Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of cinnamon wafting through the house, conjuring memories of lazy Sunday mornings and brunch gatherings. Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake becomes an instant family favorite, achieving that beloved sweet, spiced satisfaction with a twist. Imagine cutting into a cake that’s rich, moist, and bursting with gooey goodness—thanks to layers of sweetened condensed milk and a fluffy whipped topping. It’s pretty hard to resist this delicious treat, and what’s even better? It’s simple enough to pull together, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros wanting a quick yet satisfying dessert.

Recipe Timing

• Prep Duration: 15 minutes
• Active Cooking: 35 minutes
• Total Duration: 50 minutes
• Portion Size: Serves 12
• Complexity: Simple

Nutritional Recipe

• Calories per portion: Approximately 290 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbs: 42 g
• Fats: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugars: 25 g
• Sodium: 360 mg

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

This cake is a delightful mashup of two beloved desserts: the classic cinnamon roll and a delicious poke cake. What makes it so special? It’s not just the comforting flavor of cinnamon and sugary richness; it’s the way it captures the essence of a warm cinnamon roll in cake form, perfectly soaked in creamy sweetened condensed milk. The whipped topping adds an airy lightness, creating a layered experience with every forkful. It’s a delightful dessert for gatherings—the kind that not only tastes amazing but also looks impressive on a dessert table.

The Complete Cooking Journey

This cake is likely to become your go-to for every occasion. Whether you want to indulge in a sweet treat on a rainy afternoon or impress guests at a potluck, this cake delivers. Easy to assemble and absolutely satisfying, it invites participation from little helpers too, making kitchen memories that will last a lifetime.

Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup whipped cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Frosting (optional)

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure your cake comes out perfectly!

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Prepare the yellow cake mix according to package instructions using water and eggs. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out.

Step 3: Create the Cinnamon Layer

In a small bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon and brown sugar, then sprinkle this sweet mixture evenly over the cake batter, infusing it with that irresistible cinnamon flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’re looking for that golden-brown topping that signal a delicious cake!

Step 5: Poke the Cake

Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let your creativity flow by poking holes all over the top with a fork. This step is crucial for soaking up all that delicious sweetened condensed milk!

Step 6: Drizzle the Goodness

Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk generously over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes, creating a moist and decadent texture.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Let the cake cool completely. Patience is key here; cooling allows all those incredible flavors to meld perfectly.

Step 8: Whip Up the Topping

In a separate bowl, beat together the whipped cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This adds fluffiness to each slice.

Step 9: Spread the Magic

Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cooled cake, making it look as luscious as it tastes.

Step 10: Final Touch (Optional)

For an extra sweet finish, you can optionally drizzle some frosting over the top before serving.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is fantastic when paired with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. Serve it at brunch alongside fresh fruit, or bring it to a gathering where it will steal the spotlight amongst a spread of treats.

Storage & Leftovers Guide

To keep your poke cake fresh, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days, but good luck keeping it around that long!

Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips

• Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a layer of streusel before baking.
• Make sure that the cake is completely cooled before adding the whipped topping to prevent it from melting.
• If you want an even richer flavor, try using spiced cake mix instead of yellow.

Flavor Variations & Adaptations

For a deeper flavor profile, you can swap out the yellow cake mix for a chocolate cake mix for a Chocolate Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake. You can also use cream cheese frosting instead of whipped topping for a richer texture.

Reader Questions & Solutions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of cake mix?
   Yes, but be prepared for a denser texture. You might need to adjust the liquid levels or add a bit more sugar.

2. Is it okay to make this ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Just be sure to wait to add the whipped topping until the day you plan to serve it.

3. Can I use evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?
   Evaporated milk is not sweetened and will not provide the same flavor profile, but you can add sugar to it to create a similar effect.

4. What if I don’t have ground cinnamon?
   You can use cinnamon sticks and grind them if you have a spice grinder, or try a cinnamon blend if you’re in a pinch.

5. How do I prevent my cake from sticking?
   Be sure to grease your pan well. You can also dust the greased pan with a little flour for added assurance.

Wrapping Up

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is not just a dessert—it’s a heartfelt way to bring joy to gatherings, instilling warmth and nostalgia with every bite. Whether you are reminiscing over your kitchen memories or creating new ones, this recipe is bound to become a beloved staple in your home. Get ready for compliments and happy taste buds; this cake will not disappoint! So grab your ingredients and let the love for baking shine through—your family will thank you for this delightful treat!

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