Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could capture everything you love about soft, gooey cinnamon rolls in a single, shareable dessert, Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is about to become your new obsession. This cake combines a fluffy vanilla base with warm spiced swirls, rich buttery filling, and a creamy, dreamy frosting—making every bite sinfully delicious. Imagine the aromas of cinnamon rolls mingling in your kitchen, but with a shortcut that makes this dessert weeknight-friendly. As someone who can’t resist a cinnamon roll at brunch, I promise this poke cake delivers all the comfort and nostalgia, with a spectacular bakery-style finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is refreshingly simple, yet every item plays an essential role in creating that cozy, cinnamon-swirled magic. Trust me, these pantry favorites come together to make each layer taste just like your favorite bakery treat.

• Vanilla (white) cake mix: The base for effortless fluffiness and a subtly sweet canvas that soaks up the spiced filling.
• Butter: Adds rich, classic cinnamon roll flavor to both the filling and the frosting—don’t skimp!
• Light brown sugar: Brings a caramel warmth and gorgeous, gooey texture to the cinnamon swirl.
• Ground cinnamon: The unmistakable star spice, delivering that nostalgic cinnamon roll aroma and taste.
• Clear vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and keeps your frosting perfectly white and bakery-beautiful.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Fills the cake with creamy, decadent moisture—every poke is worth it!
• Cream cheese: For tangy richness in the frosting, echoing that classic cinnamon roll glaze.
• Half and half: Adds velvety smoothness to your frosting, so it spreads like a dream.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting, so it’s light and luscious atop every slice.
• Eggs, oil, and water: (Follow box directions) Ensures your cake bakes up tender and ready to soak up all that cinnamon goodness.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously spraying a 9 x 13 baking dish with baking spray. This prevents sticking and makes serving effortless—a key to keeping every swirl intact. Set your cake mix ingredients out so everything’s at room temperature, which helps the cake bake up beautifully.

Step 2: Mix and Bake the Cake

Prepare your vanilla cake mix according to package instructions. Depending on the brand, you can use either whole eggs or just the whites—it’s entirely your call! Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake until just done; boxed mixes often finish a few minutes before the instructions suggest, so check early for a light golden top and a clean toothpick.

Step 3: Poke and Ready the Cake

Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool until it’s still slightly warm—just enough that it’s sturdy but not steamy. Using the rounded handle of a silicone spatula or wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake, about half an inch apart. These little wells will be where your cinnamon filling soaks in, so don’t be shy!

Step 4: Make the Gooey Cinnamon Filling

In a microwave-safe bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, clear vanilla, and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave the mixture on high for about a minute, then stir. Repeat for another minute, stirring well to melt any brown sugar clumps. The syrupy filling should be smooth, aromatic, and completely irresistible. Keep heating in 30-second bursts if needed—no grainy sugar allowed!

Step 5: Pour and Swirl the Filling

Slowly pour the warm cinnamon filling over your poked cake, letting it seep generously into every hole. Gently tap the pan to release any air bubbles and ensure the sauce fully penetrates. This step makes every slice as gooey as the center of your favorite cinnamon bun.

Step 6: Whip Up That Creamy Frosting

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese together on medium-high until they’re fluffy and smooth. Add clear vanilla and half and half, then gradually blend in the powdered sugar, about half a cup at a time, until the frosting is thick but luscious. If you crave that perfect bakery look, keep blending until glossy.

Step 7: Frost, Slice, and Enjoy!

Spoon your cream cheese frosting onto the cooled, filled cake, and use a silicone spatula to swirl and smooth it across every inch. The frosting should cascade down the sides and into the holes, adding extra moisture. Chill slightly if you prefer, then cut into generous squares, and let the celebration begin!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

Garnishes

A little extra flourish takes Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake from scrumptious to truly stunning. Dust each piece with a pinch of ground cinnamon or top with a light drizzle of caramel sauce for an eye-catching finish. If you have toasted pecans, scatter a few on top for crunch—your guests won’t believe this came from a box!

Side Dishes

While this cake is the ultimate coffee companion, it also pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a brunch spread, try serving it alongside crispy bacon and fluffy scrambled eggs to round out the sweet and savory experience.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake presentation to the next level, try cutting it into small squares for a dessert tray, or serve parfait-style in clear cups layered with extra frosting and nuts. For special occasions, decorate the top with piped rosettes or edible gold dust—it’s as festive as it is delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake should be covered tightly or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake stays moist for up to four days, and if anything, the flavors become even more indulgent over time!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this cake, either whole or in individual slices. Simply wrap securely in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a treat that tastes freshly made.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, pop individual pieces in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds until the frosting is soft and gooey once more. If you froze the cake, let it thaw in the refrigerator first before reheating to maintain the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade cake instead of a box mix?

Absolutely! A homemade vanilla or white cake recipe works well in place of the boxed mix—the key is to keep the flavor simple so the cinnamon filling shines. Just bake it in a 9 x 13 pan and proceed with poking!

What if I don’t have clear vanilla extract?

No worries—regular vanilla extract will work just fine! The only difference is your frosting may look slightly creamier in color rather than pure white, but the flavor will be just as delightful.

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake gluten free?

Yes, this recipe adapts beautifully to gluten-free needs. Simply swap the vanilla cake mix for your favorite gluten-free brand and double-check all other ingredient labels for hidden gluten. The method and magic remain the same!

Does this cake need to be refrigerated?

Since the frosting contains cream cheese, it’s best to refrigerate any leftovers. You can serve the cake at room temperature or slightly chilled, depending on your texture preference.

Can the frosting be made ahead of time?

Definitely! Whip up the frosting a day or two in advance and store it covered in the fridge. When ready to use, let it soften at room temp for about 20 minutes and give it a quick beat to restore that creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s as comforting as a warm hug, you just can’t go wrong with Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake. I hope you’ll give this irresistible recipe a try—it’s one sweet, cinnamon-swirled tradition waiting to happen in your own kitchen!

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