If you adore the sweet, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but want an easier way to enjoy them without all the rolling and waiting, then you are going to love this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe. It captures all those dreamy cinnamon swirls and luscious glaze drizzled over a moist, tender cake that practically melts in your mouth. This recipe transforms a simple yellow cake mix into a show-stopping dessert perfect for sharing with friends and family. Once you try it, it will quickly become one of your go-to sweet treats for every occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each plays a key role in building the rich flavors and inviting textures this cake is loved for. From the vanilla-infused cake base to the cinnamon-sugar swirl and glossy glaze, all come together beautifully.
- Yellow cake mix: The foundation of the cake, bringing a tender crumb and subtle vanilla flavor.
- Water: Helps hydrate the cake mix and activate the leavening agents.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness for a moist, fluffy texture.
- Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and keeps the cake soft for days.
- Brown sugar: Packed for depth and a slight caramel note in the cinnamon swirl.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that delivers warmth and nostalgia.
- Powdered sugar: Used for the glaze, lending sweetness and smoothness.
- Milk: Thins the glaze to a perfect pourable consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors and adds that classic bakery aroma.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing and lightly flouring it—this step ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out looking flawless. In a large bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, water, eggs, and vegetable oil according to the cake mix instructions until the batter is smooth and lump-free. This simple step sets the stage for a beautifully tender cake that will hold all the cinnamon goodness perfectly.
Step 2: Create and Swirl the Cinnamon Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon to form the magic cinnamon swirl. Drop spoonfuls of this sugar-spice blend unevenly over the cake batter in the pan. Then, take a knife or skewer and gently swirl the mixture to create a marbled effect throughout the cake. This is where the dessert starts to look and taste like those beloved cinnamon rolls you can’t get enough of.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pop the marbled batter into your preheated oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. The aroma of cinnamon will start to fill your kitchen, hinting at the deliciousness to come. Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes, which is the perfect amount of time before moving on to the next exciting step.
Step 4: Poke and Glaze the Cake
Grab the end of a wooden spoon or skewer and poke holes all over the slightly cooled cake, going deep but not all the way through. This “poke” step is the secret that allows the luscious glaze to seep into every nook and cranny, enhancing the moist texture and infusing the cake with extra sweetness. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth, then pour it evenly over the cake letting it soak into those holes and cinnamon swirls.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool completely so the glaze can set up nicely, making it easier to slice and enjoy. Once ready, cut into squares and prepare for an out-of-the-world cinnamon roll experience without any of the fuss!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While the glaze is incredible on its own, topping your slices with a light dusting of cinnamon or a few chopped pecans can add a delightful crunch and extra dimension of flavor. Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes this dessert truly feel like a special celebration.
Side Dishes
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe shines brightest as the star dessert on its own but pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for cozy mornings. It’s also fantastic after a simple brunch spread, serving as the sweet finale everyone will talk about.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this cake in individual clear cups layered with whipped cream for a no-fuss, portable dessert cup. Or sprinkle some chopped nuts or fresh berries on top for a pop of color and texture, making it an irresistible centerpiece on any dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake will stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying leftovers or sharing with neighbors.
Freezing
This poke cake freezes very well. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. When you want a sweet treat, thaw them overnight in the fridge, and you’ll almost forget it was ever frozen.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or until just warmed through. This will bring back the soft, gooey texture of the glaze and cake, making every bite taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake batter for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the boxed yellow cake mix with your favorite homemade vanilla or white cake batter to add a personal touch. Just keep in mind baking times may vary slightly.
What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?
You can use a slightly smaller or larger pan, but baking time might change. Keep an eye on the cake and use the toothpick test to make sure it’s perfectly baked.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free, this recipe can be adapted for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing the delicious cinnamon swirl flavor.
Is there a dairy-free option for the glaze?
Of course! Substitute milk with almond, soy, or oat milk to keep the glaze creamy and tasty while making it dairy-free.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the cinnamon swirl?
Definitely, adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or plump raisins into the cinnamon sugar before swirling is a great way to introduce texture and an additional layer of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe is like a warm hug in dessert form—easy to make, absolutely delicious, and perfect for any occasion. It’s one of those recipes that brings people together, sparks smiles, and becomes a fast favorite in your baking rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how simple creating that rich cinnamon roll experience can be with such little effort!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a delightful twist on traditional yellow cake, featuring swirls of cinnamon and brown sugar throughout a moist cake base. After baking, the cake is poked to allow a sweet vanilla glaze to seep into every bite, creating a rich, cinnamon roll-inspired dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (or vanilla cake mix)
- 1 cup water
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, eggs, and vegetable oil. Beat the mixture until it is smooth and fully combined, following the instructions on the cake mix box.
- Pour Batter Into Dish: Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish ensuring a uniform layer.
- Make the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon until combined.
- Add Cinnamon Dollops: Spoon the cinnamon mixture over the top of the cake batter in random dollops, distributing unevenly for a marbled effect.
- Swirl Cinnamon Into Batter: Use a knife or skewer to gently drag the cinnamon sugar mixture into the cake batter in swirling motions to create a marbled swirl pattern.
- Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes.
- Poke the Cake: Using the end of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes evenly all over the cake surface, going deep into the cake but not through the bottom.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Add the Glaze: Pour the glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and soak into the cinnamon swirls.
- Serve: Let the cake cool completely so the glaze sets, then slice and enjoy your delicious cinnamon roll-inspired poke cake!
Notes
- Use a sharp knife or skewer to create the swirls for a better marbled effect.
- For extra cinnamon flavor, sprinkle additional cinnamon on top before baking.
- Ensure the glaze is pourable but not too thin to adequately fill the holes.
- Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheat slices briefly in the microwave for a warm treat.
