If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls and cake, you’re in for a treat! This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is the perfect blend of both worlds. It’s soft, sweet, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, it’s super easy to make! Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this scrumptious dessert.
What is a Poke Cake?
A poke cake is a fun and simple dessert where you bake a cake, poke holes in it, and then pour a delicious liquid over the top. This allows the flavors to soak in, making every bite extra tasty. Think of it as a cake that’s been given a flavor boost!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a baking pro to whip this up.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, potluck, or just a cozy night in, this cake fits right in.
- Deliciously Decadent: The combination of cinnamon and cake is a match made in heaven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start baking:
For the Cake:
- 1 box of vanilla cake mix (make sure it’s halal)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup of water
- 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup of melted butter (halal)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons of milk (or a non-dairy alternative)
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, your cake will bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Mix it all together until it’s nice and smooth. You can use a hand mixer or just a whisk—whatever you have on hand!
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. This will create a delicious cinnamon swirl that you’ll add to the cake.
Step 4: Combine the Two
Pour half of the cake batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Then, drizzle half of the cinnamon mixture over the batter. Use a knife to swirl it around a bit. Pour the rest of the cake batter on top, and then add the remaining cinnamon mixture. Swirl again for that beautiful marbled effect.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pop the cake into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 6: Poke the Cake
Once the cake is out of the oven and cooled for about 10 minutes, it’s time to poke! Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the cake. Don’t be shy—make them deep enough for the glaze to soak in.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Pour the Glaze
Now, pour the glaze all over the poked cake. Make sure it gets into those holes for maximum flavor! Let the cake sit for a bit so the glaze can soak in.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice up your cake and serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s great on its own, but you can also top it with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
- Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool a bit before poking it. This helps prevent the glaze from running off.
- Add Nuts: If you like a little crunch, consider adding chopped nuts to the cinnamon swirl.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to mix things up! You can add a splash of maple syrup to the glaze for a different twist.
FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While vanilla works great, you can try other flavors like spice cake or even chocolate for a fun twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge for up to a week.
