This cake tastes like a big, soft cinnamon roll and starts with a box of vanilla cake mix. While the cake is warm, holes are poked all over it and a buttery brown sugar and cinnamon filling soaks into every bite. A thick layer of cream cheese frosting goes on top. It is perfect for potlucks, holiday mornings and church suppers.
Why You’ll Love It
- Starts with a cake mix.
- Moist and gooey all the way through.
- Feeds a crowd from one 9×13 pan.
What You Need
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla or yellow cake mix (plus the eggs, oil and water on the box)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
- Bake the cake in a greased 9×13 pan as the box directs. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes all over the warm cake with the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Whisk the condensed milk, melted butter, brown sugar and cinnamon until smooth.
- Pour it slowly over the cake so it runs into the holes. Cool completely.
- Beat the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy.
- Spread the frosting over the cake and dust with a little cinnamon. Chill 1 hour before slicing.
Tips
- Pour the filling while the cake is still warm so it soaks in.
- Make the holes about an inch apart.
- Chilling makes cleaner slices.
Serving and Storing
Keep covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a spice cake mix?
Yes. It makes it even more like a cinnamon roll.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. It is even better the next day.
Can I use canned frosting?
Yes. Stir a teaspoon of cinnamon into it.
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
A vanilla cake mix cake poked and soaked with a brown sugar cinnamon filling, then spread with cream cheese frosting. Tastes just like a cinnamon roll.
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Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla or yellow cake mix plus the eggs, oil and water on the box
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Bake the cake in a greased 9x13 pan as the box directs. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes all over the warm cake with the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Whisk the condensed milk, melted butter, brown sugar and cinnamon until smooth.
- Pour it slowly over the cake so it runs into the holes. Cool completely.
- Beat the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy.
- Spread the frosting over the cake and dust with a little cinnamon. Chill 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
Cooling and chilling time is not included.
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