Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a moist, sweet dessert that captures the nostalgic flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make cake. Featuring gooey cinnamon-sugar swirls and a creamy vanilla glaze, this cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any cozy gathering.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free cake mix)
Cake Base
- 1 boxed white cake mix (prepare as per package instructions)
Cinnamon Glaze
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional
- Cream cheese (for tangy alternative glaze)
- Prepare and Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven and grease a 9×13-inch pan. Mix the boxed cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into the pan and bake until golden brown and springy to the touch, about 25-30 minutes depending on your oven.
- Make the Cinnamon Glaze: While the cake bakes, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until smooth and fragrant. Keep the glaze warm.
- Poke and Pour: Once the cake comes out of the oven, use a wooden spoon handle or skewer to poke holes all over the surface. Slowly pour the warm cinnamon glaze over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and infuse the cake with sweetness.
- Prepare the Vanilla Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle-able. After the cinnamon glaze has soaked in, generously drizzle the vanilla glaze over the cake for a creamy finishing touch.
- Chill and Serve: Let the cake cool completely to allow the glazes to set perfectly. Refrigerate before slicing and serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh ground cinnamon for the best aroma and flavor.
- Do not skip poking the cake; holes help the glaze penetrate deeply for moist bites.
- Pour the glaze slowly to ensure even coverage and absorption.
- Chill the cake before serving to allow flavors to meld and texture to firm up.
- You can swap brown sugar with coconut sugar as an alternative sweetener.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll poke cake, cinnamon cake, poke cake, cinnamon dessert, easy cake recipe, moist cake, cinnamon glaze, vanilla glaze