If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the warm, gooey magic of freshly baked cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-make cake, your wish has just come true! The Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe delivers all those classic flavors with a moist, tender vanilla cake base that’s infused with a luscious cinnamon-sweetened condensed milk drizzle and topped with rich cream cheese frosting. It’s like biting into a cinnamon roll that’s been transformed into a dreamy, sliceable dessert ideal for any occasion. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become your new go-to treat to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity, using pantry staples that come together beautifully. Every ingredient plays a crucial role from creating the soft cake layers to achieving that indulgent cinnamon swirl and silky frosting that makes each bite irresistible.
- Vanilla cake mix: The base of the cake, providing a light and fluffy texture.
- Eggs, oil, and water: As called for on the cake mix box, these help bind and moisten the cake.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds creamy sweetness that soaks perfectly into the cake pores.
- Melted salted butter: Enhances richness and balances sweetness in the drizzle.
- Brown sugar: Packed tightly, it brings a deep molasses flavor that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice delivering that iconic warmth and fragrance.
- Cream cheese (softened): For the frosting’s tangy and creamy smoothness.
- Butter (softened): Adds silkiness and structure to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Brings depth and rounds out the flavor.
- Heavy cream or milk: Adjusts frosting texture for easy spreading.
- Cinnamon sugar: Optional sprinkle for a final sparkly cinnamon crunch.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Start by preheating your oven according to the vanilla cake mix instructions. Prepare the cake batter using eggs, oil, and water as directed, then pour it into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—this usually takes around 25 to 30 minutes. The cake should be golden and springy to the touch.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
While the cake is still warm, grab the handle of a wooden spoon and gently poke holes evenly spaced all over the surface. This step is what transforms your cake into a moist masterpiece by allowing the cinnamon-infused drizzle to seep through and flavor every bite deeply.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Drizzle
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, melted salted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This luscious sauce is the heart of that cinnamon roll flavor infusion.
Step 4: Pour and Cool
Slowly pour the cinnamon drizzle over the cake, making sure it seeps nicely into all those poke holes. Let the cake cool completely; this resting period allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly before frosting.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream or milk until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency that’s silky and luscious.
Step 6: Frost and Garnish
Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the cooled cake. For that final cinnamon roll touch, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top to add sparkle and a little extra cinnamon crunch. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to achieve the best texture and ease of slicing.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of cinnamon sugar is a perfect finishing touch, but you can also add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a few chopped pecans for extra texture and flavor. Fresh berries can brighten the plate and add a fresh balance to the richness.
Side Dishes
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe pairs wonderfully with a light cup of coffee or a creamy latte. For brunch, serve it alongside fresh fruit or scrambled eggs to offer a sweet note among savory plates.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, cut the cake into bite-sized squares and place them on a decorative platter sprinkled with powdered sugar. You can also layer the poke cake in a trifle dish with whipped cream and sliced bananas or apples for a stunning twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted and covered, keep leftover Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake refrigerated. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to deepen, making every next slice just as delightful.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake before frosting by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost and garnish just before serving for best results.
Reheating
For a cozy, just-baked feel, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This brings out the gooey cinnamon drizzle and softens the frosting slightly without melting it completely.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade vanilla cake instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! A homemade vanilla cake will work just as well and might even add a personal touch to your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe. Just be sure it’s baked in a 9×13-inch pan and cooled properly before poking and drizzling.
Is it necessary to poke the holes while the cake is warm?
Yes, poking the cake while it’s still warm allows you to create deeper holes with less cake crumbling, helping the cinnamon drizzle absorb fully and infuse the cake with maximum flavor.
Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with something else?
You can use a simple powdered sugar glaze if you prefer something lighter, but cream cheese frosting complements the cinnamon flavor perfectly and adds the signature richness typical of cinnamon rolls.
What if I don’t have brown sugar? Can I use white sugar instead?
Brown sugar adds a lovely molasses flavor that’s key to this recipe, but if you must, white sugar can be used. The flavor will be slightly less rich but still delicious.
How long should I chill the cake before serving?
At least 30 minutes in the refrigerator helps the cake set and intensifies the flavors. If you have more time, chilling for a couple of hours or even overnight is even better.
Final Thoughts
Jumping into this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe is like inviting comfort and joy into your kitchen. With simple ingredients, minimal fuss, and all the taste of those beloved cinnamon rolls, it’s a dessert that truly satisfies any craving. So go ahead, make it your own, and watch as it becomes a cherished favorite for gatherings or any time you want to treat yourself to something special.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a decadent dessert that combines a moist vanilla cake with a sweet cinnamon and brown sugar filling, topped with creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Easy to make and perfect for gatherings, this poke cake mimics the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in a convenient, sliceable form.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- Ingredients called for on the box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
Filling
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 tablespoons melted salted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Frosting
- 1/2 block (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk
Topping
- Cinnamon sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare and bake the cake: Preheat your oven according to the cake mix package instructions. Prepare the vanilla cake batter by combining the cake mix with the required ingredients (usually eggs, oil, and water). Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about the time indicated on the box.
- Poke holes in the warm cake: When the cake is freshly out of the oven and still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly spaced all across the surface. These holes will allow the filling to seep directly into the cake for maximum flavor.
- Make the cinnamon filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, melted salted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until fully combined and smooth.
- Add the filling to the cake: Slowly pour the cinnamon mixture over the warm cake, making sure to evenly cover the surface and let the liquid seep deeply into the holes. This step saturates the cake with a rich cinnamon sweetness. Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting: Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream or milk until the frosting reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency.
- Frost the cooled cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake using a spatula.
- Add the finishing touch: Lightly sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the frosted cake to enhance the cinnamon flavor and create an appealing look.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set and the flavors to meld for the best texture and taste experience. Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Make sure to poke holes while the cake is still warm so the filling soaks in better.
- Use softened cream cheese and butter at room temperature for smooth frosting.
- Chilling the cake improves the flavor and texture of the frosting.
- You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk if desired.
- For extra cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in the filling or sprinkle more on top.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
