Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe

Cinnamon roll poke cake: just the name alone conjures up images of warm, gooey, cinnamon-spiced goodness, doesn’t it? Imagine taking the comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll and transforming it into an incredibly moist and decadent cake. This isn’t just dessert; it’s an experience, a hug in cake form that will have everyone begging for seconds.

While the exact origins of poke cakes are debated, the concept of infusing a baked cake with flavorful liquids gained popularity in the mid-20th century. This particular twist, the cinnamon roll poke cake, elevates the idea by bringing in the beloved taste of cinnamon rolls, a treat enjoyed for generations across many cultures. Cinnamon rolls themselves have a rich history, evolving from similar spiced breads in Northern Europe, eventually becoming the sweet, swirled pastries we adore today.

What makes this cake so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The tender, fluffy cake base is soaked with a creamy, cinnamon-infused mixture, creating a melt-in-your-mouth sensation. The frosting adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess, balancing the richness of the cake. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! This recipe is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply when you need a little bit of comfort food in your life. Get ready to bake up a storm of deliciousness!

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• For the Cinnamon Filling:
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• For the Poke:
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream), for desired consistency
• Optional Garnish:
• Cinnamon sugar

Preparing the Cake Batter

1. Preheat and Prep: First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove later. I like to use baking spray with flour already in it for extra insurance!
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the water, vegetable oil, and eggs until they are well combined. You want a nice, even mixture here.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the yellow cake mix to the wet ingredients. Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer), mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. A few lumps are okay.

Creating the Cinnamon Swirl

1. Melt the Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Make sure it’s completely melted but not browned.
2. Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a separate small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well until evenly distributed. This is going to give us that classic cinnamon roll flavor!
3. Swirl It In: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Then, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the batter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the butter. Pour the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon sugar layer.
4. Create the Swirl: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar mixture into the cake batter. Don’t overmix; you want to create distinct swirls of cinnamon throughout the cake. I like to make figure-eight patterns for a nice, marbled effect.

Baking the Cake

1. Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
2. Cool Slightly: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to handle when we poke the holes.

Poking and Soaking

1. Poke Those Holes: While the cake is still warm (but not piping hot), use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the cake. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced and go all the way down to the bottom of the pan. The more holes, the more deliciousness!
2. Pour the Sweetened Condensed Milk: Slowly and evenly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the entire surface of the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. This is what makes the cake incredibly moist and decadent.
3. Let it Soak: Let the cake cool completely in the pan. This allows the sweetened condensed milk to fully absorb into the cake. I usually let it cool on the counter for an hour or two, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill completely for at least 2 hours, or even overnight. The longer it chills, the better!

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Soften the Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before you start. This is crucial for a smooth and creamy frosting. If they’re too cold, you’ll end up with lumps.
2. Cream Together: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Be careful not to add it all at once, or you’ll end up with a cloud of powdered sugar!
4. Add Vanilla and Milk: Add the vanilla extract and milk (or heavy cream). Beat on medium speed until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. I like my frosting to be thick enough to hold its shape but still easy to spread.

Frosting and Garnishing

1. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. You can use a spatula or a knife to create a smooth surface.
2. Garnish (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the top of the frosted cake with cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of cinnamon flavor and visual appeal.
3. Chill and Serve: For the best flavor and texture, chill the frosted cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the frosting to set up and the flavors to meld together.
4. Enjoy!: Cut into squares and serve. This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is best enjoyed cold. It’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or just a sweet treat any time of day!

Conclusion:

This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is truly a must-try, and I’m not just saying that! It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from a casual weeknight treat to a celebratory gathering. The combination of the moist, tender cake, the gooey cinnamon swirl, and the creamy frosting is simply irresistible. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!). What makes this cake so special is its simplicity. It takes the comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls and transforms them into an easy-to-make, shareable dessert. Forget spending hours kneading dough and carefully rolling cinnamon rolls – this poke cake delivers all the same deliciousness with a fraction of the effort. Plus, the poke method ensures that every single bite is infused with that sweet, cinnamon-y goodness. But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While the recipe as written is absolutely divine, there are so many ways to customize it to your liking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Warm it up: Serve slices slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent experience. The warm cake and cold ice cream create a delightful contrast in temperature and texture. * Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for added crunch and flavor. Toasted nuts will enhance the nutty flavor even more. * Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting for a chocolate-cinnamon twist. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate would all be delicious. * Caramel sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a rich, buttery sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly. * Fruit topping: Top with fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, for a burst of freshness and color. * Cream cheese frosting variations: Add a touch of lemon zest to the cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist, or stir in a tablespoon of maple syrup for a warm, autumnal flavor. * Different cake mixes: While I love using a yellow cake mix, you could experiment with other flavors like spice cake or even a chocolate cake for a unique twist. * Holiday themed: For the holidays, add a sprinkle of festive sprinkles or use red and green food coloring in the frosting. I truly believe that this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake will become a new favorite in your household. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and endlessly customizable. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together and creates lasting memories. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of this amazing cake. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do! And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried the recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and how much your family and friends enjoyed it. Your feedback is invaluable, and I love hearing about your baking adventures. Happy baking!

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