If you love gooey cinnamon rolls and crave easy, crowd-pleasing desserts, this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is about to steal your heart. Imagine a soft, cinnamon-swirled cake soaked in caramel and sweetened condensed milk, then blanketed in a silky vanilla glaze. It’s the perfect blend of classic cinnamon roll flavors and no-fuss cake convenience, making it ideal for holidays, parties, or just an indulgent treat at home. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe will have everyone swooning at first bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake lies in its simple pantry ingredients—each one plays a unique role in creating an unmistakable flavor and texture. Prepare to fall in love with how these classic components come together!
- White cake mix: The fuss-free base that keeps things ultra-moist and fluffy, ready to soak up all the flavors.
- Eggs, oil, and water: Essentials for preparing the cake mix (check your box for specific amounts) and delivering a just-right crumb.
- Ground cinnamon: The signature spice that infuses the whole cake with cozy, bakery-level aroma and warmth.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a caramelized depth and classic cinnamon roll flavor in every bite.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Rich and decadent, it helps carry the cinnamon and sugar deep into the cake.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Pours into the poke holes, making the cake extra moist and deliciously sweet.
- Caramel sauce: A sinful drizzle that amplifies the gooey, buttery swirls inside each slice.
- Powdered sugar: Forms the base of that luscious glaze everyone swoons over.
- Milk: Thins the glaze to a pourable, dreamy consistency.
- Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the icing with a creamy, aromatic finish.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Mix the cake batter as directed on your box, then stir in the ground cinnamon for that instant cinnamon roll twist. Pour the batter into your prepared pan—it’s already looking scrumptious before it even bakes!
Step 2: Bake Until Golden
Slide your cinnamon-scented batter into the oven and bake according to the package instructions, typically 25–30 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and your kitchen is filled with the dreamy scent of cinnamon rolls in the oven.
Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Swirl
While your cake is baking, quickly stir the light brown sugar and melted butter together in a bowl. This mixture is pure magic—the secret to those rich, gooey pockets that make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake unforgettable.
Step 4: Poke and Soak
While the cake is still warm from the oven, grab the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes across the entire surface. Pour the brown sugar-butter mixture over, letting it seep into those pockets. Then follow with the sweetened condensed milk and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce, watching as it all soaks into the soft cake. Let everything cool completely to lock in the flavors.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Once the cake has cooled, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla into a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle it right over the cake in thick, enticing swirls. If you adore a bigger burst of cinnamon, go ahead and dust a little more on top just before serving!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Garnishes
For that extra wow factor, shower the glazed surface with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few caramel drizzle zigzags. Toasted pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch and hint of sophistication, while a swirl of whipped cream gives each slice a bakery-inspired flourish.
Side Dishes
This cake is rich, so a cup of fresh fruit—think sliced strawberries or oranges—makes the perfect contrast on the plate. For extra coziness, serve alongside vanilla ice cream, or even a steaming mug of coffee for the ultimate cinnamon roll–meets–coffeehouse vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake into generous squares and stack them on a pretty platter for a party buffet. Try individual portions in cupcake liners for grab-and-go snacking, or serve warm with a shot of espresso poured over (affogato style) for a fun dessert twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake stays ultra-moist for up to four days when tightly covered and refrigerated. The flavors mingle and intensify overnight, so sneaking a midnight slice the next day is highly encouraged!
Freezing
If you want to save cake for later, slice it into serving pieces and wrap well in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture; just wait to add the glaze until after defrosting for the freshest results.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked warmth, zap individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. If reheating a larger portion, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. The glaze will melt a little, recreating that fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon roll effect!
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While white cake is classic, yellow or butter cake mix works beautifully and adds extra richness. You could even try spice cake for double the warm cozy vibes.
How far ahead can I make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake?
This cake is fantastic when made a day in advance—the flavors actually develop and intensify. Just be sure to cover and chill until you’re ready to serve, then add your flashiest garnishes before bringing it to the table.
Do I have to poke holes while the cake is hot?
For the most luscious soaked texture, poke the holes right when the cake comes out of the oven. The warmth helps the fillings seep deeply, creating those signature gooey layers!
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
With a few substitutions—like dairy-free butter, plant-based sweetened condensed milk, and non-dairy milk—you can absolutely adapt this recipe. Just be sure to check that your cake mix is dairy-free as well.
Will the Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake be too sweet?
It’s dessert, so it’s definitely sweet—but balanced by spice and buttery goodness. If you want to dial it back a bit, use a little less caramel sauce or glaze, or serve with unsweetened whipped cream for a mellow finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake, this is your chance to create a show-stopping treat with hardly any fuss. Every layer is pure comfort, perfect for sharing and sure to earn you rave reviews. Gather your ingredients and dive in—your taste buds are in for an unforgettable adventure!
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Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of a cinnamon roll in cake form with this delicious Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake. Moist white cake infused with cinnamon, drenched in sweetened condensed milk and caramel, then topped with a vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Topping:
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the cake: Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions, then stir in the ground cinnamon. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Prepare the topping: Mix brown sugar with melted butter. After baking, poke holes in the cake and pour the sugar-butter mixture over. Add sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce.
- Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Notes
- For extra cinnamon flavor, sprinkle additional cinnamon over the glaze before serving.
- This cake is rich and moist, so small pieces go a long way. It can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 48 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 64 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
