Craving the cozy flavors of a cinnamon roll but craving a cake too? Look no further than the irresistible Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake. This delightful treat combines the best of both worlds, offering the comforting taste of a cinnamon roll in a moist, decadent cake form. The star of this recipe is the ooey gooey cinnamon brown sugar filling that takes this dessert to the next level.
Using a simple white cake mix as the base, this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a breeze to whip up, making it a perfect option for a quick and delicious dessert fix. With a preparation time of under an hour, including the luscious cream cheese frosting, this recipe is a must-try for any cinnamon roll enthusiast looking for a delightful twist. Indulge in this heavenly creation that will have your taste buds singing with every bite.
Ingredients
Creating a Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake requires a few key ingredients to achieve that perfect blend of cinnamon, sweetness, and creaminess. Let’s break it down into what you need for the cake, the filling, and the frosting.
For the Cake
- 1 box white cake mix
- 8 tablespoons butter, melted
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 8 oz whipped topping
For the Filling
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 Tablespoons melted salted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 block (4 ounces) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/3 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Tablespoon heavy cream or milk
Equipment Needed
For creating this delectable Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake, you will need the following equipment to make the process smooth and enjoyable:
Baking Equipment:
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan: To bake the cake mix and achieve the perfect size for your poke cake.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining and mixing the cake ingredients as well as the cinnamon filling.
- Whisk: To blend the cake mix, cinnamon, and other ingredients thoroughly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of the ingredients.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl: To melt the butter and prepare the cinnamon filling.
- Spatula: For spreading the cake mix and smoothing the top.
- Toothpick or Skewer: To poke holes in the cake for the cinnamon filling to seep in.
- Refrigerator: For chilling the poke cake before serving and setting the cream cheese frosting.
Having these essential baking and refrigeration tools on hand will ensure that you can effortlessly assemble this delightful Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake.
Preparation Steps
Prepping the Ingredients
To begin making this delicious cinnamon roll poke cake, gather all the necessary ingredients as listed in the recipe instructions. Be sure to have the white cake mix, ground cinnamon, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and any other specified items ready before you start baking.
Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the cake. While the oven is preheating, you can continue with the next steps in preparing the cinnamon roll poke cake.
Baking the Cake
To bake the Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake, follow these steps:
Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray.
- Prepare the white cake mix as directed on the box, following your preference for using whole eggs or egg whites.
- Keep an eye on the cake in the oven, as it may bake faster than the time suggested on the box.
- Allow the cake to cool until it is just slightly warm to the touch.
Step 2: Creating Holes in the Cake
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon or spatula, start poking holes in the cake.
- Space the holes approximately ½ inch apart from each other.
Step 3: Infusing the Cake
- In a heatproof bowl, combine 8 tablespoons of softened butter, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Heat the mixture until the butter is melted and the ingredients are well combined.
- Pour the warm mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes for added flavor.
- Refrigerate the cake to chill and set the filling.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of half and half until smooth.
- Spread the creamy frosting over the chilled cake evenly.
- Refrigerate the cake again to set the frosting before serving.
By following these steps, you’ll create a mouthwatering Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake that perfectly blends the sweet cinnamon flavors with a moist and decadent cake texture.
Creating the Filling
To create the delectable filling for your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake, you’ll need to combine the perfect blend of cinnamon, brown sugar, and graham cracker crumbs with the cake mix. Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp of brown sugar, 1½ tbsp of ground cinnamon, and 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs (about 45 large graham crackers). Ensure the ingredients are well combined to create a flavorful cinnamon-infused crumb topping.
- Swirl the Filling into the Cake Batter:
- Sprinkle the graham cracker mixture evenly over the prepared cake mix in the 9×13 pan. Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar crumbs into the cake batter. Drag the knife back and forth in both directions a few times to create a beautiful marbled effect.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Follow the package directions for baking the cake in a 9×13 pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating that the cake is fully cooked with a moist and flavorful cinnamon filling.
By following these steps, you’ll infuse your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake with a delightful cinnamon swirl that adds a burst of flavor to every bite.
Assembling the Poke Cake
Creating the perfect Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake involves a few simple steps to layer the flavors and textures for a delicious dessert experience.
Adding the Filling
- Once the cake is baked, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface of the cake.
- Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes created by the spoon handle.
- Let the cake sit for a few minutes to allow the milk to fully penetrate the cake.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 ½ tablespoons of ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Sprinkle the graham cracker mixture over the cake, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- Gently press the mixture into the holes in the cake to enhance the cinnamon flavor throughout.
- Refrigerate the cake to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set before applying the frosting.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 8 oz of softened cream cheese, ½ cup of softened butter, 3 cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk.
- Beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the chilled cake, covering the graham cracker layer.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional cinnamon on top of the frosting to enhance the flavors.
- Refrigerate the cake again for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set before serving.
- Slice and enjoy the decadent Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake, savoring the blend of sweet cinnamon, creamy frosting, and moist cake with every bite.
By following these steps, you’ll assemble a Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake that’s sure to impress your taste buds and satisfy your cravings for a delectable dessert treat.
Serving Suggestions
When serving your delightful Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake, there are a few creative ways to enhance the experience for yourself and your guests. Here are some serving suggestions to make your dessert even more enjoyable:
1. Warm Cinnamon Drizzle:
For an extra indulgent touch, consider drizzling some warm cinnamon sauce over each slice of the cake. To create the drizzle, combine a bit of melted butter, brown sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture until the sugar dissolves, then generously pour it over the cake just before serving.
2. Ice Cream Pairing:
Pairing your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate the dessert to a whole new level. The contrast of the warm, cinnamon-infused cake with the cold, creamy ice cream creates a delightful combination of flavors and textures that is sure to impress.
3. Fresh Fruit Garnish:
To add a burst of freshness to your dessert, consider garnishing each slice of cake with a few fresh berries or a fruit compote. The light acidity of fruits like raspberries or strawberries can balance out the sweet richness of the cake, creating a well-rounded and visually appealing plate.
4. Coffee or Tea:
Serve your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake alongside a piping hot cup of coffee or a fragrant herbal tea. The warmth and comforting aromas of the beverages will complement the cozy flavors of the cake, making it a perfect pairing for a relaxing afternoon treat.
5. Dusting of Powdered Sugar:
For a simple yet elegant presentation, finish off your cake slices with a light dusting of powdered sugar. The powdery sweetness adds a touch of sophistication and a hint of extra sweetness to each serving, making them look even more appetizing.
These serving suggestions are designed to elevate your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake experience and create a memorable dessert moment for you and your guests. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite way to enjoy this delectable treat.
Storage Tips
In the Fridge:
- Store the cake in the fridge due to the cream cheese frosting.
- Slice the cake into portions and place them in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and texture.
- If you want to freeze the cake, do so before adding the frosting.
- Place the unfrosted cake in a freezer bag or container.
- The cake can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
- Ensure thorough defrosting before adding the cream cheese frosting to serve.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake recipes offer a delectable fusion of cinnamon roll flavors in a moist cake form. With a white cake base, cinnamon brown sugar filling, and creamy frosting, this dessert is a sure crowd-pleaser. By infusing the cake with a buttery cinnamon mixture and topping it with cream cheese frosting, each bite is a symphony of flavors. Creative serving ideas like warm cinnamon drizzle or pairing with ice cream enhance the experience. Remember to store leftovers properly in the fridge or freezer for future indulgence. Elevate your baking game with this irresistible treat that will leave everyone craving more.