Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

If you’re a fan of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls but want something quicker and easier, then Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is about to change your dessert game! Think of it as a fluffy, spiced cake soaked in creamy, sweet cinnamon goodness, topped off with a rich glaze. It’s everything you love about cinnamon rolls—without the time-consuming dough-making process! Trust me, you won’t be able to resist this one.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

Here’s why this cake is an absolute showstopper:

Warm & Comforting:

The cinnamon sugar swirls and soft cake make this the perfect treat for chilly days or whenever you need a little indulgence. It’s like eating a warm hug in cake form!

Simple & Quick:

No yeast, no rolling, no fuss. You get all the cinnamon roll flavors in a fraction of the time. It’s the perfect shortcut for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend all day baking.

Showstopper Dessert:

This cake isn’t just delicious; it’s visually stunning too. The swirled cinnamon filling, combined with the gooey glaze, makes it a dessert everyone will rave about.

Kid-Friendly:

It’s super easy to make, so even the little ones can get involved in the kitchen. Plus, who doesn’t love a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat?

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this cinnamon-y masterpiece:

Yellow Cake Mix: The base of the cake—light, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up that cinnamon goodness.

Eggs: For binding and fluffiness.

Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture to the cake.

Water: To mix with the cake ingredients and create the perfect consistency.

Cinnamon & Brown Sugar: These two create the signature cinnamon roll filling that gets swirled into the cake.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: The magic ingredient that makes the cake extra gooey and adds sweetness.

Heavy Cream: For drizzling over the top and creating a rich glaze.

Butter: Adds richness and helps bring the cinnamon flavor together in the filling.

Powdered Sugar: For making the glaze smooth and creamy.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make this decadent Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake:

Bake the Cake:

Preheat your oven to the temperature listed on the cake mix box. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, then prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions (usually with eggs, oil, and water). Pour the batter into the pan and bake as directed.

Make the Cinnamon Swirl:

While the cake is baking, melt the butter in a small bowl. Mix in the cinnamon and brown sugar. Set aside for later.

Poke the Cake:

Once the cake is done baking and has cooled for about 10 minutes, take a fork or skewer and poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Be sure to poke deep enough so the filling can sink in, but not too deep that it’s hard to spread the frosting later.

Pour the Cinnamon Filling:

Drizzle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top of the cake, letting it soak into all those holes you’ve made. Let it absorb for a few minutes—this is where all the magic happens!

Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk:

Now, pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake. Let it sink in and soak into all the nooks and crannies. You’ll notice the cake becoming extra moist and gooey, and that’s exactly what you want!

Make the Glaze:

In a small bowl, combine the heavy cream and powdered sugar. Stir until smooth, then drizzle the glaze over the cake, covering it generously.

Serve and Enjoy:

Cut into squares and serve warm, with that gooey cinnamon swirl and creamy glaze. Everyone will be begging for the recipe!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 310
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 160mg
Total Carbohydrates: 41g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 33g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

This cake is perfect for so many occasions! Here are some ideas for serving it up:

As a Breakfast Treat:

Why not treat yourself to a slice of cake for breakfast? It has all the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls, making it the perfect indulgence to start your day.

With a Hot Cup of Coffee:

This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea. The sweetness of the cake is perfectly balanced by the bitterness of the drink.

At Family Gatherings:

It’s always a crowd-pleaser at birthday parties, brunches, or potlucks. The gooey cinnamon filling and decadent glaze make it a dessert everyone will want seconds of.

With Ice Cream:

Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence. The warm cake and cold ice cream make the perfect pairing!

Additional Tips

• Make it Ahead: If you want to prepare this ahead of time, bake the cake and poke the holes. When you’re ready to serve, add the cinnamon swirl, sweetened condensed milk, and glaze for a fresh, warm dessert.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds, and it’ll be as good as new!
• Add Extras: Try adding a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon filling for a little crunch, or add a dash of vanilla extract to the glaze for a deeper flavor.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, you can use regular milk or even a little cream mixed with powdered sugar for a similar effect. It won’t be quite as gooey, but it’ll still be delicious!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this cake with a different cake mix?
A1: Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other flavors like spice cake, butter cake, or even vanilla cake to switch things up.

Q2: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A2: Yes! You can use a gluten-free cake mix, and the recipe will work just as well. Make sure to check that the rest of the ingredients (like the condensed milk and heavy cream) are also gluten-free.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. Warm them up before serving to restore that gooey texture.

Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the cake without the glaze. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To serve, thaw it overnight and add the glaze before serving.

Q5: Can I use a homemade cake mix instead of a box mix?
A5: Definitely! Feel free to use your favorite homemade cake recipe instead of a box mix. Just make sure it’s a basic, plain cake that will complement the cinnamon swirl.

Q6: Can I make this cake without the glaze?
A6: Yes, if you prefer a lighter dessert, you can skip the glaze. The cake will still be delicious with just the cinnamon swirl and condensed milk.

Q7: Can I make the cinnamon swirl ahead of time?
A7: Yes! You can prepare the cinnamon filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the cake.

Q8: How can I make this cake more indulgent?
A8: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream on top. You could even drizzle a little caramel sauce or chocolate syrup over the cake for an extra special treat.

Q9: What’s the best way to serve this cake?
A9: Serve it warm for the ultimate comfort dessert. It’s perfect for a cozy evening or a fun brunch with friends.

Q10: Can I add fruit to the cake?
A10: Yes! Adding fresh or dried fruit like raisins, apples, or even berries can elevate this cake with a sweet, fruity twist.

Conclusion

There you have it—Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake, the dessert that combines all the best parts of a cinnamon roll with the convenience and comfort of cake. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just treating yourself (you totally deserve it), this cake is guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who takes a bite. With its sweet, gooey cinnamon filling, soft cake base, and irresistible glaze, it’s the perfect combination of flavors that’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a slice of cinnamon roll heaven! Trust me, you’re going to love it.

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