Oh my goodness, you guys, let me tell you about the cinnamon roll poke cake! It’s the ultimate mashup of two of my favorite treats: warm, gooey cinnamon rolls and a soft, fluffy cake. Seriously, who wouldn’t want that? The magic happens when you poke those little holes in the cake and fill them with cinnamon roll goodness—it’s like a flavor explosion in every bite! I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering; everyone was raving about it! The sweet smell of cinnamon wafting through the house brought back so many cozy memories of Sunday mornings with fresh cinnamon rolls. Trust me, this dessert is not just a treat; it’s a warm hug on a plate that everyone will adore! You’ll definitely want to keep this recipe close for all your gatherings!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this delightful cinnamon roll poke cake! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 can cinnamon roll dough (with icing included)
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure to have everything ready before you start mixing—trust me, it’ll make your life so much easier! And don’t skimp on the cream cheese frosting; it’s the cherry on top (or rather, the frosting on top) that ties everything together beautifully!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare the Batter
Let’s get things rolling! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because starting with a hot oven will help your cake rise beautifully! While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. I like to use a whisk or a hand mixer to blend everything together until it’s nice and smooth—no lumps allowed! This ensures your cake has that fluffy texture we all love. Once it’s all mixed up, you’re ready to pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Bake the Cake
Now it’s time for the magic to happen! Place your batter-filled dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. I always set a timer! To check if it’s done, stick a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, you’re golden! If there’s a bit of batter on the toothpick, just pop it back in for a few more minutes. When it’s done, take it out and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before moving on to the next step.
Create the Poke Holes and Fill
Okay, here comes the fun part! Once the cake has cooled for a bit, grab the end of a wooden spoon (or any handle) and poke holes all over the top—don’t be shy! You want those holes to be deep enough to hold all that delicious cinnamon roll filling. Now, take your cinnamon roll filling and pour it generously into each poke hole. It’s going to seep in and make every bite extra tasty! Let the cake cool completely so all those flavors can mingle.
Frosting and Final Touches
Once your cake has cooled completely, it’s time to dress it up! Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top—oh my goodness, it looks so good already! Then, in a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the vanilla extract and drizzle it over the frosting for that extra touch of sweetness. Trust me, this step is totally worth it! Now just take a moment to admire your creation before cutting into it; I promise, it’ll be hard to resist the first slice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick to make—perfect for those last-minute dessert cravings!
- Combines the beloved flavors of cinnamon rolls and cake in one indulgent treat.
- Serves a crowd easily, making it ideal for gatherings and parties.
- Super versatile! You can add your favorite toppings or even mix-ins.
- It’s an easy dessert for all skill levels—no fancy techniques required!
- The poke holes make every bite packed with flavor and moistness.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as good the next day!
Tips for Success
Want to make your cinnamon roll poke cake even more amazing? Here are some practical tips I swear by:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggs and a new box of cake mix can really make a difference in flavor and texture. Trust me, you’ll notice it!
- Don’t rush the cooling: Let your cake cool completely before frosting. If it’s even a little warm, the frosting might melt and slide right off. We want that beautiful layer of frosting to stay put!
- Experiment with fillings: Feel free to get creative! You can add some chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the cinnamon roll filling for an extra surprise in every bite.
- Check your oven temperature: Ovens can be tricky! If you find your cake isn’t baking as expected, consider using an oven thermometer to ensure it’s at the right temperature.
- Make it the night before: This cake actually tastes better after sitting overnight! Let the flavors meld together in the fridge, and you’ll have an even more delicious dessert the next day.
- Have fun with toppings: Besides the cream cheese frosting, think about adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even some fresh fruit on top for a pop of color and taste!
These tips will help you nail this recipe every time, so go ahead and make it your own! You’ll be the star of the dessert table in no time!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional information for a slice of this scrumptious cinnamon roll poke cake. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this will give you a good idea:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 4g
This cake is definitely a treat, so enjoy it in moderation! With that sweet cinnamon flavor and creamy frosting, it’s worth every bite. Happy indulging!
FAQ Section
Can I use other cake mixes?
Absolutely! While I love the classic yellow cake mix for this recipe, you can definitely experiment with other flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or even spice cake. Just keep in mind that each mix will bring its own twist to the flavor profile, which can be fun to explore!
How should I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Just remember, the longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! This cinnamon roll poke cake is a great make-ahead dessert. You can bake it a day in advance and frost it just before serving. It actually tastes even better after sitting for a while, so it’s a perfect option for parties or gatherings!
What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?
If cream cheese frosting isn’t your thing, no worries! You can swap it out for regular vanilla frosting or even a homemade buttercream. Just keep it sweet and creamy to complement that cinnamon goodness!
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can! If you want to make it ahead of time for a special occasion, freeze the unfrosted cake. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil. When you’re ready to serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, frost it, and you’re good to go!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this delicious cinnamon roll poke cake, let’s talk about how to serve it up for maximum enjoyment! Trust me, the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience to a whole new level!
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream: The creamy, cold ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm cake and adds a delightful contrast in textures. You can even drizzle some caramel sauce over the top for an extra indulgent treat!
- Fresh coffee or a latte: There’s just something about a warm slice of cake and a hot cup of coffee that makes for the ultimate cozy combination. The rich flavors of the coffee complement the sweetness of the cake beautifully!
- Whipped cream: If you want to keep things simple, a dollop of whipped cream on top adds a light and airy touch that balances out the cake’s richness. Plus, it looks super pretty!
- Fruit salad: For a refreshing contrast, serve a side of fresh fruit salad. The natural sweetness and acidity of fruits like berries, oranges, or apples brighten up each bite of cake!
- Maple syrup drizzle: If you really want to lean into that cinnamon roll vibe, drizzle some warm maple syrup over the cake before serving. It adds an extra layer of sweetness and pairs so well with the flavors of the cake!
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your mood and occasion. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, these pairings will surely impress your guests and make this dessert even more memorable!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to keep your cinnamon roll poke cake fresh and delicious! If you find yourself with any leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a bit of a miracle), you’ll want to store them properly to retain all that gooey goodness. First, make sure the cake is fully cooled before you cover it. Then, simply wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or you can transfer it to an airtight container. This will help keep it moist and prevent it from drying out in the fridge. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Now, when it comes time to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is key! For the best results, I recommend using the microwave. Just pop a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel (this helps it steam a bit), and heat it in 15-20 second intervals until it’s warmed through. This way, you’ll bring back that soft, warm texture without drying it out. If you prefer, you can also reheat it in the oven; just place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. It’ll taste almost as good as the day you made it! So, don’t worry about those leftovers; they’re still going to be a treat!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out this cinnamon rolls recipe or this creamy chicken tortilla soup for a comforting meal!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake: 7 Layers of Deliciousness
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious cinnamon roll poke cake that combines the flavors of cinnamon rolls and cake in one easy dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 can cinnamon roll dough
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the cake mix, eggs, water, and oil in a bowl until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the cinnamon rolls according to package instructions.
- Once the cake is done, poke holes in it using the end of a wooden spoon.
- Pour the cinnamon roll filling into the holes.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Mix powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then drizzle over the frosting.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Top with whipped cream for extra flavor.
- Try adding nuts or raisins for variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll poke cake, dessert, easy cake, cinnamon dessert
