Description
This easy Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake combines the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll with the convenience of a moist, tender yellow cake. Swirled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze that soaks into delicate holes poked throughout the cake, this dessert is perfect for a cozy treat or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (or vanilla cake mix)
- 1 cup water
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, eggs, and vegetable oil. Beat the mixture until smooth and fully blended according to the cake mix instructions.
- Pour Batter: Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out smoothly.
- Make the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Add Cinnamon Dollops: Spoon the cinnamon sugar mixture over the surface of the cake batter in random spots.
- Swirl Cinnamon: Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the cake batter by dragging swirling patterns throughout the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes.
- Poke the Cake: Using the end of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the cake, ensuring the holes go deeply into the cake without piercing the bottom.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Pour Glaze: Pour the glaze evenly over the cake surface, allowing it to seep into the holes and soak into the cinnamon swirls beneath.
- Serve: Let the cake cool completely to set the glaze. Slice into pieces and enjoy this delightful cinnamon roll inspired poke cake.
Notes
- You can substitute a vanilla cake mix if yellow cake mix is not available.
- For a richer flavor, try using melted butter instead of vegetable oil if desired.
- Ensure you spread the cinnamon sugar mixture unevenly before swirling to get the best marbled effect.
- Do not overbake to keep the cake moist and tender.
- Poking the holes evenly allows the glaze to penetrate throughout the cake for maximum flavor.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving to allow the glaze to properly set and avoid a runny topping.
