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Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a delightful dessert combining the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls with the moist, rich texture of a poke cake. This easy-to-make cake features a moist white cake base infused with a buttery cinnamon glaze that soaks deep into the cake, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or as a comforting sweet treat, this recipe offers an irresistible blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base

  • 1 box white cake mix (approximately 15.25 oz)
  • Eggs, as required by cake mix package (usually 3 large eggs)
  • Oil, as required by cake mix package (usually 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil)
  • Water, as required by cake mix package (usually 1 cup)

Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Cinnamon Glaze

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
  • Brown sugar and cinnamon mixture (prepared above)
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Batter: Mix the white cake mix according to the package directions, typically combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. Make the Cinnamon Glaze: While the cake bakes, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture until the ingredients are fully combined and heated through, forming a smooth, syrupy glaze.
  3. Poke the Cake: Once the cake is removed from the oven and slightly cooled but still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. This allows the glaze to seep deeply into the cake, enhancing moisture and flavor.
  4. Pour the Glaze: Slowly pour the warm cinnamon glaze evenly over the entire surface of the poked cake. Let the cake sit for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the glaze fully.
  5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
  6. Frost the Cake: After the cake has absorbed the glaze and has cooled to room temperature, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
  7. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the frosted cake for at least one hour to set the frosting and enhance all the flavors. Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and taste experience.

Notes

  • Don’t overbake the cake to ensure it stays moist; check for doneness early using a toothpick.
  • Poke the cake while it is still warm to allow the glaze to soak in deeply.
  • Pour the glaze slowly and evenly to avoid soggy spots.
  • Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for a smooth, creamy frosting.
  • Refrigerate after frosting to firm up the icing and make slicing easier.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze unfrosted cake wrapped tightly for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before frosting.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds for fresh-baked taste.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free cake mix and ingredients)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake, cinnamon cake, cream cheese frosting, poke cake, easy dessert, moist cake, cinnamon glaze