Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

OMG, who else dreams of cinnamon rolls but sometimes just doesn't have the time for all that yeasty goodness? ✨ Well, guess what?! I've got the BEST shortcut to satisfy those cravings, and it's even easier than you think! This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is pure magic – all the warm, gooey, cinnamony sweetness you adore, baked into a tender cake and drenched in a dreamy glaze. Get ready for your new favorite dessert!

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

This cake takes the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls and transforms it into an incredibly moist and flavorful poke cake, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze.

**Yields:** 12-16 servings

**Prep time:** 20 minutes

**Cook time:** 30-35 minutes (plus cooling time)

Ingredients:

**For the Cake:**

1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix (and the ingredients called for on the box, usually water, oil, and eggs)

* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

* ½ cup packed light brown sugar

* ½ cup granulated sugar

* ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

**For the Glaze:**

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

* ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

* 2 cups powdered sugar

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

* 2-3 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream), adjust as needed for desired consistency

Instructions:

**Prepare the Cake:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.

2. **Combine Cake Ingredients:** In a large bowl, prepare the cake mix according to package directions, adding the water, oil, and eggs. Stir in the 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon directly into the cake batter. Mix until just combined and smooth.

3. **Pour into Pan:** Pour the cinnamon-infused cake batter evenly into your prepared 9x13 inch pan.

4. **Create Cinnamon Swirl:** In a small bowl, combine the ½ cup brown sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar. Drizzle the ½ cup melted butter over the sugar mixture and stir until it forms a thick paste.

5. **Swirl into Batter:** Dollop spoonfuls of the cinnamon-sugar paste randomly over the top of the cake batter in the pan. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the paste into the cake batter to create ribbons of cinnamon goodness. Be careful not to overmix!

6. **Bake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

7. **Poke the Cake:** As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a large skewer to poke holes all over the top of the warm cake. Space the holes about 1 inch apart. This will allow the glaze to seep in!

8. **Make the Glaze:** While the cake is still warm, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

9. **Add Remaining Glaze Ingredients:** Gradually add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

10. **Adjust Consistency:** Add milk (or heavy cream) one tablespoon at a time, beating until the glaze reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. You want it thick enough to coat, but thin enough to seep into the holes.

11. **Glaze the Cake:** Pour the warm glaze evenly over the warm, poked cake, making sure to work it into all the holes.

12. **Cool & Serve:** Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before serving. The glaze will set as it cools.

Enjoy every cinnamony, dreamy bite! Don't forget to share your creations with me! #cake #cinnamonroll #bakingrecipe #recipes #pokecake

2025/11/13 Edited to

... Read moreIf you love the delightful flavors of classic cinnamon rolls but find yourself short on time, this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a perfect alternative that satisfies those cravings effortlessly. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, which require time-consuming dough preparation and rising, this poke cake leverages a simple white cake mix enhanced with ground cinnamon to build a base packed with flavor. The unique technique of swirling a cinnamon-sugar-butter paste throughout the cake before baking ensures each bite is filled with bursts of cinnamony sweetness. One of the standout steps in this recipe is poking the warm cake with a wooden spoon handle or skewer immediately after baking. This allows the dreamy cream cheese glaze to seep deeply into the cake’s interior, saturating it with creamy, buttery goodness that mimics the plush, rich icing typically drizzled on cinnamon rolls. The glaze itself is easy to whip up by beating softened cream cheese and butter together before gradually adding powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk or heavy cream until you reach that perfect pourable consistency. Serving this cake is a breeze, too — after allowing it to cool completely, the glaze sets to create a smooth, indulgent finish. It’s ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you want to make a comforting dessert without the fuss. Plus, this recipe yields 12-16 servings, making it great for sharing. For those interested in variations, you can experiment by adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for added texture or sprinkle a light dusting of ground nutmeg or cardamom to deepen the spice profile. Using brown butter instead of regular melted butter in the swirl can also elevate the flavor with a toasty, caramel-like note. This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake hits all the marks: it’s quick to prepare, delivers the warm, gooey cinnamon flavor you adore, and features a luscious cream cheese glaze that perfectly complements the moist cake texture. It’s truly a magical shortcut for cinnamon roll lovers and a fantastic way to impress guests with minimal effort. Don’t forget to customize and share your own twists on this delightful recipe!

2 comments

Debbie Trenam's images
Debbie Trenam

Your Mexican Tuna recipe is not with your other recipes on your page what happen to it

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