Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake (Print-Friendly Version)
Soft, moist cinnamon cake infused with spiced butter filling and topped with creamy frosting.
# Ingredients List:
→ Cake
01 -
1 box white cake mix, prepared according to package instructions
→ Filling
02 -
75 grams unsalted butter (5 tablespoons)
03 -
110 grams light brown sugar, packed (½ cup)
04 -
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
05 -
2½ teaspoons clear vanilla extract
06 -
396 grams sweetened condensed milk (14-ounce can)
→ Frosting
07 -
226 grams cream cheese, softened (8-ounce block)
08 -
113 grams unsalted butter, softened (½ cup)
09 -
2 teaspoons clear vanilla flavoring
10 -
310 grams powdered sugar (2½ cups)
11 -
2 teaspoons half and half
# Detailed Cooking Steps:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish with baking spray.
02 -
Prepare white cake mix according to package directions. Use either whole eggs or egg whites as preferred. Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, typically a few minutes less than package time. Allow cake to cool until slightly warm.
03 -
Using the handle end of a silicone spoon or wooden spatula, poke holes approximately 1.3 cm (½ inch) apart across the entire cake surface while still warm to avoid damage.
04 -
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine butter, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, clear vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk. Whisk to combine. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring after each, until sugar is fully dissolved and mixture is smooth without lumps.
05 -
Slowly ladle the warm filling evenly over the poked cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
06 -
Using a stand or hand mixer, beat softened butter and cream cheese on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add clear vanilla flavoring, half and half, and powdered sugar in increments, mixing on low speed then increasing to medium until frosting is fluffy and smooth.
07 -
Spread the frosting evenly over the filled cake using a silicone spatula or offset knife. Serve immediately or chill and serve with ice cream if desired.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
Monitor baking closely as white cake mixes often finish baking earlier than package instructions suggest.
02 -
Using clear vanilla flavoring in frosting maintains a clean white appearance.