Cinnamon roll poke cake is the dessert of your dreams, a delightful mashup of soft cake, creamy frosting, and the warm spice of cinnamon. Imagine cutting into a moist slice, revealing pockets of gooey goodness that dance on your taste buds and leave you wishing for more.
Picture this: a Sunday brunch filled with laughter, friends, and family gathered around the table, eagerly anticipating this indulgent treat. This poke cake is perfect for any occasion—be it a birthday bash or just because it’s Tuesday. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cinnamon roll poke cake offers a fun twist on traditional desserts that’s super easy to whip up
- The rich flavors blend together perfectly for an irresistible bite
- Its visual appeal makes it a showstopper at any gathering
- You can easily customize toppings to suit your preferences or dietary needs
I once brought this cinnamon roll poke cake to a friend’s potluck, and let me tell you, it vanished faster than my self-control at an all-you-can-eat buffet. Everyone couldn’t stop raving about how fluffy and flavorful it was.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Yellow Cake Mix: A classic base that provides fluffiness and pairs beautifully with cinnamon flavors.
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Cinnamon Sugar: Mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon for that signature cinnamon roll taste.
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Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together; use large eggs for best results.
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Milk: Whole milk adds richness and moisture to the cake; don’t skimp here!
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Butter: Melted butter contributes delicious flavor—you can almost smell it baking already!
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Powdered Sugar: Perfect for making a sweet glaze that completes the poke cake experience.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances all flavors; always opt for pure vanilla for the best outcome.
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Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds richness to the glaze; make sure it’s at room temperature.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter. This helps ensure your glorious creation doesn’t stick.
Prepare the yellow cake mix according to package instructions, adding in eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. Your kitchen should smell like heaven by now.
Pour half of the batter into your prepared baking pan evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over this layer. Use a spatula to gently swirl it in—this creates those delectable pockets of flavor.
Pour in the remaining batter over the first layer and repeat with the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Use a knife or toothpick to create swirls—get creative! Visualize those beautiful ribbons of cinnamon throughout your cake.
Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking what’s baking.
Once cooled slightly, use a wooden spoon handle or similar tool to poke holes all over the cake—don’t be shy! These holes allow the delicious glaze to seep in and enhance every bite.
To make the glaze, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle generously over your warm cake so that it seeps into those glorious holes you made earlier.
Let cool completely before serving so that flavors meld together perfectly—patience pays off! Cut into squares and watch as everyone devours their slice of joy.
With each bite of this cinnamon roll poke cake, you’ll be transported back to cozy mornings filled with warmth and sweetness—a true comfort food that delights all ages!
You Must Know
- This cinnamon roll poke cake is a delightful twist on classic flavors
- The gooey cinnamon filling and creamy frosting create an irresistible dessert
- It’s perfect for gatherings, bringing joy with every bite
- Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a must-try recipe!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the cake according to package instructions, then poke holes for the filling before cooling. This ensures even distribution of the cinnamon goodness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different flavored cake mixes or add nuts for crunch. A pinch of nutmeg can also elevate the spice profile beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a warm treat that feels freshly baked.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your cinnamon roll poke cake is perfect, always measure your ingredients accurately
- Letting the cake cool completely prevents sogginess from the filling
- Use a toothpick to check if your cake is fully baked before adding toppings
I remember the first time I made this cake for a family gathering; everyone went back for seconds and thirds, leaving no crumbs behind!
FAQ
Can I use homemade cake instead of boxed?
Absolutely! Homemade cake works wonderfully and enhances the overall flavor.
How long will this cake stay fresh?
The cinnamon roll poke cake stays fresh for about three days when stored properly.
Can I use different fillings?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with chocolate or fruit fillings for variety.
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a dreamy dessert that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the fluffy texture of cake. This easy-to-make treat features moist layers filled with gooey cinnamon goodness, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that seeps into every bite. Perfect for brunches, potlucks, or any sweet craving, this poke cake will quickly become a favorite among family and friends.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan and sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Swirl gently.
- Add remaining batter and top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Use a knife to create swirls.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Once cooled slightly, poke holes throughout the cake using a wooden spoon handle.
- For the glaze, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth; drizzle over warm cake.
- Allow to cool completely before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
