If you love the festive flavors and fun tradition of Mardi Gras, you are going to absolutely adore this King Cake Poke Cake Recipe. It brilliantly transforms the classic King Cake into a delightful poke cake that’s super moist, bursting with cinnamon-swirled sweetness, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This recipe takes all your favorite elements—the tender yellow cake, cinnamon sugar, rich caramel-like drizzle, and that cool, creamy frosting—to create a show-stopping dessert perfect for celebrations or anytime you want a slice of Southern charm right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This King Cake Poke Cake Recipe relies on simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture you’ll want again and again. From the moist cake base to the aromatic cinnamon sugar and silky frosting, each component plays a vital role.
- Yellow cake mix: The base of this cake, it ensures a soft, fluffy crumb with minimal effort.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and enhances moisture in the cake and toppings.
- Cinnamon: Infuses the dish with that warm spice emblematic of King Cake tradition.
- Finely chopped pecans (optional): Provides a pleasant crunch and nutty contrast to the soft cake layers.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Creates that luscious, sticky drizzle that soaks into the cake’s pores.
- Butter: Melted butter blends with the milk mixture to add richness.
- Cream cheese: The superstar of the frosting, it adds tanginess and creaminess.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese for spreadable frosting.
- Cool whip: Lightens the frosting to an airy finish perfect on top of the dense cake.
How to Make King Cake Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter and Layer
Start by making the yellow cake batter following the box instructions. Pour half of the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan, creating a smooth, even layer that will hold the flavorful filling. Then, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans in a bowl and sprinkle this aromatic cinnamon sugar mix over the batter. This layering is the secret to giving your cake that classic King Cake swirl of sweetness and spice. Finish by spooning the remaining batter on top to seal it all in beautifully.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Bake your layered cake according to the box directions, usually until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The combination of batters will create layers both visually and in flavor that are uniquely delightful. While the cake is baking, prepare the gooey milk mixture that will soak into the cake and elevate its moistness to the next level.
Step 3: Make the Sweetened Condensed Milk Mixture & Poke the Cake
Mix together sweetened condensed milk, additional brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until smooth and fragrant. Once your cake is out of the oven and still warm, gently poke holes across the top using a fork or a straw—this step ensures the milk mixture seeps deep into every tender bite. Pour the mixture evenly over the cake, letting it soak in and infuse sweetness and rich buttery flavor. Then allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
Step 4: Prepare and Spread the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until perfectly smooth, then fold in thawed cool whip for a light and fluffy finish. This frosting is the perfect balance to the rich, sweet cake and adds a tangy freshness that immediately makes you think Mardi Gras. Spread this frosting evenly over the cooled cake for the perfect finishing touch. Refrigerate until ready to serve so the frosting sets beautifully.
How to Serve King Cake Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle colored sugar in traditional Mardi Gras colors—purple, green, and gold—over the cream cheese frosting just before serving. You can also top with additional chopped pecans or even drizzle a little caramel sauce for added indulgence. These simple garnishes make the cake visually pop and intensify its celebratory vibe.
Side Dishes
This cake is sweet and indulgent enough to be the star of any dessert table, but it pairs wonderfully with light sides like fresh berries or a simple fruit salad. If you’re serving as part of a brunch or party spread, consider drinks like coffee with a hint of cinnamon or a spiced tea to complement the cinnamon notes in the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a Mardi Gras event or just want to get creative, turn slices of the King Cake Poke Cake Recipe into individual trifles by layering pieces with whipped cream and fruit in pretty glasses. Or, for a rustic welcome, serve the cake in a vibrant cake stand and let guests help themselves to the colorful sugar toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After indulging, cover any leftover King Cake Poke Cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 4 days while maintaining its moist texture and creamy frosting.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully if you want to prepare ahead of time. Freeze the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to serve, thaw fully in the fridge and then frost as directed in the recipe for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warmed, pop a slice into the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid reheating the portion with frosting directly to prevent melting; instead, warm unfrosted slices or portions, then add frosting afterward if desired.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake batter instead of boxed mix?
Absolutely! A homemade yellow cake batter will work wonderfully here, giving you even more control over flavor and ingredients. Just ensure the batter is pourable and not too dense for easy layering and soaking.
What if I don’t like pecans?
You can simply skip the pecans or replace them with another nut like chopped almonds or walnuts. The cake will still be delicious and moist, with or without the nutty crunch.
How do I make the cake extra moist?
The poke step combined with the sweetened condensed milk mixture is what really locks in moisture. Be sure to poke enough holes so the mixture sinks evenly throughout the cake for the best texture.
Can I make this King Cake Poke Cake Recipe dairy-free?
With some substitutions like dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping, plus a dairy-free cake mix, you can adapt this recipe to be dairy-free. Keep in mind it may change the texture slightly but it will still be enjoyable.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes! The flavors are mild and sweet, and since the alcohol traditionally associated with King Cakes isn’t in this recipe, it’s perfect for kids and adults alike to enjoy at any gathering.
Final Thoughts
If you want to bring a festive and fun twist to your dessert lineup, I cannot recommend this King Cake Poke Cake Recipe enough. It’s a delightful way to celebrate Mardi Gras flavors any time of the year, combining incredible layers of cinnamon, sweetness, and creamy frosting in every bite. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite cake to impress friends and family!
Print
King Cake Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This King Cake Poke Cake is a delicious twist on the traditional Mardi Gras King Cake, featuring layers of cinnamon sugar, pecans, and a creamy sweetened condensed milk drizzle. Topped with a smooth cream cheese and cool whip frosting, this 12-serving dessert combines classic yellow cake with rich, flavorful fillings and a luscious frosting, perfect for celebrations or any festive occasion.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients to prepare the cake as per package instructions)
- 1½ cups light brown sugar, divided
- 4 tsp cinnamon, divided
- ¼ cup finely chopped pecans (optional)
Milk Mixture
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar (from the divided amount above)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (from the divided amount above)
Frosting
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 (8-oz) container cool whip, thawed
Instructions
- Prepare Cake Batter: Follow the directions on the cake mix box to prepare the yellow cake batter. This will be the base for the poke cake.
- Layer Cake Batter and Cinnamon Sugar: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Pour half of the cake batter into the bottom of the pan evenly. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup brown sugar, 3 teaspoons cinnamon, and the chopped pecans if using. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Then, spread the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon sugar layer.
- Bake the Cake: Place the cake pan in the oven and bake according to the package instructions for the yellow cake. This usually takes about 30-35 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Milk Mixture: While the cake is baking, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, ½ cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until fully combined.
- Poke and Pour: Once the cake is baked and still hot, use a fork or a straw to poke holes evenly all over the top of the cake. Pour the sweetened condensed milk mixture slowly over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Let the cake cool completely to absorb the mixture fully.
- Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the thawed cool whip until combined evenly.
- Frost and Chill: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake surface. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1-2 hours to set the frosting and flavors.
Notes
- For added authenticity, consider decorating the top with colored sugar in purple, green, and gold hues to mimic traditional King Cake colors.
- The pecans are optional, but they add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
- Make sure the cake is hot enough when poking holes and pouring the milk mixture to ensure better absorption.
- This cake can be made a day ahead and chilled to enhance the flavors.
- If you prefer, substitute cool whip with fresh whipped cream for the frosting, but it may not hold as long.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
