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Cozy Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

cozy cinnamon roll poke cake - featured image
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A quick and easy cinnamon roll-inspired poke cake with gooey cinnamon sugar swirls and a vanilla glaze, perfect for cozy gatherings and comforting dessert cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 15.25 oz yellow cake mix (e.g., Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (can substitute melted butter)
  • 1 cup water
  • Cinnamon sugar filling:
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • Vanilla glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until smooth and lump-free, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
  4. Bake for 25-28 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  5. While the cake is still warm, poke holes about 1 inch apart and 2 inches deep all over the surface using a skewer or wooden spoon handle.
  6. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until combined and spreadable.
  7. Spoon the cinnamon sugar mixture into the holes, pressing gently to ensure it seeps into the cake.
  8. Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes to melt the cinnamon sugar filling.
  9. While the cake cools, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable, adjusting milk as needed.
  10. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
  11. Let the cake set for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Poke the cake while it is warm but not hot for best results. Use a pointed skewer for cleaner holes. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake soft. Melt butter for cinnamon filling until warm, not hot. Adding a pinch of salt to the glaze can balance sweetness. Variations include adding chopped apples, pecans, or using gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon roll, poke cake, easy dessert, cinnamon sugar, vanilla glaze, cozy dessert, quick cake

Find it online: https://nadinetable.com/cozy-cinnamon-roll-poke-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-gooey-swirl-dessert/