Ingredients

1 box vanilla (white) cake mix (prepared as directed on the box)

5 tablespoons butter

½ cup light brown sugar (packed)

3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2½ teaspoons clear vanilla extract

14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk

8 tablespoons butter (softened, ½ cup)

8 ounces cream cheese (softened)

2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract

2 teaspoons half and half

2½ cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with baking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions. Note that using whole eggs or egg whites both work fine. Bake the cake and watch closely as it may finish baking a few minutes before the recommended time. Allow the cake to cool until it is just slightly warm to the touch.

Step 3: Using the handle end of a spoon or spatula, poke holes in the cake approximately ½ inch apart, making sure to cover the entire surface.

Step 4: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 5 tablespoons butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, 2½ teaspoons vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk. Whisk together until combined. Heat in the microwave on high for 1 minute, stir, then heat for another minute and stir again. Continue heating in 30-second increments until the mixture is smooth and free of brown sugar lumps.

Step 5: Carefully ladle the warm cinnamon butter mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.

Step 6: In a mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or handheld mixer on medium speed to cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Scrape down the bowl sides as needed.

Step 7: Lower the mixer speed and add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, half and half, and powdered sugar in half-cup increments. Once combined, increase speed to medium and mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake using a silicone spatula. Store any leftover frosting separately in an airtight container.

Tips & Variations

For extra texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the frosting before serving.

Try swapping half the vanilla cake mix for cinnamon swirl cake mix for an even stronger cinnamon flavor.

If you prefer a tangier frosting, add a teaspoon of lemon juice or cream cheese to the frosting mixture.

Make individual servings by baking the cake in cupcake tins and poking holes in each after baking.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade vanilla cake instead of a box mix?

Yes, you can use any vanilla cake recipe you prefer. Make sure the cake is firm enough to hold the poke holes and soak up the cinnamon mixture.

What does poking holes in the cake do?

Poking holes allows the cinnamon butter and sweetened condensed milk mixture to soak deeply into the cake, creating moist, gooey pockets of flavor throughout.