If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug and brings smiles to any gathering, this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s a luscious yellow cake infused with swirls of cinnamon and brown sugar, then gently poked and drizzled with a sweet glaze that soaks into every bite. The combination perfectly mimics the beloved flavors of a cinnamon roll but with the ease and fun of a poke cake, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and downright addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe comes from a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays an important role: the yellow cake mix provides a tender, buttery base, eggs and milk tenderize and enrich, while brown sugar and cinnamon add that signature warm sweetness and spice. Finally, the glaze ties everything together with a silky finish that’s pure perfection.
- Yellow cake mix: Offers a soft, golden foundation that’s easy to whip up and bake evenly.
- Large eggs: Help bind the ingredients and create a moist crumb.
- Milk: Adds richness and keeps the cake tender.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a fragrant sweetness.
- Dark brown sugar: Brings depth and a caramel-like sweetness that’s perfect with cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives this dessert its signature warmth and vibrant aroma.
- Powdered sugar: Used in the glaze to add smooth sweetness without graininess.
- Melted butter: Adds richness and helps create that irresistible glossy glaze.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and easily releases when done, setting the stage for all the deliciousness to come.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until smooth and creamy. This simple batter is going to transform into a moist, tender cake that perfectly balances the cinnamon swirl.
Step 3: Layer with the Cinnamon Mixture
Sprinkle the cinnamon and dark brown sugar mixture evenly over the batter in the pan. This step is crucial because it creates those luscious pockets of cinnamon goodness that make this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the cake into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking at this temperature lets the cake rise beautifully while the cinnamon sugar caramelizes slightly for added texture and flavor.
Step 5: Cool, Poke, and Glaze
Once your cake is out of the oven, let it cool enough to handle but still warm. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, gently poke holes all over the top—you’ll love how this allows the glaze to seep deep, elevating every bite. Then whisk together the powdered sugar and melted butter, and drizzle the glaze thoroughly over the cake, letting it fill those inviting holes.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of delight, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the glazed cake or add a few chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side really takes this treat to the next level.
Side Dishes
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a spicy chai tea, amplifying the comforting cinnamon flavors. If you’re serving brunch or dessert, fresh berries or a light fruit salad bring a refreshing burst to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this poke cake in individual glass cups to show off the glaze pooling in the holes, or stack cubes of it with layers of cream cheese frosting for a fun trifle-inspired twist. It’s also fantastic cut into bite-sized squares for easy sharing at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cinnamon roll poke cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, store it in the fridge where it will stay moist and flavorful for about 4 to 5 days.
Freezing
This cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Warm leftover slices slightly in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to revive the soft, gooey texture. If frozen, allow to thaw thoroughly before reheating to keep the cake tender and the glaze luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade cake batter instead of a mix for this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! A homemade yellow cake batter works beautifully and adds a personal touch, but the mix makes this recipe quick and foolproof, especially when you’re craving that cinnamon roll flavor fast.
What’s the best way to make sure the glaze soaks into the cake evenly?
Using the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes right after the cake cools but is still warm helps the glaze seep in deeply and evenly, creating those delicious pockets of sweetness throughout.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the cake?
Yes, adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts provides a lovely crunch, and raisins can lend a natural sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly. Just fold them into the batter before baking.
Is this cake gluten-free friendly?
The traditional recipe uses a yellow cake mix which typically contains gluten, but you can substitute a gluten-free yellow cake mix if needed, just be sure to follow that brand’s instructions for best results.
How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
To thicken the glaze, add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. To thin it out, stir in small amounts of melted butter or milk until it flows smoothly but still coats the cake nicely.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe enough if you want a dessert that’s effortless but incredibly satisfying. It’s packed with the cozy, comforting flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar, with a moist, tender cake that practically melts in your mouth. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful dish—you won’t regret it!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls transformed into an easy-to-make, moist cake. With a yellow cake base swirled with cinnamon and brown sugar, then topped with a sweet powdered sugar glaze, it offers the flavors of cinnamon rolls without the hassle of rolling dough. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, this cake is quick to prepare and sure to please.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Prep: Gather all ingredients and prepare your workspace.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 3 large eggs, 1 cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Layer Cinnamon Mixture: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. In a separate small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup dark brown sugar with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the cake batter.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Poke: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Using the handle of a wooden spoon or similar utensil, poke holes all over the surface of the cake to prepare it for the glaze.
- Add Glaze: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup powdered sugar with 1/4 cup melted butter until smooth. Pour or drizzle the glaze evenly over the cake, letting it seep into the poked holes for maximum flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is slightly cooled before poking holes to avoid breaking it apart.
- You can add a splash of milk to the glaze if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped nuts or drizzle caramel sauce over the glaze.
- This recipe can be adapted by using cream cheese frosting instead of the powdered sugar glaze for a richer topping.
