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Sliced Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake topped with cream cheese frosting and cinnamon sugar

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

A quick and easy poke cake that captures the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls without all the effort, making it perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 1 box Yellow or vanilla cake mix Plus the eggs, oil, and water it calls for.
  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar For a real cinnamon roll flavor. White sugar can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon Use fresh cinnamon for better flavor.
  • 1 can Sweetened condensed milk Can substitute with caramel flavored condensed milk for extra flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Butter, melted For mixing into the cinnamon sugar layer.
  • 8 oz Cream cheese, softened For topping.
  • 1 cup Powdered sugar To sweeten the topping.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Enhances the topping flavor.
  • 1-2 tablespoons Milk or cream Just a splash to get the topping spreadable.

Method
 

Baking
  1. Preheat the oven and prepare the cake mix in a 9 by 13 pan according to the box instructions. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, approximately 30 minutes.
  2. Let the cake cool for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Poking and Soaking
  1. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a thick straw to poke holes all over the cake, spaced about an inch apart.
  2. Mix sweetened condensed milk with ground cinnamon and pour it slowly over the cake to allow it to soak in.
Adding Cinnamon Butter Swirl
  1. Mix the melted butter with brown sugar and cinnamon. Drizzle it across the top of the cake and gently spread it around.
Chilling
  1. Cover the pan and let it chill for at least 1 to 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Frosting
  1. Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla. Add a splash of milk to make it smooth and spreadable.
  2. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the chilled cake.
Finishing Touches
  1. Dust the cake with a little cinnamon or drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze on top for decoration.

Notes

This cake is flexible: add mini white chocolate chips on top or swirl in caramel in the frosting if desired. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for about 4 days.