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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 9x13-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.