Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a simple yet indulgent dessert that brings together the warm, comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in an easy to prepare cake form. Starting with a boxed vanilla cake mix, this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a bakery worthy treat. A rich cinnamon brown sugar filling seeps into every bite, while a creamy homemade frosting adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you are baking for a holiday, potluck, or family dinner, this dessert delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort and maximum crowd appeal.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is perfect for busy bakers who still want homemade flavor. Using a boxed cake mix saves time without sacrificing texture. The poke cake technique allows the sweetened condensed milk and cinnamon mixture to soak into the cake, creating a moist and gooey consistency that tastes just like the center of a cinnamon roll.
It is also ideal for gatherings. Baked in a 9 by 13 inch dish, it serves nine generous portions, making it great for sharing. The combination of buttery cinnamon filling and tangy cream cheese frosting creates a balanced sweetness that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
For the cake
-
1 box vanilla cake mix
-
Ingredients required on the box such as eggs, oil, and water
For the filling
-
14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
-
4 tablespoons melted salted butter
-
1 half cup packed brown sugar
-
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the frosting
-
4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
-
1 third cup butter, softened to room temperature
-
2 cups powdered sugar
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk
-
Cinnamon sugar for topping, optional
Step by Step How to Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the package instructions using the listed eggs, oil, and water. Mix until smooth, then pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for approximately 38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Take the cake out of the oven and let it cool completely before moving on to the next step.
Once fully cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes across the cake at one inch intervals. Make sure the holes are deep enough for the filling to seep into the cake.
In a small bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to fill the holes. Use the back of a spoon or a butter knife to gently spread the filling across the surface.
To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl until creamy. Slowly mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until the frosting becomes smooth and fluffy.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cake. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top if desired.
Refrigerate the cake for about one hour to allow the filling to set before slicing and serving.
Helpful Tips
Make sure the cake is completely cool before poking holes. This prevents tearing and ensures the filling distributes evenly.
Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for a lump free frosting.
For extra cinnamon flavor, add a pinch more cinnamon to the filling or sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar on top.
Chill the cake fully before serving for the best texture and clean slices.
Substitutions And Variations
You can substitute white or yellow cake mix for vanilla if needed. For a deeper spice flavor, try using a spice cake mix.
Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the filling for a warm maple cinnamon twist.
Top with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
If you prefer a lighter topping, use whipped topping instead of cream cheese frosting.
A drizzle of caramel sauce over the frosting creates a decadent caramel cinnamon version.
Storage Instructions
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Because of the cream cheese frosting and sweetened condensed milk filling, refrigeration is recommended.
To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly and place them in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 594 calories. The calorie count comes mainly from the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and frosting ingredients. This dessert is rich and indulgent, making it perfect for special occasions or as an occasional treat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake chilled or slightly softened at room temperature.
Pair it with hot coffee, espresso, or spiced tea for a cozy dessert experience.
It also makes a wonderful addition to brunch tables, holiday spreads, and birthday celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake actually tastes even better the next day because the filling has more time to soak into the cake.
Can I use homemade cake instead of boxed mix?
Absolutely. A homemade vanilla cake recipe works perfectly in place of the boxed mix.
Why is my filling not soaking in
Make sure the holes are deep enough and evenly spaced. Pour the filling slowly so it has time to absorb.
Do I have to refrigerate the cake?
Yes, due to the cream cheese frosting and sweetened condensed milk, refrigeration keeps it fresh and safe to eat.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
You can slightly reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting, but keep in mind the dessert is designed to be rich and sweet like a cinnamon roll.
Final Thoughts
Thank you so much for taking the time to try this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake. It is one of those desserts that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to prepare. The warm cinnamon flavor combined with creamy frosting creates pure comfort in every bite. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. Enjoy every slice, share it with loved ones, and happy baking.
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Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes plus 1 hour chilling time
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is an easy dessert made with vanilla cake mix, a rich brown sugar cinnamon filling, and smooth cream cheese frosting. This soft and moist cake delivers classic cinnamon roll flavor in every bite and is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the cake
1 box vanilla cake mix
Eggs, oil, and water as listed on the cake mix box
For the filling
14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
4 tablespoons melted salted butter
1 half cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the frosting
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 third cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk
Cinnamon sugar for topping, optional
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the package instructions using the listed eggs, oil, and water. Mix until smooth, then pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for approximately 38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Take the cake out of the oven and let it cool completely before moving on to the next step.
- Once fully cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes across the cake at one inch intervals. Make sure the holes are deep enough for the filling to seep into the cake.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to fill the holes. Use the back of a spoon or a butter knife to gently spread the filling across the surface.
- To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl until creamy. Slowly mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until the frosting becomes smooth and fluffy.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cake. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top if desired.
- Refrigerate the cake for about one hour to allow the filling to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
Make sure the cake is fully cooled before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.
Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for a smooth frosting.
For extra cinnamon flavor, add an additional half teaspoon of cinnamon to the filling.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American