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake flavor?
Yes, vanilla works best to complement the cinnamon, but you can experiment with yellow or spice cake for a different twist.
Why do I poke holes in the cake?
Poking holes allows the cinnamon and butter mixture to soak into the cake, making it moist and flavorful throughout rather than just on the surface.
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Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls made easy with a box cake mix. Moist vanilla cake is baked then poked with holes and filled with a rich cinnamon, brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk mixture before being topped with a creamy vanilla cream cheese frosting. A perfect comforting dessert that combines the flavors of cinnamon rolls in a simple, luscious sheet cake.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box vanilla (white) cake mix (prepared as directed on the box)
Cinnamon Brown 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 tablespoons butter (softened, ½ cup)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons half and half cream
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cake: Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the box directions. You may use whole eggs or egg whites based on your preference. Bake the cake in the prepared pan, keeping a close eye as it tends to finish early. Once baked, allow the cake to cool until it’s just slightly warm to the touch.
- Poke Holes: Using the handle end of a silicone spoon, spatula, or wooden utensil, poke holes evenly spaced approximately ½ inch apart all over the surface of the warm cake. This helps the filling penetrate the cake.
- Prepare Cinnamon Filling: In a heat-safe bowl, combine 5 tablespoons butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and the sweetened condensed milk. Whisk to combine and microwave on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, continuing until the mixture is smooth and all sugar clumps are dissolved.
- Soak the Cake: Carefully ladle and pour the warm butter and cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the poked cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
- Make Frosting: In a stand mixer or with a handheld mixer, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together on medium to medium-high speed until creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Add Flavor and Sugar: Reduce mixer speed to low and add vanilla extract, half and half cream, and powdered sugar gradually, about ½ cup at a time. Increase speed back to medium and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Spoon all the cream cheese frosting over the top of the soaked cake. Use a silicone spatula to smooth it out evenly. Any leftover frosting can be stored in an airtight container for later use.
Notes
- The cake should be warm but not hot when poking for best absorption of the filling.
- Microwaving the cinnamon sugar mixture in increments helps dissolve sugar clumps without overheating.
- Softened butter and cream cheese ensure a smooth frosting texture.
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle additional cinnamon on top of the frosting.
- This cake keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cinnamon roll cake, poke cake, cream cheese frosting, easy cinnamon dessert, vanilla cake, sweetened condensed milk dessert, cinnamon sugar cake
