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King Cake Poke Cake

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King Cake Poke Cake is a festive Mardi Gras-inspired dessert featuring a soft vanilla cake soaked with a sweet cinnamon filling, topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, and decorated in traditional purple, green, and gold colors. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing twist on the classic New Orleans king cake.

Ingredients

  • 1 box yellow or vanilla cake mix
  • Ingredients called for on the cake mix package (typically eggs, oil, and water)
  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk, if needed
  • Purple colored sugar
  • Green colored sugar
  • Gold or yellow colored sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven according to the cake mix package instructions.
  2. Prepare the cake batter as directed and pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Bake according to package directions until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes.
  5. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the surface of the cake.
  6. Mix the sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
  7. Slowly pour the mixture over the cake, allowing it to fill the holes.
  8. Let the cake cool completely.
  9. Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  10. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix until creamy.
  11. Add milk as needed for a spreadable consistency.
  12. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
  13. Decorate with wide stripes of purple, green, and gold colored sugar.
  14. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Add a cinnamon-sugar swirl to the batter for a cinnamon roll variation.
  • Sprinkle toasted pecans over the frosting for added crunch.
  • Prepare the cake several hours ahead for the best flavor and texture.
  • Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before serving.
  • Serve chilled or allow slices to sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/king-cake-poke-cake/