Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe: Sweet Morning Magic

Mixing childhood memories with sweet nostalgia, this delightful cinnamon roll poke cake surprises everyone who tastes it.

Delicate cake layers whisper promises of comfort and indulgence.

Soft textures mingle with rich, warm spices that dance across your palate.

Home bakers love how simple ingredients create such magical results.

Unexpected twists in classic desserts always spark excitement among friends gathering around the table.

Weekend baking adventures reach new heights with this irresistible treat.

Trust me, you’ll want to slice into this dreamy creation right away.

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Ingredient Checklist

• Yellow Cake Mix: Foundation of the dessert, provides soft and fluffy texture.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic flavor to the cake mix.

• Butter (Melted): Helps create rich, gooey cinnamon mixture.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep sweetness and caramel-like undertones.
• Cinnamon: Key spice that gives classic cinnamon roll flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall warmth and depth of flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Creates tangy, rich base for the glaze.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle complexity to the glaze.
• Milk: Adjusts glaze consistency for perfect drizzling.

How To Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Right

Step 1: Whip Up the Cake Base

Grab your favorite cake mix and let’s turn it into a cinnamon wonderland! Crank up the oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Prepare the cake mix following the package guidelines, but here’s a secret weapon – sprinkle in some ground cinnamon for an extra flavor punch. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter coating. Pour the batter into the pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake until a toothpick comes out clean – typically around 25-30 minutes.

Step 2: Craft the Cinnamon Magic Mixture

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract

Whisk these together until they form a deliciously smooth mixture that’ll make your kitchen smell like a bakery.

Step 3: Perforate and Infuse

Once the cake emerges from the oven, grab the handle of a wooden spoon. Go wild and poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about an inch apart. This is where the magic happens! Slowly pour the warm cinnamon mixture over the cake, watching it seep into every delightful hole. Let the cake cool down completely – patience is key!

Step 4: Whisk Up the Creamy Glaze

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Milk

Beat these ingredients until they transform into a silky smooth glaze. Add milk bit by bit until you reach that perfect drizzling consistency.

Step 5: Finish and Feast

Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the cooled cake. Let it cascade into all those cinnamon-filled holes. Slice into generous portions and prepare for a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds dance with joy!

Tips For Moist Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

• Customize Cake Mix: Enhance boxed cake mix by adding a teaspoon of cinnamon for deeper, warmer flavor that mimics authentic cinnamon roll taste.
• Perfect Hole Technique: Use a wooden spoon handle or chopstick to create evenly spaced holes, ensuring cinnamon filling penetrates throughout the entire cake for maximum flavor absorption.
• Glaze Consistency Control: Adjust cream cheese glaze thickness by gradually adding milk, creating a smooth, pourable topping that drizzles beautifully without being too runny or too thick.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cake a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and develop a more intense cinnamon roll-like taste and texture.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk, use gluten-free cake mix, or replace cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives to accommodate various dietary needs.

Storage Know-How For Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

• Preserve your delicious cinnamon roll poke cake by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and maintain its moist texture.
• Enjoy your cake within 3-4 days for the best flavor and freshness.
• Keep the cake chilled to prevent the cream cheese glaze from spoiling and to maintain its creamy consistency.
• When ready to serve, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly and enhance its flavors.
• Avoid leaving the cake out for extended periods, especially in warm environments, to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety.
• Freezing is also an option if you want to keep the cake longer – wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing in a freezer-safe container.
• Frozen cake can be stored for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Best Pairings With Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

• Pair with Warm Coffee Companion: A rich, medium-roast coffee complements the cake's sweet cinnamon flavor, cutting through the richness with its robust notes and creating a delightful morning or afternoon treat.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake, letting the cold, smooth texture contrast beautifully with the warm, gooey cake and enhancing its decadent cinnamon roll essence.
• Explore Spiced Chai Latte Harmony: A spiced chai latte with its blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger perfectly mirrors the cake's warm spices, creating a cozy and comforting flavor experience that elevates the dessert.
• Complement with Caramel Drizzle Beverage: A caramel macchiato or hot caramel drink echoes the cake's sweet brown sugar undertones, adding an extra layer of indulgence and creating a luxurious dessert pairing.

Poke Cake Variations With That Cinnamon Roll Touch

• Maple Pecan Remix: Swap cinnamon filling with a maple syrup and chopped pecan mixture, drizzling warm pecans over freshly poked cake for a rich, nutty flavor profile.
• Apple Cinnamon Swirl: Fold diced fresh apples into cake batter and replace cream cheese glaze with a caramel-apple topping for a harvest-inspired dessert.
• Chocolate Cinnamon Dream: Incorporate cocoa powder into cake mix and use chocolate chips in the filling, then top with a chocolate-cinnamon glaze for decadent results.
• Pumpkin Spice Edition: Mix pumpkin puree into cake batter, use brown butter in filling, and sprinkle extra pumpkin pie spice on top for an autumn-inspired treat.

FAQs For Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Fans

• Why are the holes important in a poke cake?

The holes allow the cinnamon filling to penetrate deep into the cake, creating a moist, flavor-packed dessert that mimics the gooey texture of a classic cinnamon roll. Each bite becomes more rich and delicious with the filling soaking through the cake.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day in advance. Just cover it and store in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually develop and become more intense overnight, making it even more delicious when you’re ready to serve.

• What if I don't have cream cheese for the glaze?

No worries! You can substitute the cream cheese glaze with a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze. Mix powdered sugar with a little milk until you reach a smooth, drizzling consistency. It won’t be as creamy, but it’ll still taste great.

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

Use the toothpick test – insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, your cake is ready. The edges should also look slightly pulled away from the sides of the pan.

Why Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Is The Sweetest Surprise

• Whip Up a Quick Dessert: This cinnamon roll poke cake delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy home bakers who want a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Transform Ordinary Cake into Extraordinary: By poking holes and adding a warm cinnamon filling, this recipe turns a simple boxed cake mix into a decadent dessert that mimics the gooey goodness of classic cinnamon rolls.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Treat: The combination of soft cake, rich cinnamon filling, and creamy cream cheese glaze creates a universally loved dessert that appeals to both kids and adults at family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend celebrations.
• Customize with Ease: Bakers can easily adapt this recipe by using different cake mix flavors or adding optional toppings like chopped nuts or extra cinnamon sprinkles to make the dessert uniquely their own.

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Crave-worthy cinnamon roll poke cake blends classic dessert comfort with modern baking magic. Sweet layers of moist cake, creamy filling, and irresistible cinnamon swirls invite you to indulge in pure deliciousness.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 1 box white or yellow cake mix
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) cinnamon
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup (150 grams) brown sugar

Cake Preparation Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• Eggs (as per box instructions)
• Oil (as per box instructions)
• Water (as per box instructions)

Frosting and Topping Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese
• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cake base by mixing the cake batter with a hint of ground cinnamon, ensuring a uniform blend of ingredients. Transfer the mixture into a generously greased rectangular baking pan, creating an even layer for consistent baking.
2. Heat the oven to a precise temperature, allowing the cake to transform into a golden, tender masterpiece. Bake until a slender wooden pick emerges clean when inserted into the center, indicating perfect doneness.
3. Craft a luscious cinnamon-infused mixture by combining melted butter with rich brown sugar, fragrant cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla extract. The blend should create a glossy, aromatic filling.
4. Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, create a network of deep holes using a wooden spoon handle. The pattern should resemble a careful grid, allowing maximum absorption of the decadent filling.
5. Carefully cascade the warm cinnamon mixture over the freshly punctured cake, ensuring it penetrates every crevice. Allow the cake to absorb the liquid and cool completely, developing intense flavor and moisture.
6. Whip together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a touch of milk until the glaze reaches a silky, pourable consistency. Adjust the liquid to achieve the perfect drizzling texture.
7. Once the cake has cooled entirely, generously drape the cream cheese glaze across the surface, creating an elegant, tantalizing finish. Slice into generous portions and serve this indulgent dessert that captures the essence of classic cinnamon rolls.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cake mix for a warming, aromatic twist that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
• Ensure holes are evenly spaced and deep enough to allow the cinnamon filling to penetrate completely, creating a moist and flavorful cake throughout.
• Transform this dessert into a gluten-free option by using a gluten-free cake mix and checking that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Keep the cake refrigerated if not serving immediately, as the cream cheese glaze can soften at room temperature and lose its ideal consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg