Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
Are you craving a sweet treat that combines the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls with a modern twist? Look no further than this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake, an irresistible delight that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist texture and delicious cream cheese glaze, this cake will have everyone asking for seconds.
Growing up, Sunday mornings at my grandmother’s house always meant waking up to the heavenly aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls. This poke cake pays homage to those cherished mornings, encapsulating the warm spices and gooey sweetness in every bite. It’s become a family tradition to share this cake at gatherings, and it never fails to evoke fond memories.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a revelation for any dessert lover. Unlike traditional cakes, this poke cake is infused with a cinnamon sugar mixture that permeates every inch, ensuring a burst of flavor with each mouthful. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients you likely already have at home. Plus, the luscious cream cheese glaze adds a decadent finishing touch that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using a boxed cake mix as the base saves time, while the addition of a homemade cinnamon syrup elevates the flavor profile. For an even richer taste, consider using dark brown sugar in the syrup. If you’re out of cream cheese, mascarpone cheese is a wonderful alternative that’s equally creamy and tangy.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly.
Step 2
In a large bowl, prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 3
While the cake is baking, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a saucepan over low heat until combined and syrupy. Set aside.
Step 4
Once the cake is baked, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
Step 5
Pour the cinnamon syrup over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. Finally, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the cake before serving.
Storage Options
To store leftovers, cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, slice the cake and freeze individual pieces wrapped in foil. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm each piece in the microwave for a few seconds.
Variations & Substitutions
If you’re looking to switch things up, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cake mix as the base. To reduce sugar content, consider a sugar alternative like erythritol in the cinnamon syrup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I prepare this cake in advance?
A: Absolutely! This cake can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to meld even more, making it taste even better the next day.
Q: How can I make this cake dairy-free?
A: To make this recipe dairy-free, replace the butter in the cinnamon syrup with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze. Many grocery stores offer excellent non-dairy creams that are perfect for baking.
Q: What is the best way to ensure the cake remains moist?
A: The key to a moist poke cake is making sure that the syrup is well distributed throughout the cake, soaking into all the holes. Be generous with the syrup pouring and ensure even distribution to achieve that moist consistency throughout.
Remember it later
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Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix prepared as per the box instructions
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting softened
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Bake the vanilla cake in a 9x13 inch pan according to the box instructions.
- While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the top using a fork.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes.
- In a bowl, mix the cinnamon with the cream cheese frosting.
- Spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
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