Fireball Poke Cake

Fireball Poke Cake is the perfect boozy dessert for cinnamon lovers. This moist and spicy cake starts with a classic yellow cake mix enhanced with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, gets soaked with sweetened condensed milk, and is topped with a luscious Fireball-spiked frosting. It’s sweet, rich, and has just the right amount of kick—perfect for parties, holidays, or adult get-togethers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Warm, spicy cinnamon flavor thanks to Fireball Whisky
• Super moist texture from the poke-and-fill method
• Easy to make using a boxed cake mix
• Unique adult dessert that always impresses
• Customizable with fun toppings and garnishes

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• Yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Filling:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

For the Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 3½ to 4 cups powdered sugar
• 4–6 tbsp Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
• ½ tsp salt

Optional Garnish:

• Cinnamon sugar
• Red or orange sanding sugar
• Cinnamon candies or sprinkles

directions

1. Bake the Cake:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, water, oil, Fireball, and cinnamon. Beat until smooth.
   Pour into the pan and bake 24–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
2. Poke the Cake:
   Cool the cake for 5 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake (don’t poke to the bottom).
3. Add the Filling:
   Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Let cake cool completely.
4. Make the Frosting:
   Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, Fireball, and salt. Mix until fluffy. Adjust whisky or sugar for desired texture.
5. Frost and Decorate:
   Spread frosting over the cooled cake. Garnish with cinnamon sugar or red sanding sugar if desired.
6. Chill and Serve:
   Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor and texture.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Total time: About 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

• Spice Cake Base: Use a spice cake mix instead of yellow for extra warmth
• Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace Fireball with cinnamon tea or apple cider with cinnamon extract
• Whipped Topping Option: Swap the cream cheese frosting for cinnamon whipped cream
• Add-ins: Top with crushed cinnamon candies, chopped pecans, or caramel drizzle

storage/reheating

Storage: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Best served chilled or at room temp. If desired, let sit out 10–15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can kids eat this cake?

No—this cake contains uncooked whisky in the frosting, so it’s intended for adults only.

Does the alcohol bake out?

Some alcohol in the cake itself bakes off, but the frosting retains the alcohol since it’s not cooked.

Can I make it non-alcoholic?

Yes! Replace Fireball with cinnamon syrup, apple juice, or a cinnamon-flavored tea.

Can I freeze Fireball Poke Cake?

Yes, freeze without frosting for best results. Wrap tightly and frost after thawing.

What’s the best way to poke holes?

Use the handle of a wooden spoon or something similar in size—too small and the filling won’t soak in well.

Can I use homemade cake batter?

Definitely. Just sub your favorite yellow or spice cake batter and proceed as directed.

Can I reduce the sweetness?

Use less condensed milk or go lighter on the frosting to balance it out.

What can I serve with this cake?

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of coffee complements it perfectly.

Is it okay to use store-bought frosting?

Yes, but for the Fireball twist, stir some cinnamon whisky into your frosting before spreading.

Can I make this the night before?

Absolutely! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to settle in.

Conclusion

Fireball Poke Cake is a fiery twist on a classic dessert, bringing bold cinnamon flavor and a grown-up flair to the table. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and always a conversation starter. Whether you’re baking for a party or just want to try something new, this cake delivers heat, sweetness, and a whole lot of fun.

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