This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a deliciously sweet and indulgent dessert that combines the rich flavor of cinnamon rolls with the moist texture of cake. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion, offering a fun twist on a classic cinnamon roll!

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Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (or homemade vanilla cake recipe)
• Ingredients called for on the cake mix box (usually water, oil, and eggs)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Poke Cake Filling:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk (or as needed for consistency)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

1. Prepare the cake mix: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish.

1. Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Add 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to the batter and stir well to incorporate. This will give the cake a cinnamon swirl flavor.
2. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake according to the package directions, typically 25-30 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
3. Cool the cake: Once baked, let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes in the pan.

Step 2: Make the Poke Cake Filling

1. While the cake is cooling, prepare the cinnamon filling. In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and ground cinnamon until fully combined.
2. Poke the cake: Once the cake has cooled slightly but is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the cake. Be sure to make enough holes for the filling to seep through but not all the way to the bottom.
3. Pour the filling: Slowly pour the cinnamon filling over the warm cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. The filling will seep into the cake, making it moist and flavorful.

Step 3: Prepare the Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, continuing to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the frosting for an added burst of cinnamon flavor.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the frosting to firm up and the flavors to meld together.
2. Slice into squares and serve this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake as a sweet and indulgent treat!

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Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

• Cinnamon filling: You can adjust the amount of cinnamon in the filling based on how strong you want the cinnamon flavor to be.
• Cake mix: If you prefer, you can use a homemade vanilla cake recipe instead of store-bought cake mix for a more personalized flavor.
• Frosting variations: If you prefer a more traditional frosting, you can top the cake with a simple cream cheese frosting or even a whipped topping if you want it lighter.
• Make-ahead: This cake can be made a day ahead of time. In fact, the flavors meld better if allowed to sit overnight in the fridge.

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Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cake (without frosting) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and frost before serving.

Enjoy your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake – a sweet, cinnamon-packed dessert that's sure to be a hit with family and friends! 🍰🍩