Description
Looking for an irresistible dessert that captures the soul of a cinnamon roll without the effort? This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is your answer. Soft, buttery yellow cake is soaked in a gooey brown sugar cinnamon swirl and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for quick breakfasts, easy desserts, or cozy weekend brunches, this easy recipe is a dream for anyone who loves sweet food ideas that don’t require hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re after breakfast ideas or simple dinner dessert pairings, this moist, flavorful cake delivers big cinnamon roll energy with very little work.
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix
3 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the yellow cake mix as directed using the eggs, oil, and water. Pour into the baking dish.
3. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
4. While cake bakes, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
5. Remove cake from oven and immediately poke holes all over with the handle of a wooden spoon.
6. Slowly pour the cinnamon filling over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.
7. In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
8. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla and milk/cream to reach a drizzle consistency.
9. Spread or drizzle frosting over the slightly cooled cake.
10. Serve warm for gooey texture, or chill for a firmer slice.
Notes
Make sure the cake is still warm when you add the filling—it helps soak it in better.
Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother frosting.
For extra texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll cake, poke cake, easy dessert, breakfast cake, sweet brunch