Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake: The Ultimate Dessert Experience
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. But what if you could take all that flavor and turn it into a moist, decadent cake that’s easy to make? Enter the Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake, a dessert that combines the gooey goodness of a cinnamon roll with the soft, moist texture of a poke cake.
This indulgent treat is perfect for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or just a cozy night at home. With its rich cinnamon-sugar flavor, fluffy cake texture, and luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with friends and family.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Easy to Make – Uses a simple cake mix as a base.
✔️ Incredibly Moist – The poke technique allows the frosting to seep into the cake.
✔️ Cinnamon Roll Flavor – All the deliciousness of a cinnamon roll in cake form.
✔️ Crowd-Pleasing Dessert – Perfect for potlucks, parties, and special occasions.
✔️ Customizable – Add pecans, caramel drizzle, or extra cinnamon for variety.
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Ingredients List
For the Cake:
1 box of white cake mix
Ingredients needed for cake mix (water, oil, and eggs as per package instructions)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar
For the Frosting:
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions.
Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the cake batter according to the box instructions.
Add ground cinnamon and brown sugar to the batter, stirring until fully combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake as directed on the box (usually 25-30 minutes).
To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly (about 10 minutes).
Step 3: Poke the Cake
Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the surface of the cake.
These holes will allow the frosting to seep into the cake, making it extra moist.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large bowl, beat together:
✅ Softened cream cheese
✅ Softened butter
✅ Powdered sugar
✅ Vanilla extract
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake while it’s still slightly warm.
Allow the frosting to sink into the holes, infusing the cake with its rich, creamy flavor.
Step 6: Chill & Serve
Let the cake cool completely before slicing.
Garnish with extra cinnamon, a caramel drizzle, or chopped pecans for added flavor.
Serve and enjoy!
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Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
✔️ Use Warm Frosting – Let the frosting sit at room temperature before spreading. It will melt slightly into the cake, making it extra delicious.
✔️ Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on the cake to prevent dryness. It should be moist and fluffy.
✔️ Add a Caramel Drizzle – For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top.
✔️ Use a Spiced Cake Mix – If you want a deeper cinnamon flavor, swap the white cake mix for spice cake mix.
✔️ Refrigerate Before Serving – Chilling the cake for an hour makes it even moister and more flavorful.
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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
🍽️ Calories: ~380
🥄 Carbohydrates: 55g
🧈 Fat: 18g
🥚 Protein: 4g
🍬 Sugar: 35g
This cake is an indulgent treat, so enjoy it in moderation!
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Serving Ideas
🍽️ Pair with Coffee – The cinnamon-sugar flavors complement a hot cup of coffee or chai tea.
🍦 Top with Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream takes this dessert to the next level.
🥜 Add Crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top for texture.
🍫 Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate for an extra treat.
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How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Reheating:
Microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds to restore their warm, gooey texture.
Freezing:
Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1️⃣ Can I make this cake from scratch?
Yes! Instead of a boxed mix, use a homemade vanilla cake batter and add cinnamon and brown sugar.
2️⃣ What other toppings can I use?
Try toasted pecans, cinnamon sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup for added flavor.
3️⃣ Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make it a day in advance, refrigerate overnight, and serve chilled or at room temperature.
4️⃣ Can I use a different frosting?
Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese frosting with buttercream, vanilla glaze, or cinnamon icing.
5️⃣ Can I make this into cupcakes?
Yes! Use a muffin tin instead of a cake pan and bake for 18-20 minutes.
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Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Try This Recipe
✔️ Quick & Easy – A beginner-friendly recipe with minimal effort.
✔️ Moist & Flavorful – A perfect blend of cinnamon roll & cake flavors.
✔️ Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings.
If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls, this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a must-try! With its moist cake, rich cream cheese frosting, and irresistible cinnamon flavor, it’s a guaranteed hit.
