What is comfort food heaven? Do you remember those gooey, pull-apart cinnamon rolls your mom used to make? What are some of the best cakes you’ve ever made? This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is incredibly moist, bursting with cinnamon-sugar swirls, and drenched in sugar. What is your favorite CREAM CHEESE GLAZE? What is a poke cake? What is the best recipe for a potluck?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
What is cinnamon roll poke cake?
Think of it as a regular cake, but with an awesome twist (literally! ). After baking, you poke holes all over the surface and then pour a sweet cinnamon mixture into those holes. This creates pockets of incredible flavor throughout the cake. What’s the best way to give a Cinnamon Roll an injection? To top it off, you smother it in a tangy cream cheese glaze that seeps into every nook and cranny. Why didn’t I think of this sooner? What are some of my favorite treats? Is it easier to learn English than it sounds?
Why do I love this recipe?
Let me count the ways! What I love most about this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is how incredibly easy it is. Seriously, it’s almost foolproof. You don’t need any fancy equipment or baking skills. The flavor is out of this world, that perfect blend of warm cinnamon, sweet cake, and tangy cream cheese. The cake itself is incredibly moist, thanks to the cinnamon mixture that soaks into every pore. I always do this when I am craving something sweet but don’t have a lot of time to make something complicated. Plus, the ingredients are pretty basic, things you probably already have in your pantry. The cost-efficiency is important for me because I hate having to buy crazy ingredients just for one recipe. And finally, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Every time I make this, it disappears in minutes. It’s like a magic trick, only edible! It is similar to a Tres Leches Cake in a way, soaking the cake with a liquid after baking.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Quick Overview
The process is super simple. First, you’ll bake a basic cake, either from scratch or using a boxed mix (no judgment here!). While it’s still warm, you’ll poke holes all over it. Then, you’ll whip up a cinnamon-sugar mixture and pour it into those holes, letting the cake soak up all that deliciousness. Finally, you’ll top it with a luscious Cream Cheese glaze. The glaze can be adjusted to be thicker or thinner, depending on preference. The whole process is pretty fast, and the results are spectacular.
Ingredients
For the main battery:
* 1 box yellow Cake Mix (plus ingredients called for on the box – usually eggs, oil, and water) (except sugar).
* OR homemade cake ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar, 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup shortening, 1 1/4 cups milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 large eggs. I prefer using cake mix because it’s faster and easier, but homemade works just as well! Just make sure you don’t overbake it!
For the Filling:
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon. Don’t skimp on the cinnamon here! What gives the cinnamon roll cake its classic flavor? I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.
For the Glaze:
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 cups powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2-4 tablespoons milk, to adjust consistency. The consistency of the glaze is key! You want it to be thick enough to cling to the cake but thin enough to drizzle easily. I always start with 2 tablespoons of milk and add more as needed until I reach the perfect consistency.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I always use non-stick baking spray for extra insurance. How do I get a cake out of my mouth?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
If you’re using a cake mix, follow the instructions on the box. If you’re making it from scratch, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside. How do I make sure everything is evenly distributed?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the shortening, milk, vanilla extract, and eggs. Set aside. I like to make sure the eggs are room temperature. What makes a difference?
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. I usually stop mixing when there are still a few streaks of flour visible and then finish it off by hand with a spatula.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and cinnamon. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. I sometimes add a pinch of salt to the cinnamon mixture to enhance the flavors. It’s a little trick I learned from my grandma.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes. While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the surface using the end of a wooden spoon or a fork. The more holes, the better!
Step 7: Bake
If a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, bake for 30-35 minutes. Don’t overbake, or the cake will be dry.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the cake cool slightly, then pour the cinnamon mixture over the top, making sure it seeps into all the holes. Let the cake cool completely before frosting. For the glaze, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Frost cake with cream cheese glaze. Slice and serve.
What should I serve it with?
What is a Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake?
For Breakfast: Pair it with a cup of hot coffee or a latte for a sweet start to the day. A little whipped cream on top never hurts either!
For Brunch:What is a good brunch spread? I sometimes add raspberries or strawberries on top for a pop of color.
As Dessert:Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream after dinner. What is the best way to end a meal?
For Cozy Snacks:What is the best way to enjoy a slice of toast with tea?
My family loves to eat it right out of the fridge, cold. I know it’s weird, but that’s just how we roll! The cold cake is more dense, and the flavors are more concentrated. It is just so good.
How do you make a cinnamon roll poke cake?
How do you make a Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake? What are some of the best tips I’ve learned over the years?
Cake Mix Magic: What are some ofIf you’re using a cake mix, try adding sour cream to the batter for extra moisture. What is a little trick that makes spookiest difference? I also like to use buttermilk instead of regular milk. It gives the cake a slight tang that complements the sweetness of the cinnamon and glaze.
Cinnamon Swirl Secrets: For a more intense cinnamon flavor, try swirling a little bit of the cinnamon-sugar mixture directly into the cake batter before baking. This creates beautiful swirls of cinnamon throughout the cake.
Poke Placement: Make sure you poke the holes evenly across the entire surface of the cake. This ensures that every bite is infused with that delicious cinnamon flavor. I like to use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke the holes. It’s the perfect size and shape.
Glaze Consistency is Key: The consistency of the glaze is crucial. You want it to be thick enough to cling to the cake but thin enough to drizzle easily. Start with less milk and add more as needed until you reach the perfect consistency. I also like to add a pinch of salt to the glaze to balance out the sweetness.
Cooling Time is Important: Let the cake cool completely before frosting. If you frost it while it’s still warm, the glaze will melt and run off. I usually pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to speed up the cooling process. But make sure to not leave it in there too long, or it will dry out!
Ingredient Swaps: You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even milk, but the cake will be a little less rich. You can use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a richer, molasses-like flavor. For a dairy-free version, you can use coconut milk and vegan cream cheese.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake to keep it fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days, but make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. I usually use a cake dome or an airtight container.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Again, make sure to cover it tightly. The cold can dry it out, so keep it sealed.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: I recommend frosting the cake just before serving for the best flavor and texture. If you frost it ahead of time, the glaze may start to soften and run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is truly one of my favorite easy desserts. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures, and it’s always a hit with family and friends. I love how simple it is to make, and I always have the ingredients on hand. If you’re looking for an easy and delicious recipe that will impress everyone, this is it. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Caramel Apple Poke Cake or my Chocolate Fudge Poke Cake! Both of those are very popular in my family. Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please feel free to leave a comment and rating below, and be sure to share your own variations!
How to Make a Strawberry Lemon Poke Cake: 7 Simple Steps
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 15.25 oz lemon cake mix plus ingredients called for on the package
- 3 oz strawberry gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
- 8 oz whipped topping thawed
- 1 cup fresh strawberries sliced for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the lemon cake mix according to the package directions and pour the batter into the prepared dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, combine strawberry gelatin with 2 cups of boiling water in a medium bowl. Stir until dissolved, then add 1 cup of cold water.
- Remove cake from oven and let cool for 15 minutes. Poke holes all over the cake with a fork.
- Pour gelatin mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set.
- Spread whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
- Garnish with sliced strawberries before serving.
