If you love the cozy, sweet flavors of cinnamon rolls but want something even easier to whip up for a crowd, this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe is your new go-to dessert. Imagine a moist vanilla cake filled with a luscious cinnamon-sweetened sauce, topped with creamy, dreamy frosting, and just the right touch of cinnamon sugar sparkle. It’s like your favorite cinnamon roll transformed into a show-stopping poke cake that’s perfect for sharing with family or friends. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand, but each one plays an important role in creating that iconic cinnamon roll flavor and irresistible texture that makes this cake so special.
- Vanilla cake mix: The base of this dessert, providing a light and fluffy texture perfect for soaking up all the cinnamon sauce.
- Eggs, oil, and water: Essentials required by the cake mix to make the batter smooth and moist.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can): Adds rich sweetness and moisture that seeps deep into the cake through the poke holes.
- Melted salted butter (4 tablespoons): Enhances flavor and provides a silky richness to the cinnamon filling.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup packed): Offers caramel undertones that pair perfectly with cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The star spice that brings authentic cinnamon roll flavor straight into the cake.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): For a luscious, tangy frosting that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Butter (1/3 cup, softened): Makes the frosting rich and creamy.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that perfect spreadable texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the frosting’s flavor.
- Heavy cream or milk (1 tablespoon): Adjusts frosting to the perfect consistency for easy spreading.
- Cinnamon sugar: Optional but delightful for sprinkling on top to add a little crunch and extra cinnamon punch.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake
Start by preheating your oven and preparing the vanilla cake mix according to the package directions—typically combining eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This step is simple but critical as it creates the fluffy cake base that will soak up all those delicious cinnamon flavors.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
Once the cake is warm but not hot, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly all over the surface. These holes act like tiny wells that will trap the cinnamon-infused sweetened condensed milk, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor and moistness.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Filling and Pour
In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, melted salted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until they form a smooth, syrupy blend. Pour this mixture slowly over the warm cake, allowing it to seep deeply into each hole. This is where the magic happens as the cake transforms into a moist, rich dessert reminiscent of cinnamon rolls.
Step 4: Cool the Cake Completely
Set the cake aside and let it cool completely at room temperature. Cooling is key here because it lets the flavors meld and the texture set so your frosting won’t melt when applied.
Step 5: Create the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream (or milk) to get a thick but spreadable frosting that melts in your mouth.
Step 6: Frost the Cooled Cake
Spread the luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. The frosting adds a tangy contrast to the sweet cinnamon filling, completing the cinnamon roll flavor experience.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top of the frosting for a little extra sparkle, crunch, and cinnamon aroma. Then chill the cake in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let everything set perfectly before serving.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake is stunning on its own, but you can jazz it up with a few garnish ideas like a dusting of extra cinnamon sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a handful of toasted pecans for contrast. Fresh whipped cream on the side can elevate each bite into a true indulgence.
Side Dishes
Serve this poke cake alongside a hot cup of coffee, a chai latte, or creamy hot chocolate to complement its cozy cinnamon notes. For brunch or dessert parties, fresh fruits such as sliced apples or berries can add a refreshing counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
You can make this recipe even more fun by serving individual portions in clear dessert cups, layering cake pieces with frosting and cinnamon filling for a trifle effect. Or, for a crowd-pleaser, garnish the whole cake with edible flowers or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture and eye appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, cover the Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it a great option for make-ahead celebrations or weekend treats.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. After thawing, prepare the cinnamon filling and frosting as directed before serving to keep the texture and flavors vibrant.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended as it can soften the frosting and make the cake soggy. If you prefer a warm slice, briefly warm your portion in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to lose that creamy frosting texture.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade vanilla cake instead of the box mix?
Absolutely! A homemade vanilla cake works wonderfully. Just be sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to the poke and pouring of the cinnamon filling.
What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
You can substitute with homemade sweetened condensed milk or try using evaporated milk with extra sugar, but the texture and sweetness might vary slightly.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix and verify that all other ingredients are gluten-free to safely enjoy this recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
It’s a bit tricky because of the cream cheese frosting and butter, but you can try dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes. The flavor will change somewhat but it can still be delicious.
How long should I chill the cake before serving?
For the best texture and flavor, chill the cake at least 30 minutes. This allows the cinnamon filling to fully soak in and the frosting to firm up nicely.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe is like bringing a little bakery magic right into your kitchen, and sharing it feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its rich cinnamon layers and creamy frosting create a dessert everyone will rave about. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this quick and comforting treat in your recipe box!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake offers the delightful flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in an easy, moist cake form. Soft vanilla cake is baked and then poked with holes to soak up a delicious cinnamon and brown sugar mixture, creating bursts of gooey sweetness. A creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting tops it all off, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- Ingredients called for on the box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 tablespoons melted salted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Frosting
- 1/2 block (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk
For Topping
- Cinnamon sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare and Bake Cake: Preheat your oven as directed on the vanilla cake mix box. Prepare the cake batter according to the package instructions using the required eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch baking pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make Holes in Cake: While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to carefully poke holes evenly across the entire surface of the cake. This allows the cinnamon filling to seep in and infuse flavor.
- Mix Cinnamon Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, melted salted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour Filling Over Cake: Slowly pour the cinnamon mixture evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to flow into the holes you made. This step ensures each bite is moist and flavorful. Let the cake cool completely to set the filling.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream (or milk) until the frosting is spreadable and smooth.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake, ensuring full coverage and a smooth finish.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Lightly sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the frosted cake for extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Chill Before Serving: Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the frosting set and enhances the overall texture and taste before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Be sure to poke holes evenly to allow the filling to distribute thoroughly.
- Use softened cream cheese and butter for a smoother frosting consistency.
- Chilling the cake improves the texture and flavor melding.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator covered tightly for up to 5 days.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives.
