If you crave the warm, comforting flavors of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls but want something quicker and easier to share, this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe is an absolute dream come true. It combines the simplicity of a classic cake with the irresistible gooeyness of cinnamon-sugar filling soaked deep into tender vanilla layers, all topped off with luscious cream cheese frosting. Every bite feels like a sweet hug, making it a perfect centerpiece for family gatherings or lazy weekend treats. Trust me, once you try this, it will become one of your favorite go-to desserts for celebrations and everyday indulgences alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the cake’s fluffy structure, infusing that signature cinnamon sweetness, or creating the creamy finishing touch.
- Vanilla cake mix: The base of the cake, offering a light and tender crumb that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- Butter (divided): Adds richness and moisture both in the filling and frosting for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Light brown sugar: Brings a deep caramel sweetness that complements the cinnamon to perfection.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that lends warmth and aromatic charm to every bite.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the cake’s flavor complexity with a smooth, fragrant note.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Creates a luxuriously sticky, ultra-sweet filling that seeps into the cake’s holes.
- Cream cheese: For making the frosting luscious and tangy, balancing out the sweetness marvelously.
- Clear vanilla flavoring and half-and-half: Help keep the frosting creamy and perfectly smooth without overpowering flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting, giving it that classic velvety texture.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
First, prepare your vanilla cake mix exactly as instructed on the box. Bake it in a 9×13-inch pan until golden and springy to the touch. After it cools just enough to handle, grab the back of a large spoon and poke holes evenly all over the surface. These holes are essential because they let the delicious filling soak deeply into the cake, making every bite wonderfully moist and flavorful.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Next, it’s time to whip up the cinnamon-sugar filling that makes this cake unforgettable. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until everything melts into a smooth, fragrant syrup. Finally, pour in the sweetened condensed milk and stir to combine. This filling will be thick yet pourable, perfect for seeping into those holes you just made.
Step 3: Soak the Cake
Slowly pour the warm filling mixture evenly over your cake, letting it sink into the holes naturally. This step is where the magic happens — the cake absorbs the cinnamon-sweet syrup, softening its crumb and creating those luscious pockets of flavor. To get perfect absorption, wait about 15 minutes before moving on.
Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
While the cake soaks, it’s frosting time. Beat together softened butter and cream cheese until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. Add in your vanilla flavoring and half-and-half, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar. Keep beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and ready to spread like a dream over your cake.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Finally, spread your luscious cream cheese frosting over the cake’s surface, smoothing it out evenly. This creamy layer adds the perfect tangy contrast to the sweet, cinnamon-soaked cake underneath. Slice into generous squares and get ready to savor a dessert that tastes like a cozy morning treat in every bite.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance presentation and flavor by topping your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe with sprinkles of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Some chopped pecans or toasted walnuts add delightful crunch and nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the sweet, soft cake. Fresh berries like raspberries make a vibrant, tart contrast and brighten each serving.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. If you want a lighter pairing, a hot cup of spiced chai or freshly brewed coffee complements the cinnamon warmth perfectly. Even a side of fruit compote offers a lovely fresh counterbalance to the rich sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this poke cake in individual mason jars layered with extra frosting and cinnamon crunch topping. Or turn it into a trifle by alternating cake cubes with whipped cream and fruit. You can also cut it into bite-sized bars for easy sharing at parties or pack it in lunchboxes for a special treat that keeps the Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe’s charm alive anywhere.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The frosting and filling keep the cake moist, but chilling slows down the flavors melding, so it tastes just as delightful when enjoyed within a few days.
Freezing
If you want to save this cake for later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. You can freeze portions for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
To bring your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe back to life after chilling or freezing, warm slices briefly in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This softens the cake and enhances the gooey filling, making it taste freshly baked with minimal effort.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While vanilla cake mix works perfectly for the classic cinnamon roll flavor, you can try white or yellow cake mixes as well. Just avoid chocolate or overly dense cake mixes since they won’t soak up the filling as nicely.
Is there a way to make this cake from scratch?
Yes, you can replace the boxed cake mix with your favorite homemade vanilla cake recipe. Just make sure it’s moist and not too dense to allow the filling to absorb well through the poked holes.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
With some adjustments, yes. Substitute the butter and cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives and choose a dairy-free cake mix or homemade vegan cake recipe. The texture may differ slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.
How long should I let the filling soak into the cake?
About 15 minutes is ideal. This gives the cinnamon-sugar filling enough time to seep deep into the cake holes and soften the crumb for that signature gooey texture, but you can adjust slightly depending on your preference.
Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of clear vanilla flavoring?
Definitely! Regular vanilla extract works just fine and will provide that lovely vanilla warmth. The clear version is optional and mostly chosen when a pure white frosting color is desired.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe that turns simple ingredients into a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing dessert. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or a cozy weekend treat, this cake brings warm cinnamon comfort and creamy sweetness straight to your table with minimal fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it out and see just how easily this recipe becomes a beloved classic in your dessert rotation!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake combines the ease of a boxed vanilla cake mix with rich cinnamon-infused filling and creamy cream cheese frosting, resulting in a moist, flavorful dessert reminiscent of classic cinnamon rolls but in a simple poke cake form.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box vanilla (white) cake mix, prepared as directed on the box
For the Filling Mixture:
- 5 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
For the Frosting:
- 8 tablespoons (½ cup) butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 teaspoons clear vanilla flavoring
- 2 teaspoons half-and-half cream
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions. Once baked, let the cake cool slightly. Use the back of a spoon to poke holes evenly throughout the surface of the cake to allow the filling to seep in.
- Make the Filling: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and combined. Then add the sweetened condensed milk and stir continuously until fully combined into a luscious cinnamon filling.
- Soak the Cake: Pour the warm filling mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps thoroughly into the holes poked previously. Allow the cake to absorb the cinnamon filling for approximately 15 minutes to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla flavoring and half-and-half cream, then gradually blend in the powdered sugar while continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Assemble the Cake: Evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled, soaked cake. Slice into serving pieces and enjoy the cake immediately or refrigerate for later serving.
Notes
- Be sure to poke holes evenly and not too large to allow maximum absorption of the filling without breaking the cake apart.
- Using cream cheese frosting complements the cinnamon flavor perfectly, but you can substitute with any favorite frosting if preferred.
- This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature and keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extra cinnamon flavor, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon over the frosting before serving.
- If desired, toast some chopped pecans or walnuts and sprinkle on top for added texture and flavor.
