Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a delicious mashup of two comforting favorites: the soft, tender crumb of classic cake and the sweet, spiced filling of a warm cinnamon roll. It’s a dessert that’s designed to impress but is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for potlucks, holidays, or just a cozy weekend treat. Using a vanilla cake base as the canvas, this poke cake is infused with a buttery cinnamon sugar filling that soaks into every bite, giving it the unmistakable taste of a gooey cinnamon roll.

The rich cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious layer of sweetness and tang, while an optional cinnamon sugar topping brings extra texture and flavor. This cake is made using a box mix for convenience, but it delivers all the warmth and flavor of homemade cinnamon rolls—without the rolling and rising. Every bite is moist, decadent, and full of cinnamon spice, making this dessert an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether served warm or chilled, this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is pure comfort in cake form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic flavor combo

It delivers the taste of cinnamon rolls in a moist, fluffy cake format.

Easy to make

Uses a box cake mix and a straightforward filling—no complicated steps.

Great for gatherings

Feeds a crowd and can be made in advance.

Rich and indulgent

With a sweet cinnamon filling and luscious cream cheese frosting.

Customizable

Can be topped with nuts, a glaze, or extra cinnamon sugar to suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the cake

• Vanilla cake mix
• Eggs
• Oil
• Water

For the filling

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Salted butter (melted)
• Brown sugar (packed)
• Ground cinnamon

For the frosting

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Butter (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy cream or milk

Optional topping

• Cinnamon sugar

Variations

Glazed topping

Drizzle with a vanilla glaze in addition to or instead of the cream cheese frosting.

Nutty crunch

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling or sprinkle on top.

Pumpkin spice

Substitute pumpkin pie spice for cinnamon for a fall-inspired version.

Chocolate swirl

Mix in mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

Maple flavor

Add maple extract to the frosting for a deeper, cozy flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to package instructions using the required eggs, oil, and water. Bake in a 9×13-inch pan until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 2

While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top, spaced about an inch apart.

Step 3

In a bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.

Step 4

Let the cake cool completely to room temperature to allow the filling to set.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream or milk, then mix until light and fluffy.

Step 6

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. If desired, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for extra flavor and texture.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Poke the holes while the cake is still warm for better absorption.
• Let the filling soak fully before adding the frosting.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smooth, creamy frosting.
• Chill the cake for easier slicing and a firmer texture.
• Sprinkle with extra cinnamon before serving for a visual and flavorful boost.

How to Serve

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is delicious both chilled and at room temperature. Serve in squares for a casual dessert or dress it up with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of glaze. It pairs well with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk, and makes a fantastic addition to brunch buffets or holiday tables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Freeze frosted or unfrosted cake (in individual slices or whole) tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Serve cold or bring to room temperature. If preferred warm, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds before eating.

FAQs

1. What is a poke cake?

A poke cake is a baked cake that’s poked with holes and filled with a liquid or filling to soak into the cake for added flavor and moisture.

2. Can I make this with homemade cake batter?

Yes, a homemade vanilla or yellow cake recipe can be used in place of a box mix.

3. Do I have to use cream cheese frosting?

No, you can substitute with a simple glaze or use store-bought frosting if preferred.

4. How far in advance can I make this cake?

It can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

5. How do I keep the cake from getting soggy?

Let the cake cool before frosting and don’t over-pour the filling—use just enough to soak into the holes.

6. Can I serve it warm?

Yes, serve slightly warm for an extra gooey texture—just be careful when frosting.

7. Is the cake overly sweet?

It’s rich and sweet, but balanced by the tangy cream cheese frosting.

8. Can I use a different flavor cake mix?

Yes, spice cake or butter cake mixes also pair well with the cinnamon filling.

9. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix and check all other ingredients for gluten content.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply bake in two pans or a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is the perfect dessert for cinnamon lovers and cake enthusiasts alike. It brings together the soft, moist crumb of cake with the gooey, spiced filling of a cinnamon roll, topped with rich cream cheese frosting. Whether for a casual family dinner, a holiday celebration, or a make-ahead treat for the week, this cake is guaranteed to please. Simple to make yet indulgent in flavor, it’s one recipe you’ll find yourself turning to again and again.

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