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Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Chill Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is soft, moist, and packed with cinnamon sugar swirls, just like a gooey cinnamon roll! It’s topped with a rich cream cheese glaze, making it the perfect easy dessert for brunch, holidays, or anytime you crave cinnamon goodness. 🍰✨


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 box white or yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, water, etc.)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (for extra flavor in the cake batter, optional)

For the Cinnamon Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions, adding 1 tsp cinnamon for extra flavor.
  3. Pour batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  4. Bake according to package instructions (about 25-30 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

  1. While the cake is baking, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a bowl.

Step 3: Poke the Cake & Add Filling

  1. Once the cake is fresh out of the oven, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
  2. Pour the warm cinnamon filling over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.
  3. Let the cake cool completely before adding the glaze.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

  1. In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
  2. Adjust milk amount to reach a pourable glaze consistency.

Step 5: Glaze & Serve

  1. Drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze over the cooled cake.
  2. Slice and enjoy your ooey-gooey cinnamon roll poke cake!



Notes

  • Extra Decadent: Sprinkle chopped pecans or drizzle with caramel sauce for extra flavor.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Make Ahead: Bake the cake a day in advance, store in the fridge, and add the glaze before serving.