Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a moist, tender yellow cake infused with the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon and rich cream cheese frosting. Using a poke technique, sweet cinnamon syrup seeps into the cake, creating moist pockets of gooey goodness, making it the perfect comforting dessert for family gatherings or any occasion.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free cake mix)
Cake Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients called for on package, typically eggs, oil, and water)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Cinnamon Syrup
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup boiling water
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Mix the yellow cake mix according to package instructions, adding 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon to the dry mix for extra cinnamon flavor. Pour the batter evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake as directed on the package until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Poke the Cake: Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake about 1 inch apart. This allows the syrup to soak in deeply, adding moistness and flavor.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Syrup: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Pour in boiling water and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Pour this warm syrup evenly over the poked cake, letting it seep into all the holes.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Chill: When the cake has cooled slightly but is still warm, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Refrigerate the cake for at least one hour to allow the frosting to set and flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use warm cinnamon syrup to ensure it soaks deeply into the cake.
- Do not overmix the frosting to keep it light and fluffy.
- Frost the cake while it is warm but not hot to improve absorption.
- Choose fresh, high-quality cinnamon for best flavor.
- Use a serrated knife when cutting to avoid squashing the cake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll poke cake, cinnamon cake, cream cheese frosting, poke cake, dessert, moist cake, cinnamon syrup cake