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A plate with a slice of cake on it.

Mardi Gras Poke Cake

A semi-homemade Mardi Gras Cake with homemade frosting.
5 from 18 votes
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Author: Hezzi-D

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix 15.25 oz box
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 c. water
  • 1/2 c. vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 c. brown sugar divided
  • 4 teaspoons cinnamon divided
  • 1/4 c. toasted pecans chopped
  • 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
  • 4 Tablespoons butter melted

For the frosting:

  • 4 oz. cream cheese
  • 4 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 1/2 c. powdered sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla
  • yellow green, and purple sprinkles

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray and set aside.
  • In a large bowl combine the eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix well.
  • Add in the yellow cake mix and mix until combined.
  • In a small bowl combine 1 cup brown sugar, 3 teaspoons cinnamon, and the pecans.
  • Pour half the batter into the prepared pan.  Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over top of the cake batter.   Pour the remaining cake batter over top of the brown sugar mixture. 
  • Bake for 32-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Using the end of a wooden spoon or a chopstick poke holes all over the cake.
  • In a small bowl combine the remaining brown sugar, remaining cinnamon, sweetened condensed milk, and the melted butter. Mix well.
  • Pour the milk mixture over top of the cake spreading it around so that it goes into the holes. Allow the cake to cool completely.
  • To make the frosting place the cream cheese and butter in a large bowl. Beat on medium high speed until smooth.
  • Add in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla and beat on low until combined.   Increase speed to high and beat for 2 minutes or until fluffy. 
  • Spread the frosting over top of the cake. Quickly sprinkle the yellow, green, and purple sprinkles in a pattern over top of the cake.
  • Chill until ready to serve.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Plain Chicken