Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

Imagine taking the most crave-worthy breakfast—cinnamon rolls—and transforming it into a shareable, indulgent dessert. That’s exactly what Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake does. With an ooey-gooey cinnamon filling, moist vanilla cake, and rich cream cheese frosting, this dessert delivers all the flavors you love from breakfast in one bite. The “poke” method allows the cinnamon filling to sink into every nook and cranny, ensuring every slice is layered with flavor and delight.

Perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, this cake combines the convenience of a boxed cake mix with homemade fillings and frosting to create a dessert that is both easy and irresistible. Whether you’re serving it to a crowd or enjoying it yourself, Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients and Their Role

Understanding each ingredient helps you achieve the perfect texture, flavor, and creaminess:

For the Cake:

1 box vanilla cake mix – Serves as the base of the cake. Using a box mix simplifies the process while providing a moist, tender crumb.
Ingredients called for on the box – Usually eggs, oil, and water/milk, these help bind the cake and create the proper texture.

For the Filling:

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk – Adds richness and sweetness, creating the ooey-gooey texture that sinks into the cake.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Provides a smooth, buttery flavor that enhances the cinnamon notes.
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed – Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps thicken the filling.
1 teaspoon cinnamon – Delivers the classic cinnamon roll flavor that makes this poke cake irresistible.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

For the Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese – Provides a rich, tangy creaminess that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon filling.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened – Creates a smooth, luscious frosting texture and adds buttery richness.
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting for easy spreading.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Enhances flavor and adds depth to the frosting.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and prevents the frosting from tasting flat.
1-2 tablespoons heavy cream – Adjusts consistency to make the frosting creamy and spreadable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfectly moist and flavorful Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake:

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Prepare the vanilla cake according to the instructions on the box. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake as directed. Allow the cake to cool slightly before adding the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, mix sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. The mixture should be thick but pourable.

Step 3: Poke the Cake

Once the cake is slightly cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes evenly across the entire surface. The holes allow the cinnamon filling to sink deep into the cake for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Pour the Filling

Slowly pour the cinnamon filling over the cake, making sure it seeps into all the poked holes. Use a spatula to gently spread it evenly across the surface. Allow the cake to absorb the filling for at least 10–15 minutes.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until creamy, adding heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.

Step 6: Frost the Cake

Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake using a spatula. You can frost thickly for extra indulgence or thinly for a lighter touch. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

Use a skewer or wooden spoon handle to poke evenly spaced holes for even filling distribution.
Allow the cake to cool slightly, but not completely, before poking to avoid breaking it.
Use full-fat cream cheese for rich and creamy frosting.
Optionally, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the frosting for extra flavor and a decorative touch.
For a more decadent dessert, add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the frosted cake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy dessert experience.
Cut into squares or rectangles for easy sharing at parties.
Top with extra cinnamon, nuts, or caramel drizzle for added texture and flavor.
Pair with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a homemade cake instead of box mix?

Absolutely! A homemade vanilla or white cake works perfectly if you prefer from-scratch baking.

Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the cake, poke, and add filling in advance. Frost just before serving for the best appearance and texture.

Can I make the frosting lighter?

Yes. Reduce the cream cheese or butter slightly, or add more heavy cream to make it fluffier and lighter.

How long will the cake stay fresh?

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

The Magic of Poke Cakes

Poke cakes are a brilliant way to infuse cake with flavor and moisture. By creating small holes in the baked cake, any filling—from pudding to sweetened condensed milk—can penetrate deep into the cake, enhancing texture and flavor in every bite. Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake takes this concept to the next level, turning a beloved breakfast pastry into a shareable dessert that’s rich, gooey, and utterly irresistible.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake brings together the best of breakfast and dessert. The combination of moist vanilla cake, ooey-gooey cinnamon filling, and creamy cream cheese frosting creates a dessert that is both comforting and decadent. Easy to prepare yet impressive in flavor, this poke cake is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday celebrations. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice (or two) of this irresistible cake and experience why it’s hard to resist!