Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake: The Ultimate Dessert for Sweet Lovers
If you love the flavor of cinnamon rolls but want something even easier to make, this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is the perfect solution. It combines the rich, buttery goodness of a classic cinnamon roll with the soft, moist texture of a poke cake. This decadent dessert recipe is incredibly simple, thanks to a vanilla cake mix as the base. With a luscious cinnamon-sugar filling and a creamy frosting, every bite melts in your mouth.
This easy dessert is perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual family dinners. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced cook, this homemade cinnamon cake will become one of your go-to recipes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making a Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake while also sharing essential baking tips, ingredient substitutions, and variations to try.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
This recipe is a must-try because it combines everything you love about cinnamon rolls with the simplicity of a cake. Here’s why it’s a winner:
- Super easy to make – Using a cake mix cuts down prep time while still delivering a homemade taste.
- Rich cinnamon flavor – The brown sugar and cinnamon filling give it that signature cinnamon roll taste.
- Creamy, indulgent frosting – Made with cream cheese and butter, the topping is smooth, sweet, and velvety.
- Perfectly moist texture – Thanks to sweetened condensed milk, every bite is soft and rich.
- Ideal for any occasion – Whether it’s a birthday, brunch, or holiday dessert, this cake is always a hit.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
To make this delicious cinnamon poke cake, you’ll need:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix – Plus the ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water).
- 1 cup brown sugar – Adds deep caramel-like sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon – The key ingredient for that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- 1/2 cup melted butter – Enhances richness and adds moisture.
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk – Soaks into the cake, making it ultra-moist and sweet.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – For the smooth, tangy frosting.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Helps create a creamy, spreadable texture for the topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
1. Prepare the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Prepare the vanilla cake batter according to the instructions on the box. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25-30 minutes.
2. Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
While the cake is baking, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Once combined, stir in the melted butter until you get a thick, syrup-like consistency. This mixture will create the rich, gooey cinnamon swirl effect.
3. Poke Holes in the Cake
Once the cake is baked and slightly cooled, use the end of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the surface. These holes will allow the sweetened condensed milk and cinnamon filling to soak into the cake, creating a moist, flavorful texture.
4. Add the Cinnamon Filling and Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the warm cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Next, drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, letting it soak in for an extra creamy texture.
5. Prepare the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until creamy. Spread this rich cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake, covering it completely.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Slice the cake into squares and enjoy the buttery, cinnamon-swirled goodness. For an extra special touch, sprinkle ground cinnamon on top or drizzle with caramel sauce.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the cake batter mix evenly, leading to a smoother texture.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cake to prevent it from drying out. It should be soft and springy to the touch.
- Poke deep holes: This ensures that the filling penetrates the cake for a moist, gooey texture.
- Chill before serving: Let the cake sit in the refrigerator for a few hours for the flavors to develop fully.
Variations of Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
If you want to experiment with flavors, here are some fun variations to try:
- Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Cake: Add 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice to the cinnamon mixture for a fall-inspired twist.
- Chocolate Cinnamon Cake: Swirl in melted chocolate chips with the cinnamon filling for a chocolate-cinnamon combo.
- Pecan Cinnamon Cake: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans on top for a crunchy texture.
- Maple Glazed Cinnamon Cake: Replace the frosting with a drizzle of maple glaze for a breakfast-inspired dessert.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
This cake is already indulgent, but you can elevate it even more with these serving ideas:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream – The cold, creamy texture complements the warm cinnamon flavor.
- Fresh berries – A mix of strawberries or raspberries balances the sweetness.
- Whipped cream – Light and airy, it adds an extra layer of decadence.
- Coffee or Chai tea – The warm spices in chai or the bold flavors of coffee pair beautifully with this cake.
Why Poke Cakes Are So Popular
Poke cakes have become a favorite among home bakers because they’re easy to make, incredibly moist, and can be customized with different flavors. Unlike traditional cakes, poke cakes absorb fillings like pudding, fruit puree, chocolate ganache, or flavored syrups, making them extra rich and flavorful.
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a perfect example of how a simple cake can be transformed into a bakery-style dessert with just a few additional ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours, as the flavors have time to meld. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use homemade cake batter instead of a mix?
Absolutely! If you prefer from-scratch baking, you can use a basic vanilla cake recipe instead of a box mix.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually and thaw when ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a simple yet indulgent dessert that brings together the best of cinnamon rolls and poke cakes. With its buttery cinnamon filling, ultra-moist texture, and creamy frosting, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Whether you make it for a holiday gathering, Sunday brunch, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this easy cake recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. Try it out, and let your family and friends enjoy the ultimate cinnamon roll-inspired dessert!