Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is every bit as dreamy as it sounds: a soft, cinnamon-kissed vanilla cake drenched in sweetened condensed milk spiked with brown sugar and cinnamon, then finished with a thick layer of tangy cream cheese frosting. Each bite tastes just like the gooey center of your favorite cinnamon roll, but it’s even easier to whip up for a crowd. Whether you’re celebrating the weekend or looking for a show-stopping dessert to share, this cake brings instant comfort and bakery-style flair to your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a few pantry staples and a handful of classic baking ingredients to pull together this irresistible cake. Each one plays a vital part, from the lush crumb of the baked base to the syrupy cinnamon filling and the silky cream cheese frosting on top.
- Cake Mix: Use a box of vanilla or white cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as listed) for a quick, reliable base with a soft crumb.
- Ground Cinnamon: Both in the cake and the filling, cinnamon infuses every forkful with cozy warmth.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Poured into the poked cake, it creates that signature gooey, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- Brown Sugar: Swirled into the milk, it deepens the caramel notes and enhances the “cinnamon roll” flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash in both the filling and frosting boosts the aroma and rounds out the sweetness.
- Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature, it’s the cornerstone of that lush, tangy frosting layer.
- Powdered Sugar: Blends seamlessly into the frosting for a smooth and sweet finish.
- Milk: Just enough to ensure your frosting is spreadable and creamy.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Mix
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, prepare your cake mix using the ingredients called for on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water), but don’t forget to stir in a generous tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Pour this fragrant batter into your prepared dish, then bake according to package directions — about 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the aroma of cinnamon fill your kitchen!
Step 2: Poke and Pour
As soon as the cake emerges warm from the oven, grab the handle of a wooden spoon and gently poke holes all over the surface. The secret here is plenty of holes without tearing the cake apart — think one every inch or so. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and the extra teaspoon of cinnamon. Slowly pour this luscious mixture all over the cake, letting it seep into every hole for maximum flavor and tenderness. Allow the cake to cool completely before moving on.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until perfectly smooth. Add powdered sugar, a touch of milk, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract, beating until your frosting is creamy and easily spreadable. Taste for balance — add a bit more milk for a silkier finish if needed. Once the cake is cool, spread this dreamy frosting evenly over the top. For extra pizzazz, swirl a bit of cinnamon sugar over the frosting before chilling if you’d like.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the pan and let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This helps the flavors meld and makes the slices cleaner and neater when you serve up. If you have a bit of patience, you’ll find that the flavors become even more magical by the next day! Serve cold or at room temperature and savor every cinnamon roll-inspired bite.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Garnishes
Give your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake a special touch by dusting the top with extra cinnamon, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Crumbled toasted pecans or even a handful of mini chocolate chips create wonderful texture and intrigue, so don’t be afraid to add your own signature finish.
Side Dishes
Because the cake is so rich and flavorful, it pairs beautifully with a simple cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk. For brunch, try it alongside a fruit salad or a handful of fresh berries — the freshness balances the sweetness and highlights those buttery, cinnamon-roll flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeding a crowd, slice the Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake into small squares and arrange on a platter for a dessert buffet. For a stunning dinner party, serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. You can even cut the cake into circles with a biscuit cutter for dainty, bakery-style treats perfect for a cozy afternoon tea!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, cover the Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid. Refrigerate leftovers, where they’ll keep fresh and delicious for up to five days — and you might find that the flavors just get better with time!
Freezing
Need to plan ahead? You can freeze the cake (preferably before frosting) by wrapping individual slices or the whole cake well in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. When it’s time to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then frost and garnish as usual for a freshly baked taste.
Reheating
If you prefer your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake slightly warm, microwave individual slices for 15 to 20 seconds to soften the cake and make the filling extra gooey. Just be mindful with the cream cheese frosting; a quick zap brings wonderful comfort without melting everything away.
FAQs
Can I make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake with homemade cake instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Swap the box mix for your favorite homemade vanilla or white cake recipe. Just be sure to bake it in a 9×13-inch pan and add cinnamon to the batter for that unmistakable flavor.
How far in advance can I make this cake?
The beauty of Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is how well it keeps. Prepare it up to a day in advance and refrigerate after frosting — the flavors meld and intensify, making it even more irresistible!
Can I use different flavors of cake mix?
Yes, feel free to experiment! Spice cake mix or even yellow cake can be lovely variations. Just remember, the cinnamon filling and cream cheese frosting tie it all together, so you can’t lose.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Definitely. Substitute your favorite gluten-free vanilla or white cake mix. Always check that your other ingredients are gluten-free as well, and you’re set for a delicious gluten-free treat.
What’s the best way to poke holes in the cake?
Using the round handle of a wooden spoon gives perfect-sized holes for the filling to soak in deeply. Space them about an inch apart across the whole surface for the most gooey result — that’s the poke cake magic!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dessert that brings the magic of a warm cinnamon roll in an easy, crowd-pleasing format, this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a must-try. It’s a recipe that transforms simple ingredients into something unforgettable, and friends and family will be asking for it again and again. Don’t wait for a special occasion — treat yourself and enjoy a slice today!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the heavenly combination of cinnamon rolls and cake with this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake recipe. A moist cinnamon-infused cake soaked in sweetened condensed milk and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box vanilla or white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box: usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Filling:
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the cake: Mix the cake according to package instructions, adding 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Poke holes: While warm, poke holes in the cake surface with a wooden spoon handle.
- Make filling: Mix condensed milk, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour over the cake and let it cool.
- Prepare frosting: Beat cream cheese, add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Spread over the cake.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- For extra cinnamon flavor, swirl in some cinnamon sugar before frosting.
- This cake tastes best the next day after flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
