Description
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a delightful twist on traditional yellow cake, featuring swirls of cinnamon and brown sugar throughout a moist cake base. After baking, the cake is poked to allow a sweet vanilla glaze to seep into every bite, creating a rich, cinnamon roll-inspired dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (or vanilla cake mix)
- 1 cup water
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the 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 Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, eggs, and vegetable oil. Beat the mixture until it is smooth and fully combined, following the instructions on the cake mix box.
- Pour Batter Into Dish: Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish ensuring a uniform layer.
- Make the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon until combined.
- Add Cinnamon Dollops: Spoon the cinnamon mixture over the top of the cake batter in random dollops, distributing unevenly for a marbled effect.
- Swirl Cinnamon Into Batter: Use a knife or skewer to gently drag the cinnamon sugar mixture into the cake batter in swirling motions to create a marbled swirl pattern.
- Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into 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 evenly all over the cake surface, going deep into the cake but not through the bottom.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Add the Glaze: Pour the glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and soak into the cinnamon swirls.
- Serve: Let the cake cool completely so the glaze sets, then slice and enjoy your delicious cinnamon roll-inspired poke cake!
Notes
- Use a sharp knife or skewer to create the swirls for a better marbled effect.
- For extra cinnamon flavor, sprinkle additional cinnamon on top before baking.
- Ensure the glaze is pourable but not too thin to adequately fill the holes.
- Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheat slices briefly in the microwave for a warm treat.
