Description
This decadent Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake combines the convenience of a boxed vanilla cake mix with a luscious cinnamon-sweetened filling soaked into the cake itself, topped with a creamy homemade cream cheese frosting. Perfect for satisfying your cinnamon roll cravings in cake form, this dessert is moist, flavorful, and delightful for gatherings or special occasions.
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: Preheat the oven and prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the package instructions. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Use the back of a spoon to poke holes evenly throughout the entire cake surface to allow for the filling to seep in.
- Make the Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract, mixing well until smooth and combined. Add the sweetened condensed milk and continue stirring until the mixture is fully blended and warm.
- Soak the Cake: Pour the warm filling mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps deeply into the holes you created. Allow the cake to absorb the filling for about 15 minutes, which ensures maximum moisture and flavor inside the cake.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add the clear vanilla flavoring and half-and-half cream, then gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake has absorbed the filling and is cool enough, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice the cake into 15 servings and serve immediately or chill slightly before serving for the best texture.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cake is still warm but not hot when poking holes and pouring the filling so it absorbs properly.
- Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for a smooth frosting texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can sprinkle extra cinnamon on top of the frosting for a garnish.
- This recipe uses a boxed cake mix for convenience but can be adapted with a homemade white cake recipe if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
