Big Mama’s Secret Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake: A Reddit-Famous Recipe Review

Okay, confession time. I’m a sucker for anything that goes viral on Reddit, especially if it involves sugar, spice, and everything nice (read: cake). So, when I stumbled upon Big Mama’s Secret Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake, a recipe lauded by Redditors for its incredible flavor and ease, I knew I had to try it. And let me tell you, the hype is real!

This isn’t your average cake. It’s a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the moistness of a poke cake. The secret? A generous dousing of sweetened condensed milk and a creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting. Prepare yourself, this cake is seriously addictive.

## Why This Recipe Went Viral

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why this cake became a Reddit sensation. Here are a few reasons:

* **Ease of Preparation:** The recipe is incredibly simple, even for beginner bakers. It relies on a boxed cake mix as a base, which cuts down on prep time significantly.
* **Amazing Flavor:** The combination of cinnamon, sweet condensed milk, and cream cheese frosting is a flavor explosion. It’s sweet, comforting, and utterly delicious.
* **Moist Texture:** The sweetened condensed milk soaks into the cake, creating an incredibly moist and tender crumb. No dry cake here!
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** This cake is a guaranteed hit at parties and gatherings. Everyone loves it!
* **Nostalgia Factor:** The flavors evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding people of homemade cinnamon rolls from their childhood.

## My Experience Making Big Mama’s Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

I’m not going to lie; I was a bit skeptical at first. Boxed cake mix? Sweetened condensed milk? It sounded a little too easy. But I decided to trust the Reddit hive mind and give it a try. And I’m so glad I did!

The recipe was straightforward and easy to follow. I did make a few minor tweaks based on my personal preferences, which I’ll share below. The entire process, from start to finish, took me about an hour and a half, including baking time.

The aroma that filled my kitchen while the cake was baking was intoxicating. It smelled like a cinnamon roll factory exploded in the best possible way. I couldn’t wait to try it!

And the taste? Oh my goodness. It was even better than I imagined. The cake was incredibly moist and flavorful, and the cream cheese frosting was the perfect complement. It was like eating a giant, gooey cinnamon roll in cake form. I immediately understood why this recipe had gone viral.

## The Recipe: Big Mama’s Secret Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake (with My Tweaks)

Here’s the recipe that took Reddit by storm, along with my personal modifications. Feel free to adjust it to your own taste!

**Ingredients:**

* **Cake:**
* 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (I used a Duncan Hines classic yellow)
* 1 cup water
* 1/3 cup vegetable oil
* 3 large eggs
* 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but I highly recommend it!)
* **Cinnamon Swirl:**
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
* **Poke Mixture:**
* 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
* 1/2 cup heavy cream (My addition – adds richness!)
* **Frosting:**
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 4 cups powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2-3 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)
* **Optional Toppings:**
* Chopped pecans or walnuts
* Cinnamon sugar
* Caramel sauce

**Equipment:**

* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
* Wooden spoon or skewer
* Measuring cups and spoons

**Instructions:**

**1. Preheat and Prep:**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This is crucial to prevent the cake from sticking.

**2. Prepare the Cake Batter:**

* In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes, or until well combined.

**3. Create the Cinnamon Swirl:**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon.

**4. Assemble the Cake:**

* Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan.
* Spoon the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter. Try not to let it touch the edges of the pan.
* Pour the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon swirl.

**5. Bake the Cake:**

* Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake!

**6. Poke the Cake:**

* Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes. This prevents the sweetened condensed milk from splattering everywhere.
* Using a wooden spoon or skewer, poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart. Make sure to go all the way down to the bottom of the pan.

**7. Pour the Poke Mixture:**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream (my addition!).
* Slowly pour the mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes. This is what makes the cake incredibly moist and delicious.

**8. Cool Completely:**

* Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is important to prevent the frosting from melting.

**9. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:**

* In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
* Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the frosting too stiff.
* Add the vanilla extract and milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. I prefer a slightly thinner frosting that spreads easily.

**10. Frost the Cake:**

* Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.

**11. Add Toppings (Optional):**

* Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts, cinnamon sugar, or drizzle with caramel sauce, if desired.

**12. Chill and Serve:**

* Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the frosting to set and the flavors to meld together.
* Cut into squares and enjoy! This cake is best served cold.

## My Tweaks and Recommendations

As I mentioned, I made a few minor adjustments to the original recipe based on my preferences. Here are my recommendations:

* **Add Nutmeg to the Cake Batter:** I love the warm, spicy flavor of nutmeg, and it complements the cinnamon perfectly. Just a 1/2 teaspoon adds a subtle depth of flavor.
* **Use Heavy Cream in the Poke Mixture:** Adding 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the sweetened condensed milk makes the cake even richer and more decadent. It also helps to thin out the mixture slightly, making it easier to pour over the cake.
* **Don’t Overbake the Cake:** Overbaking will result in a dry cake, which is the opposite of what we’re going for. Check the cake frequently towards the end of the baking time, and remove it from the oven as soon as a wooden skewer comes out clean.
* **Cool the Cake Completely Before Frosting:** This is crucial to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off the cake. Be patient!
* **Adjust the Frosting Consistency:** If your frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Feel free to experiment with different toppings to customize the cake to your liking. Chopped pecans, walnuts, cinnamon sugar, and caramel sauce are all great options.

## Tips for Success

* **Use a high-quality boxed cake mix:** This will make a big difference in the overall flavor and texture of the cake. I recommend Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker.
* **Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened:** This will ensure that the frosting is smooth and creamy.
* **Don’t overmix the frosting:** Overmixing can make the frosting too stiff.
* **Refrigerate the cake before serving:** This will allow the flavors to meld together and the frosting to set.
* **Store leftovers in the refrigerator:** The cake will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Use a different flavor of cake mix:** Try using a spice cake mix or a chocolate cake mix for a different flavor profile.
* **Add chocolate chips to the cake batter:** This will add a touch of chocolatey goodness.
* **Use a different type of milk in the poke mixture:** Try using evaporated milk or half-and-half instead of sweetened condensed milk.
* **Use a different type of frosting:** Try using a vanilla buttercream frosting or a chocolate frosting instead of cream cheese frosting.
* **Make it a gluten-free cake:** Use a gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free ingredients for the frosting.

## Final Verdict: Is Big Mama’s Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Worth the Hype?

Absolutely! This cake is incredibly easy to make, ridiculously delicious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of cinnamon, sweetened condensed milk, and cream cheese frosting is simply divine. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive holiday gatherings.

I can confidently say that Big Mama’s Secret Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake has earned its place in my regular baking rotation. It’s a recipe that I’ll be making for years to come. So, if you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and unforgettable dessert, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Fat: 25-35g per serving
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g per serving
* Cholesterol: 100-150mg per serving
* Sodium: 200-300mg per serving
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g per serving
* Sugar: 40-50g per serving
* Protein: 5-7g per serving

## More Delicious Cake Recipes to Try

If you loved this cinnamon roll poke cake, here are a few other cake recipes you might enjoy:

* **Classic Vanilla Cake:** A timeless classic that’s perfect for any occasion.
* **Chocolate Fudge Cake:** A rich and decadent cake for chocolate lovers.
* **Lemon Poppy Seed Cake:** A bright and refreshing cake with a hint of lemon.
* **Red Velvet Cake:** A moist and flavorful cake with a beautiful red hue.
* **Carrot Cake:** A spiced cake with shredded carrots and cream cheese frosting.

So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and experience the magic of Big Mama’s Secret Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake! You (and your taste buds) will thank me later.