Prepare to indulge in a slice of pure bliss with this irresistible Snickerdoodle Poke Cake. Combining the nostalgic flavors of a classic snickerdoodle cookie with the moistness of a poke cake, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for any baking enthusiast looking to create a memorable treat. So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Filling:
- 1 package vanilla instant pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring it’s well-coated to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Filling: While the cake is baking, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vanilla instant pudding mix and milk until smooth and thickened. Set aside.
- Poke Holes: Once the cake is baked and still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced.
- Fill the Holes: Pour the prepared pudding mixture over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and spread evenly across the surface. Use a spatula to gently smooth out the filling if needed.
- Chill: Place the cake in the refrigerator to chill and set for at least 1 hour, allowing the pudding filling to firm up.
- Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has chilled, spread the frosting evenly over the top, covering the entire surface.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the Snickerdoodle Poke Cake into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy every delectable bite!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Enhance the Cinnamon Flavor: For an extra burst of cinnamon flavor, sprinkle additional ground cinnamon over the frosting before serving.
- Add Crunch: Consider topping the frosted cake with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or crushed snickerdoodle cookies for added texture and flavor.
- Experiment with Fillings: While vanilla pudding adds a creamy texture to this cake, feel free to experiment with other fillings such as caramel or cream cheese for a unique twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free white cake mix to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use homemade cake batter instead of a cake mix? A: Yes, you can use your favorite homemade white cake recipe if preferred. Adjust the ingredients accordingly to yield a similar amount of batter.
Q: How long will this cake last in the refrigerator? A: Stored in an airtight container, this cake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze individual slices of cake in an airtight container for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: Is there a keto-friendly version of this recipe? A: While this recipe is not inherently keto-friendly due to the use of cake mix and sugar, you can explore keto-friendly cake recipes using almond or coconut flour and sweeteners like erythritol or stevia.
Indulge your sweet tooth with the divine flavors of this Snickerdoodle Poke Cake. With its moist cake base, creamy pudding filling, and cinnamon-kissed frosting, it’s a dessert that’s sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, this cake is a guaranteed winner. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and get ready to savor every heavenly bite of this delightful dessert!
