The moment you take a bite of this Easy Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake, your senses will dance with joy. Imagine the warm aroma of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around and indulge in this dessert that practically screams comfort. decadent dessert truffles The fluffy cake, soaked in a sweet cinnamon syrup, topped with creamy frosting, is not just a treat; it’s an experience that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. warm gooey chocolate cookies.
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a family gathering when my cousin decided to bring it as her ‘secret weapon.’ The moment I tasted it, I knew I had to replicate that magic. Whether it’s for brunch with friends or a cozy family dinner, this cake brings smiles and happy sighs from everyone who gets a slice. butterfinger caramel crunch bars You can almost hear the flavor sing as it melts in your mouth—who wouldn’t want that?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Easy Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe is simple to make, perfect for any occasion
- Its warm spices and creamy frosting create an irresistible flavor profile
- Visually appealing with swirls of icing on top, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy for breakfast or dessert!
My friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious this cake turned out—it truly stole the show at our last potluck! For more inspiration, check out this more delicious recipes recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Yellow Cake Mix: Choose your favorite brand for convenience; they all work wonders in this recipe.
- Cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon adds depth and warmth; don’t skimp on this essential spice.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar sweetens the cake beautifully; consider using brown sugar for extra richness.
- Eggs: Use large eggs to provide structure and moisture; room temperature eggs blend better.
- Milk: Whole milk is best for a moist texture; you can substitute with almond or oat milk if needed.
- Butter: Melted butter enhances flavor and moisture; make sure it’s unsalted for the best outcome.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the cake’s flavor profile; skip imitation vanilla if possible.
- Powdered Sugar: Perfect for creating that luscious frosting; sifted powdered sugar gives a smoother texture.
- Cream Cheese: A must-have for the frosting; use softened cream cheese for easy blending.
- Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: Combine sugar and cinnamon together to sprinkle on top of the cake—this is where magic happens!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter so nothing sticks.
Mix the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine yellow cake mix, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined but don’t overmix—lumps are okay!
Bake the Cake Base: Pour the batter into your prepared dish and smooth out the top. no bake biscoff cheesecakes Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Create the Poke Holes: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over its surface—this is where all that delicious syrup will soak in!
Make the Cinnamon Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, cinnamon, and water. Stir until dissolved and bubbling slightly. Pour this magical syrup over those poked holes in your warm cake.
Prepare the Frosting Delightfully!: In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Spread generously over your cooled cinnamon roll poke cake once it’s set. For more inspiration, check out this check out these recipes recipe.
Now all that’s left is to slice yourself a piece (or three) of this heavenly creation! Enjoy every bite while basking in compliments from family and friends—they’ll think you’re some kind of baking wizard!
You Must Know
- This Easy Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe is a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls
- It’s super simple to make and perfect for those lazy Sunday brunches or quick dessert fixes
- The aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen will have everyone lining up for a slice!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the cake according to package instructions, then poke holes while it’s still warm. Pour the cinnamon mixture over the top and let it soak in for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the vanilla pudding for butterscotch or chocolate for a different flavor profile. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips to the cake batter for extra texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to enjoy warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your poke cake stays moist, don’t skip the soaking step; it really makes a difference!
- Using a boxed cake mix is perfectly fine, but adding an extra egg gives more richness
- Always let it cool completely before frosting to avoid melting
I remember serving this Easy Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake at a family gathering, and everyone went wild! My cousin even asked if I was hiding a secret ingredient because it was that good.
FAQ
Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix?
Definitely! Just ensure it’s baked and cooled properly before poking holes.
What can I substitute for vanilla pudding?
Butterscotch or chocolate pudding work wonderfully as alternatives.
How long does this cake last in the fridge?
It stays fresh in the fridge for up to five days when stored properly.
Easy Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting delight of Easy Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake, where fluffy cake meets a sweet cinnamon syrup and creamy frosting. This simple yet decadent dessert is perfect for brunch or any gathering, bringing smiles with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for syrup)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (for syrup)
- 1/2 cup water (for syrup)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine yellow cake mix, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Poke holes all over the cake using a wooden spoon handle.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, cinnamon, and water for the syrup; stir until dissolved and bubbling. Pour over the warm cake to soak in.
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth; spread over the cooled cake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (95g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg