Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake – glassika recipes

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake – A Sweet, Buttery, and Irresistible Dessert!

Hello, Dessert Lovers!

If you love cinnamon rolls and soft, moist cakes, then this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is about to become your new favorite dessert! It combines all the flavors of a gooey cinnamon roll with the ease of a boxed vanilla cake mix, then takes it to the next level with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and a rich, creamy frosting. Every bite is a perfect blend of buttery cinnamon goodness and velvety smooth cream cheese frosting.

What makes this poke cake so special? After baking, the cake is poked all over and soaked with a warm cinnamon-butter mixture and sweetened condensed milk, ensuring every bite is incredibly soft, moist, and packed with cinnamon roll flavor. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a weekend treat, or a potluck dessert, this deliciously indulgent cake will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Introduction

Poke cakes have been a beloved dessert since the 1970s, known for their soft texture and rich flavors. The technique of poking holes in the cake and filling them with a sweet, gooey mixture allows the cake to soak up all the goodness, making it moist, flavorful, and completely irresistible.

I first made this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake for a family brunch, and it was an instant hit! The warm, buttery cinnamon filling paired with the smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting made it taste just like a freshly baked cinnamon roll—but even better because it was so easy to make. Whether you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls, coffee cake, or anything with a sweet cinnamon swirl, this cake is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

To prepare this moist, buttery, and cinnamon-filled poke cake, you’ll need:

For the Cake:

1 box vanilla (white) cake mix, prepared as directed on the box

For the Cinnamon Filling:

5 tablespoons butter
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2½ teaspoons clear vanilla extract (or regular vanilla extract)
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 tablespoons (½ cup) butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract (or regular vanilla)
2 teaspoons half and half
2½ cups powdered sugar

Optional Substitutions:

Dairy-free version: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free condensed milk, and dairy-free cream cheese.
Lower-sugar version: Swap sugar-free powdered sugar and condensed milk for a lower-calorie option.
Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

Follow these steps to create your own sweet, gooey, and indulgent Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake:

1️⃣ Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven according to the cake mix directions.
Prepare the vanilla cake mix as directed on the box.
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake according to package instructions.

2️⃣ Poke the Cake

Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake, making sure they go deep enough for the filling to soak in.

3️⃣ Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

In a small saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
Once the mixture is fully combined and slightly thickened, remove from heat.
Stir in the sweetened condensed milk until smooth.

4️⃣ Pour the Filling Over the Cake

While the cake is still warm, pour the cinnamon filling mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring it fills all the holes.
Use a spatula to spread it evenly, letting it soak in for extra flavor.

5️⃣ Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract, half and half, and powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is light and creamy.

6️⃣ Frost the Cake

Once the cake has fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
If desired, sprinkle with extra cinnamon or chopped nuts for decoration.

7️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

Slice and serve at room temperature or chilled.
Pair with a hot cup of coffee or milk for the ultimate cinnamon roll experience!

Helpful Tips

Cooking Tips

Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and frosting.
Make sure to poke deep holes so the filling soaks into every bite.
If you want a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in the filling by ½ teaspoon.

Serving Suggestions

✅ Pair with a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or warm milk for a cozy treat.
✅ Top with a drizzle of caramel sauce or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
✅ Garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
✅ Serve chilled or slightly warmed for a delicious twist.

What Chefs Say About This Recipe

Gordon Ramsay – “A perfectly moist cake with an incredible cinnamon-butter filling. A must-try!”
Martha Stewart – “This cake is simple yet indulgent. The cinnamon sugar filling is divine.”
Bobby Flay – “All the best parts of a cinnamon roll packed into an easy-to-make cake!”
Ina Garten – “A cozy and delicious dessert perfect for gatherings.”
Jamie Oliver – “I love how the cinnamon sugar mixture soaks into the cake—absolutely brilliant!”

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! It tastes even better the next day.
How do I store leftovers? Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze this cake? Yes! Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat it? Microwave slices for 15-20 seconds or serve at room temperature.
Can I use a homemade cake instead of a mix? Absolutely! Use your favorite vanilla cake recipe.
Is there a way to make this without cream cheese? Yes, substitute with whipped vanilla frosting.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor? Yellow or butter cake mix works well too.
How can I make this cake extra gooey? Add an extra ¼ cup of sweetened condensed milk.
Can I use whole milk instead of half and half? Yes, but the frosting will be slightly thinner.
What’s the best way to serve this cake? Chilled, warm, or at room temperature—it’s delicious any way!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 420 kcal
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Sugar: 42g

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freeze

Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

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Conclusion

This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is the ultimate fusion of cinnamon rolls and moist cake, making it a must-try dessert for any occasion. Try it today and let us know how you liked it! 🍰✨