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Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake


  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free cake mix)

Description

Discover the irresistible Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake, a deliciously moist and gooey dessert that infuses classic cinnamon roll flavors into a soft yellow cake with warm cinnamon syrup and creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this simple poke cake recipe delivers comforting warmth, sweet richness, and a luscious texture that will delight family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

  • 1 box yellow cake mix (or gluten-free yellow cake mix for a gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil

Cinnamon Syrup

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (use low-fat or dairy-free as desired)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or maple flavoring for variation)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Batter: Start by mixing the yellow cake mix with eggs, milk, and oil according to package instructions. Add in one teaspoon of ground cinnamon to infuse the classic cinnamon flavor throughout the batter.
  2. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake as directed on the package, usually about 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges turn golden brown.
  3. Create Cinnamon Syrup: While the cake is still warm, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and forms a thick cinnamon syrup.
  4. Poke the Cake: Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke even holes all over the warm cake, spacing them about an inch apart to create pockets for the syrup.
  5. Pour Syrup Over Cake: Slowly drizzle the warm cinnamon syrup over the cake, ensuring it seeps into every hole and coats the surface evenly for that gooey texture.
  6. Make the Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, perfect for spreading on the cooled cake.
  7. Frost and Chill: After the cake has cooled completely to room temperature, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to help the batter mix evenly and the frosting stay smooth.
  • Don’t skip poking the cake; the holes are essential for the syrup to soak in and keep the cake moist.
  • Pour the cinnamon syrup while it’s warm to allow deep absorption into the cake.
  • Cool the cake fully before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.
  • Serve chilled for the best gooey texture, or at room temperature if preferred.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 40g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Cinnamon roll poke cake, cinnamon cake, cream cheese frosting, gooey cinnamon syrup, poke cake dessert, easy poke cake, cinnamon dessert, moist cinnamon cake