Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is the perfect blend of two beloved treats: cinnamon rolls and cake. This easy-to-make dessert is moist, fluffy, and packed with sweet cinnamon flavor. After baking the cake, you “poke” holes in it and pour a cinnamon sugar syrup over the top, allowing the cake to soak up all that delicious flavor. Topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting, this poke cake is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion or just because!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 box of yellow or white cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box: eggs, oil, water, etc.)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup melted butter

For the Cinnamon Sugar Syrup:

1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup milk

For the Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box, adding 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the cake batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes.

2. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Syrup:

While the cake is cooling, make the cinnamon sugar syrup by combining melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and milk in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
Once the cake has cooled slightly, use the end of a wooden spoon or a similar tool to poke holes all over the cake.

3. Add the Syrup:

Pour the warm cinnamon sugar syrup evenly over the cake, ensuring the syrup soaks into the holes.
Let the cake cool completely.

4. Make the Frosting:

In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to adjust the consistency if needed.

5. Frost the Cake:

Once the cake has cooled completely and absorbed the syrup, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Optionally, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar or garnish with a drizzle of melted frosting.

6. Serve:

Slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12-16
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (plus cooling time)

Variations

Add Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for some added crunch.
Cinnamon Roll Glaze: Drizzle store-bought cinnamon roll icing over the cake for a quicker frosting option.
Cream Cheese Filling: Swirl some of the cream cheese frosting into the cake batter before baking for an extra gooey filling.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Freeze individual slices of cake in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm individual pieces in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to soften the frosting and warm the cake.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade cake batter instead of cake mix?

Yes! Feel free to use your favorite homemade cake recipe, adding cinnamon to the batter to get that cinnamon roll flavor.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cake and cinnamon sugar syrup a day ahead. Just frost it before serving.

3. Can I use a different frosting?

You can use store-bought cream cheese frosting or any frosting you prefer, but cream cheese frosting adds a nice tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cake.

4. Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?

Yes! Use the same batter and cinnamon sugar syrup but bake in a muffin tin. Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

5. How do I store leftover cake?

Cover the cake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

6. Can I freeze the frosting separately?

Yes, you can freeze the cream cheese frosting for up to 1 month in an airtight container. Let it thaw and re-whip before using.

7. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can make this cake gluten-free by substituting the regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix.

8. How do I know when the cake is fully cooked?

Check by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

9. Can I add more cinnamon to the syrup or frosting?

Absolutely! If you love cinnamon, feel free to add extra to the syrup or frosting to intensify the flavor.

10. How long will this cake last?

This cake should stay fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge, but it’s so delicious, it might not last that long!

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake combines the comfort of cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of a cake, making it a must-try for any dessert lover. With its sweet and spicy cinnamon flavor, creamy frosting, and gooey texture, it’s a perfect addition to any gathering or as a treat for yourself. Try it today for a delightful dessert experience!