Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

A soft and moist poke cake filled with a sweet cinnamon filling and topped with a homemade cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth.

Servings

Calories 150kcal

Author Sara

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 15.25 oz package white cake mix, prepared according to directions on package

For the Filling

½ stick ¼ cup butter, melted
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting

½ cup heavy cream
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
½ stick ¼ cup butter, softened
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Cinnamon sugar to sprinkle on top optional

Instructions

Prepare cake according to instructions on the box. Allow to cool.
In a medium bowl, mix together butter, sugar, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon and vanilla.
Poke holes throughout the cake using the handle of a wooden spoon.
Pour filling over the holes in the cake.
In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together.
Add confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract and salt.
Fold in whipped cream from medium bowl.
Frost the cake with the frosting.
Sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top.
Refrigerate 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Proper Cake Cooling: Ensure that the cake is completely cooled before adding the filling and frosting. Allowing the cake to cool fully prevents the filling and frosting from melting or becoming too runny when applied to the cake's surface. It also helps the cake maintain its structure and prevents it from crumbling during assembly and serving. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the cake in the refrigerator or on a wire rack.
Even Distribution of Filling: When pouring the filling over the cake, ensure that it is evenly distributed and seeps into all the holes created by the wooden spoon handle. This ensures that every bite of the cake is infused with the delicious cinnamon-sugar filling, adding moisture and flavor throughout. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the filling evenly across the surface of the cake, paying extra attention to the edges and corners.
Frosting Consistency and Texture: Achieving the perfect consistency for the frosting is key to a successful cinnamon roll poke cake. Ensure that the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps in the frosting. Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form before folding it into the cream cheese mixture, creating a light and airy frosting. Take care not to overmix the frosting to maintain its fluffy texture. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set and the flavors to meld together for the best taste and texture. Sprinkling cinnamon sugar on top adds a final touch of sweetness and enhances the cinnamon flavor.

Nutrition