There’s something undeniably magical about the sweet, warm aroma of cinnamon wafting through the house. Imagine a cake that captures that essence, complete with gooey frosting and delightful textures. This cinnamon roll poke cake is the answer to your dessert dreams, delivering comfort and joy in every bite.
Picture this: you’re hosting a brunch or a cozy get-together with friends, and this cake steals the spotlight. As everyone digs in, you can see their eyes light up—there’s nothing quite like sharing a slice of nostalgia wrapped in flavor. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from lazy Sundays to festive holidays.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The cinnamon roll poke cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers
- Its rich flavor profile combines the warmth of cinnamon with creamy frosting for a real treat
- Visually, it’s stunning, with swirls that invite you to take a bite
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve at breakfast or as a decadent dessert
I vividly remember the first time I made this cake; my family couldn’t stop raving about it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boxed Cake Mix: Any vanilla or yellow cake mix works beautifully here—just follow package instructions for a no-fuss start.
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Cinnamon: Use fresh ground cinnamon for that warm spice flavor that makes your kitchen smell heavenly.
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Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds creaminess and sweetness; it makes the cake so moist!
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Heavy Cream: For drizzling over the cake; opt for full-fat for richness.
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Powdered Sugar: Essential for making the frosting smooth and sweet without being overly sugary.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash infuses your cake with delightful aromatic notes—don’t skip this!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish so nothing sticks—nobody wants a broken cake on their hands!
Prepare Your Cake Mix: In a large mixing bowl, follow package directions to prepare your boxed cake mix. Don’t forget to stir in two teaspoons of ground cinnamon to add that signature flavor.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and bake according to package instructions until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean—about 25-30 minutes should do it.
Poke Holes Galore!: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Using a wooden spoon handle or chopstick, poke holes all over the top of the warm cake—this lets all that deliciousness seep in!
Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top of your poked cake. Give it some time to soak in while you prepare the frosting—it’s like giving your cake a luxurious spa day!
Make Your Frosting: In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this luscious frosting over your cooled poke cake.
Now step back and admire your handiwork! It’s time to cut into this beauty and enjoy every last bite of rich flavors melding perfectly together.
This cinnamon roll poke cake is bound to be an instant favorite among family and friends. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This cinnamon roll poke cake is a sweet treat that combines the best of both worlds – cake and cinnamon rolls
- The delightful aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist
- Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking your cake according to the package instructions. Once cooled, poke holes and drizzle with frosting for the perfect blend of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the vanilla frosting for cream cheese frosting. You can also add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and optimal texture
- Don’t skip the poking step; it allows all that delicious frosting to soak in
- Always let your cake cool completely before drizzling with frosting to avoid melting
Baking this cinnamon roll poke cake brought back memories of family gatherings where dessert was always the highlight. My little sister declared it “the best thing ever,” which made my heart melt more than the frosting on top.
FAQ
Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix?
Absolutely! Homemade cake can elevate this recipe even further with your special touch.
How do I make it less sweet?
Consider reducing the amount of frosting or using a less sugary alternative like yogurt.
Can I freeze this cinnamon roll poke cake?
Yes, you can freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to three months.
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with moist cake and creamy frosting. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for brunches, gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Picture the enticing aroma filling your kitchen as you prepare this crowd-pleaser that promises to impress family and friends alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, prepare the cake mix according to package instructions, stirring in ground cinnamon.
- Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Once baked, let the cake cool slightly and poke holes all over its surface with a wooden spoon handle.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake and let it soak.
- For frosting, whisk heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth; drizzle over cooled cake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
