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+ servings
Benjamin

King Cake Poke Cake Recipe

This easy King Cake Poke Cake captures the iconic flavors of a Louisiana King Cake in a moist poke cake format, perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations or a fun family dessert.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 box 1 white or yellow cake mix
  • 2 tsp 2 ground cinnamon
For the Poke Filling
  • 1 can (14 oz) 1 sweetened condensed milk
For the Frosting
  • 8 oz 8 cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 salted butter, softened
  • 3 cups 3 powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp 1 vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp 2 heavy cream or whole milk
For Decoration

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer

Method
 

Prepare the Cake
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix with the eggs, oil, and water according to package directions. Stir in the ground cinnamon until the batter is smooth.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Poke and Fill
  1. While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface, spacing them about an inch apart.
  2. Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over the warm cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Let the cake cool completely.
Make and Apply Frosting
  1. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Beat on high until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
  3. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.
Decorate
  1. Sprinkle purple, green, and gold sanding sugars in alternating diagonal stripes across the top for a classic Mardi Gras look. Optionally, hide a small plastic baby in one slice before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 5gFat: 15g

Notes

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It tastes better the next day as flavors meld. For variations, add a cinnamon-brown sugar swirl to the batter before baking. Gluten-free version: use a gluten-free cake mix.
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