Description
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining a moist yellow cake base with swirls of cinnamon and brown sugar, then topped with a sweet vanilla glaze that seeps deliciously into poke holes. Perfect for fans of cinnamon rolls, this easy-to-make cake offers the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 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 the cake from sticking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, eggs, and vegetable oil. Beat until smooth and fully incorporated as directed on the cake mix package.
- Pour Batter: Pour the prepared cake batter evenly into the greased baking dish.
- Make Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar and ground cinnamon until blended evenly.
- Add Cinnamon Mixture: Spoon the cinnamon sugar mixture in dollops randomly over the surface of the cake batter.
- Swirl Cinnamon: Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the cake batter in a marbling motion to create a beautiful pattern.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes so it’s warm but firm enough for the next step.
- Poke the Cake: Use the end of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes evenly all over the cake going deep but not through the bottom.
- Make Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Apply Glaze: Pour the glaze evenly over the cake, letting it seep into the poke holes and cinnamon swirls for added moisture and flavor.
- Serve: Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving to allow the glaze to set perfectly.
Notes
- You can substitute yellow cake mix with vanilla cake mix if preferred.
- For a richer flavor, consider using melted butter instead of vegetable oil.
- Make sure not to poke holes too deep to avoid piercing through the pan.
- Allow the glaze to soak fully for at least 20 minutes before serving for best results.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
