Dreamiest Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe Ever Made

Sweet aromas of warm cinnamon roll poke cake waft through kitchens, promising delectable comfort.

Memories of childhood bakeries dance across taste buds with each heavenly slice.

Soft, moist layers infused with rich cream promise pure indulgence.

Delicate swirls of sugary glaze promise decadent moments of pure happiness.

Unexpected textures and classic flavors merge into one irresistible dessert experience.

Every forkful promises a delightful journey through nostalgic and comforting tastes.

Fall in love with this simple yet extraordinary treat that brings pure joy to your table.

How to Prepare a Soft and Gooey Poke Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C), getting ready for some baking magic.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Base

Grab your favorite white or yellow cake mix and prepare it following the package directions. Sprinkle in a dash of ground cinnamon to amp up the flavor profile.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 4: Pour and Spread

Transfer the cake batter into the prepared dish, using a spatula to create an even, smooth surface.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake according to the cake mix instructions. This typically takes around 25-30 minutes. Pro tip: The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and crumb-free.

Step 6: Cool and Rest

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This crucial resting period allows the cake to set and makes the next steps easier.

Step 7: Create Poke Holes

Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar tool, gently poke evenly spaced holes across the entire surface of the cooled cake.

Step 8: Drizzle Cinnamon Goodness

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract

Slowly pour this mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.

Step 9: Cream Cheese Frosting

Whip up a delectable cream cheese frosting and spread it generously over the cake.

Step 10: Final Touch

Sprinkle additional ground cinnamon or cinnamon sugar on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Poke Cake Tips You Shouldn’t Skip

• Enhance Cinnamon Flavor: Add ground nutmeg alongside cinnamon for a deeper, more complex warm spice profile.
• Avoid Dry Cake: Poke holes immediately after baking while cake is still warm to ensure maximum absorption of sweet filling.
• Perfect Texture Trick: Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes before adding cream cheese glaze to prevent runny consistency.
• Dietary Modification: Use gluten-free cake mix and substitute almond milk for a celiac-friendly version of this dessert.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake a day in advance and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld and intensify overnight.

How to Keep Cinnamon Poke Cake Fresh

• Store leftover cake covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep it fresh by sealing tightly to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual slices or whole cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For best texture, let cake sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying to restore softness.
• Alternatively, enjoy cake straight from the refrigerator for a cool, refreshing dessert experience with preserved moisture and flavor.

What Drinks Go with This Cake

• Rich espresso blended with steamed milk and a dash of ground cinnamon perfectly complements the cake's warm, sweet profile.
• Cold whole milk or creamy almond milk balances the cake's sugary notes, providing a smooth, refreshing contrast.
• A scoop of smooth, premium vanilla gelato creates a delightful temperature and texture contrast against the warm, soft cake.
• Sprinkle lightly toasted pecans or sliced almonds on top to add a crunchy element and nutty depth to each bite.

Ways to Personalize Your Poke Cake

• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Cake: Swap regular cake mix with a gluten-free vanilla cake mix and use certified gluten-free ingredients to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace milk in the cake mix with almond milk or coconut milk, and use dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting to create a lactose-free version.
• Reduced Sugar Option: Select a sugar-free cake mix and use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in the recipe to lower overall sugar content.
• Vegan Cinnamon Roll Cake: Use a vegan cake mix, replace eggs with applesauce or flax eggs, and create a plant-based cream cheese frosting using cashew or coconut-based alternatives.

Cinnamon Poke Cake FAQs

A poke cake is a dessert where you bake a cake and then poke holes throughout the cake’s surface, allowing additional liquid or filling to seep into the cake, creating extra moisture and flavor.

• Can I use a homemade cake mix instead of a boxed mix?

Yes, you can use a homemade white or vanilla cake recipe. Just ensure the batter consistency is similar to a boxed mix and add the cinnamon for that signature flavor.

• Why add cinnamon to the cake batter?

Adding cinnamon enhances the classic cinnamon roll taste, giving the cake a warm, aromatic flavor that mimics the traditional cinnamon roll profile before any additional toppings or fillings.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is fully baked. The edges should also look slightly pulled away from the baking dish.

Why This Poke Cake Tastes Like a Warm Hug

• This cinnamon roll poke cake delivers homemade goodness in minimal time, perfect for busy home bakers craving a delightful dessert.
• No advanced pastry skills needed- simple cake mix and basic ingredients make this recipe accessible for bakers of all experience levels.
• Familiar cinnamon roll flavors combined with classic cake create a universally loved treat that appeals to both kids and adults at gatherings.
• Suitable for casual weeknight treats, potlucks, weekend brunches, and impromptu celebrations with its easy preparation and crowd-pleasing taste.

Ingredients That Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Irresistible

• White Cake Mix: Provides the foundational soft and fluffy texture for the dessert.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic flavor to complement the cinnamon roll theme.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates rich, sweet soaking liquid that makes the cake ultra-moist.
• Caramel Sauce: Adds deep, buttery sweetness and enhances the cinnamon roll experience.

• Cream Cheese Frosting: Delivers classic tangy and sweet cinnamon roll topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides light dusting for elegant presentation.
• Ground Cinnamon: Sprinkled on top for additional warm spice and visual appeal.

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet cinnamon roll poke cake combines classic dessert magic with unexpected twists. Creamy, spiced layers promise indulgent comfort that connects pastry lovers with pure baking bliss you’ll savor to the last delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 1 box white or yellow cake mix
• 1 eggs
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cinnamon Filling:

• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Frosting:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the cake batter according to the package directions, incorporating ground cinnamon to enhance the aromatic warmth of the dessert.
3. Carefully transfer the prepared batter into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution for consistent baking.
4. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake until the center is fully set, testing with a toothpick that should emerge clean and free of wet batter, typically requiring 25-30 minutes of baking time.

Notes

• Enhance the cake’s warmth by toasting ground cinnamon before mixing to release deeper, more intense flavor profiles.
• Switch traditional white cake mix with gluten-free or almond flour alternatives for dietary restrictions, maintaining the same moist texture.
• Create a dairy-free version by using plant-based milk and vegan butter substitutes when preparing the cake mix and frosting.
• Cool the cake completely before poking holes to prevent structural collapse and ensure the filling penetrates evenly throughout the dessert.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg