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

Scale

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

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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