Description
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a moist and luscious dessert that captures the warm, comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in an easy-to-make sheet cake. Featuring soft yellow cake infused with cinnamon sugar syrup and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for any occasion and sure to delight both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or gluten-free cake mix for variation)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup water
Cinnamon Sugar Syrup
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnishes and Variations
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (for nutty crunch)
- Sprinkle of ground cinnamon
- Maple syrup (as drizzle substitute)
- Pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice (for autumn twist)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Begin by mixing the boxed yellow cake mix with eggs, melted butter, and water according to package directions. Pour the batter evenly into a greased 9×13-inch pan for uniform baking.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool slightly but keep it warm for the next step.
- Poke Holes into the Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar utensil, poke holes all over the warm cake surface, about 1-inch apart. These holes create cozy pockets that soak up the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Pour the Cinnamon Syrup: Mix melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar to create a syrup, then slowly drizzle it over the pierced cake. Follow up with sweetened condensed milk, allowing the delicious liquid to sink into every hole.
- Cool Fully and Frost: Let the cake cool completely at room temperature. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top, smoothing it out so every bite ends in creamy delight.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure the batter mixes evenly and results in a fluffier cake.
- Don’t skip poking holes; it’s essential for the gooey texture.
- Allow the cinnamon syrup to soak into the cake before frosting for maximum flavor.
- Chill the cake for an hour before serving to enhance texture and meld flavors.
- Use a spatula to spread the cream cheese frosting smoothly without tearing the cake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll cake, poke cake, cinnamon dessert, easy cake recipe, cream cheese frosting, sheet cake