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Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe


  • Total Time: 180 minutes
  • Yield: 12-15 servings 1x

Description

Moist Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake: Yellow cake soaked in sweetened condensed milk, swirled with cinnamon sugar, and topped with cream cheese frosting.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 23 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream), for desired consistency
  • Cinnamon sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the water, vegetable oil, and eggs until well combined.
  3. Add the yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  4. In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop.
  5. In a separate small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well until evenly distributed.
  6. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the batter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the butter. Pour the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon sugar layer.
  7. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar mixture into the cake batter.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
  10. While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the cake.
  11. Slowly and evenly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the entire surface of the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
  12. Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Chill completely for at least 2 hours, or even overnight.
  13. Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before you start.
  14. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  15. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined.
  16. Add the vanilla extract and milk (or heavy cream). Beat on medium speed until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  17. Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
  18. If desired, sprinkle the top of the frosted cake with cinnamon sugar.
  19. Chill the frosted cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  20. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Be careful not to overmix the cake batter.
  • Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened for a smooth frosting.
  • Chilling the cake completely allows the sweetened condensed milk to fully absorb and the flavors to meld.
  • The longer it chills, the better!
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes