Delicious King Cake Poke Cake topped with colorful icing and festive sprinkles

King Cake Poke Cake

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Why Make This Recipe

King Cake Poke Cake brings the festive spirit of Mardi Gras right to your home. It’s a delightful treat that combines the flavors of a traditional king cake with the ease of a poke cake. This recipe is perfect for parties, celebrations, or just a sweet indulgence any day of the week. The moist cake, rich flavors, and creamy frosting come together to create a dessert that’s not only beautiful but also fun to eat!

How to Make King Cake Poke Cake

Ingredients:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix, plus ingredients to make cake
  • 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, divided
  • 4 tsp cinnamon, divided
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)
  • 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 6-oz package cream cheese, softened
  • 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 (8-oz) container cool whip, thawed

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Cake: Make the yellow cake mix according to the directions on the package.
  2. Layer the Batter: Pour half of the cake batter into the bottom of a lightly greased 9×13-inch pan.
  3. Add Cinnamon Sugar: In a bowl, mix 1 cup of brown sugar, 3 teaspoons of cinnamon, and optional pecans. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cake batter.
  4. Finish the Cake: Spread the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon sugar layer. Bake the cake following the package directions.
  5. Poke Holes: While the cake is baking, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup brown sugar, melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. When the cake is finished baking and is still hot, poke holes in it with a fork or straw.
  6. Pour Milk Mixture: Pour the milk mixture over the warm cake and allow it to soak in. Let the cake cool completely.
  7. Prepare the Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Gently stir in the thawed cool whip.
  8. Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of the cooled cake. Chill before serving.

How to Serve King Cake Poke Cake

Serve King Cake Poke Cake cold from the refrigerator. It’s best cut into squares and can be enjoyed on its own or adorned with colorful sprinkles to embody the Mardi Gras theme!

How to Store King Cake Poke Cake

You can store leftover King Cake Poke Cake in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Make sure to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.

Tips to Make King Cake Poke Cake

  • Use a toothpick to poke holes in the cake for a more uniform look.
  • Let the cake cool completely before adding the frosting to prevent it from melting.
  • Experiment with different nuts, like walnuts or almonds, for a unique crunch.

Variation

You can add colored sprinkles on top of the frosting for a fun Mardi Gras look. Additionally, consider adding a layer of fruit, like sliced strawberries or bananas, between the cake and frosting for added flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, you can use other cake mix flavors, but yellow cake complements the cinnamon and brown sugar well.

2. Is it necessary to chill the cake before serving?
Chilling the cake enhances the flavors and allows the frosting to set properly, but it may be served right away if desired.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.

King Cake Poke Cake

A delightful dessert combining the festive flavors of a traditional king cake with the ease of a poke cake, perfect for celebrations or a sweet indulgence.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 1 box yellow cake mix Plus ingredients needed to make the cake as per package instructions.
  • 1.5 cups light brown sugar Divided into 1 cup and 1/2 cup.
  • 4 tsp cinnamon Divided into 3 tsp for the mixture and 1 tsp for the poke mix.
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans Optional ingredient.
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 oz can.
  • 1/4 cup butter Melted.
  • 6 oz cream cheese Softened.
  • 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 container cool whip 8 oz, thawed.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Make the yellow cake mix according to the directions on the package.
Layering
  1. Pour half of the cake batter into the bottom of a lightly greased 9×13-inch pan.
  2. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of brown sugar, 3 teaspoons of cinnamon, and optional pecans. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cake batter.
  3. Spread the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon sugar layer. Bake the cake following the package directions.
Poking & Soaking
  1. While the cake is baking, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup brown sugar, melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
  2. When the cake is finished baking and is still hot, poke holes in it with a fork or straw.
  3. Pour the milk mixture over the warm cake and allow it to soak in. Let the cake cool completely.
Frosting
  1. Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.
  2. Gently stir in the thawed cool whip.
  3. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of the cooled cake. Chill before serving.

Notes

For a fun Mardi Gras look, add colored sprinkles on top of the frosting. Consider adding a layer of fruit, like sliced strawberries or bananas, between the cake and frosting for added flavor. Store leftover King Cake Poke Cake in an airtight container in the fridge; it will stay fresh for up to 5 days.