Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe -

This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake takes the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls and transforms them into an incredibly moist and decadent cake. It’s a perfect dessert for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a sweet treat with a homemade touch but without all the fuss of making traditional cinnamon rolls.

You’ll adore this recipe because it’s surprisingly easy to make, delivering a phenomenal taste with minimal effort. The cake itself is infused with cinnamon and brown sugar, providing a warm, comforting base. The creamy, sweet filling seeps into every nook and cranny, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. The tangy cream cheese drizzle on top perfectly balances the sweetness, creating a harmonious and unforgettable dessert. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to disappear quickly!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box – usually eggs, oil, and water)
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Filling:

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Drizzle:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons milk (whole or 2%)
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. This will prevent the cake from sticking and ensure it’s easy to remove after baking. A light coating of cooking spray or butter works well.

Step 2: Prepare the vanilla cake batter according to the instructions on the box. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix with the required eggs, oil, and water. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Add the brown sugar and cinnamon to the cake batter. Stir until evenly distributed, ensuring there are no clumps of brown sugar. The brown sugar adds a rich molasses flavor and helps keep the cake moist, while the cinnamon infuses the cake with a warm, spicy aroma.

Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for the time specified on the cake mix box, usually around 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.

Step 5: While the cake is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined. The melted butter adds richness and moisture, while the vanilla and cinnamon enhance the flavor of the filling.

Step 6: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This allows the cake to firm up slightly before you poke holes in it.

Step 7: Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Make sure the holes are deep enough to penetrate the cake but not so deep that they reach the bottom of the pan.

Step 8: Slowly pour the filling mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly over the surface of the cake, ensuring that it soaks into every nook and cranny.

Step 9: Let the cake soak for at least 20 minutes, or even longer if you have the time. This allows the filling to fully penetrate the cake, creating an incredibly moist and flavorful dessert.

Step 10: While the cake is soaking, prepare the cream cheese drizzle. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the sifted powdered sugar and mix until well combined.

Step 11: Add the milk and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and beat until smooth and drizzable. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach the desired consistency.

Step 12: Once the cake has soaked for at least 20 minutes, drizzle the cream cheese mixture over the top of the cake. Use a spoon or a piping bag to create a decorative pattern, or simply drizzle it randomly over the surface.

Step 13: Slice the cake into squares and serve. You can enjoy it warm or cold, depending on your preference. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

COOKING Rating:

Ease of Preparation: Easy
Flavor: Excellent
Overall: 5/5 Stars

Serving Suggestions:

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Serve alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon snack.
Top with chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Serve with fresh berries for a burst of fruity flavor.

Tips:

To prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, grease it thoroughly with cooking spray or butter.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened before making the drizzle to avoid lumps.
Sifting the powdered sugar will help ensure a smooth and creamy drizzle.
If the drizzle is too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the filling.
To make the cake ahead of time, prepare it up to the point of drizzling the cream cheese mixture and store it in the refrigerator. Drizzle the cream cheese mixture just before serving.
If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, you can make your own by simmering whole milk with sugar until it thickens and reduces in volume.
For a fun twist, try using different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate or spice cake.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information:

(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Calories: Approximately 320 per slice
Protein: 4 grams
Sodium: 250 mg

Conclusion

The Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, offering all the flavors of cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make and incredibly moist cake. With its warm cinnamon-infused cake, creamy sweetened condensed milk filling, and tangy cream cheese drizzle, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!

5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:

Question 1: Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?

Answer: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for vanilla cake mix, you can easily substitute it with other flavors such as spice cake, yellow cake, or even chocolate cake for a richer, more decadent flavor. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change depending on the cake mix you choose.

Question 2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Answer: Yes, you can definitely make this cake ahead of time. In fact, it’s often better to make it a day in advance to allow the filling to fully soak into the cake. Prepare the cake according to the recipe instructions, but hold off on drizzling the cream cheese topping. Cover the cake tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, prepare the cream cheese drizzle and spread it over the cake.

Question 3: What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese for the drizzle?

Answer: If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can make a simple glaze using powdered sugar and milk. Mix together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk until you reach a smooth, drizzable consistency. You can also add a touch of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for added flavor. While it won’t have the same tangy flavor as the cream cheese drizzle, it will still add a touch of sweetness to the cake.

Question 4: How do I store leftover Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake?

Answer: To store leftover Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake will stay moist and delicious. When you’re ready to enjoy it, you can eat it cold or warm it up slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.

Question 5: Can I add nuts to this cake?

Answer: Absolutely! Adding nuts to this cake can add a wonderful texture and flavor. You can sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the cake before or after drizzling the cream cheese topping. You can also add nuts to the cake batter or the filling for an even more intense nutty flavor. Just be sure to chop the nuts finely so they don’t overpower the other flavors.