Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake (Printable Version)
Moist cinnamon roll-inspired poke cake with cinnamon swirls, gooey filling and cream cheese frosting.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cake
01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla or white cake mix
02 - 3 large eggs
03 - 1 cup milk
04 - 1/3 cup vegetable oil
05 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
→ Cinnamon Filling
06 - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
07 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
08 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
09 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
10 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
11 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
12 - 2 tablespoons milk
13 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish thoroughly.
02 - In a large bowl, beat cake mix, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth, about 2 minutes. Spread batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
03 - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
04 - While cake bakes, combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir in melted butter to create a thick paste.
05 - Immediately after removing cake from oven, poke holes all over the surface, spaced about 1 inch apart, using the handle of a wooden spoon. Spoon or drizzle cinnamon filling over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Let cake cool completely.
06 - In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and beat until creamy and spreadable.
07 - Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake. Slice into portions and serve.
# Chef's Tips:
01 -
- The gooey cinnamon pockets make each slice a delightful surprise in every bite.
- It’s a perfect make-ahead treat that tastes just as decadent the next day, if not better.
02 -
- If you let the cake cool too long before adding the filling, it won’t soak in and you’ll miss out on the gooey goodness.
- Beating the cream cheese and butter enough is the secret to frosting that glides on without lumps.
03 -
- Sifting the powdered sugar for the frosting makes it much smoother and clump-free.
- For true cinnamon roll vibes, brush a tiny bit of melted butter on the cake just before frosting.