There’s something magical about the combination of soft, fluffy cake and warm, gooey cinnamon swirls. This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake brings all the comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls into an easy-to-make cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Imagine a tender vanilla cake infused with buttery cinnamon goodness, topped with a rich glaze that seeps into every bite. It’s indulgent, cozy, and—trust me—completely irresistible!
Why You’ll Love Delish Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making it for a holiday brunch, a cozy weekend treat, or just because you deserve something sweet, this cake fits the bill. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
Versatile: Great for breakfast, dessert, or even a midday snack. No judgment here!
Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples, so there’s no need for expensive ingredients.
Quick and Easy: A simple cake mix base keeps things effortless, but the flavor is next-level.
Customizable: Want to add nuts? Go for it. Prefer a cream cheese glaze? Easy swap!
Crowd-Pleasing: This cake is always a hit, whether you’re serving family, friends, or just treating yourself. The warm cinnamon swirl and sweet glaze make it impossible to resist!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Delish Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
This cake comes together with just a few everyday ingredients, but the results are pure magic. Let’s break it down:
Vanilla Cake Mix: The foundation of this cake. Using a cake mix keeps things simple while still delivering a soft, fluffy texture.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter, making every bite tender.
Eggs: The binding force that gives the cake its structure.
Vegetable Oil: Helps keep the cake soft and moist, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.
Brown Sugar & Cinnamon: The heart of that classic cinnamon roll flavor—warm, sweet, and a little spicy.
Butter: Melted butter blends with the cinnamon sugar to create that irresistible swirled effect.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Poured over the cake to create a rich, creamy filling that soaks into every bite.
Powdered Sugar: The base of the glaze, making it smooth and sweet.
Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances the overall flavor, making the glaze extra delicious.
Milk (for the glaze): Thins out the powdered sugar to the perfect drizzling consistency.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking and gives the cake the perfect rise.
Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, milk, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for about 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Poke and Fill
While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, letting it seep into the holes for extra moisture and richness.
Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined. Drizzle this mixture over the cake, letting it sink into the poked holes for that signature cinnamon roll flavor.
Prepare the Glaze
In another bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The consistency should be pourable but not too runny.
Drizzle and Serve
Pour the glaze over the cake while it’s still slightly warm, allowing it to soak into every bite. Let it sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 320
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Delish Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
This cake is perfect on its own, but here are some fun ways to elevate it:
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The warm cake and cold ice cream combo is divine.
- A dollop of whipped cream: Light, airy, and balances the sweetness.
- Topped with chopped pecans: Adds a bit of crunch for texture contrast.
- With a drizzle of caramel sauce: Because why not make it extra indulgent?
Additional Tips
- Let the cake cool slightly before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting too quickly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Warm up slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use a homemade cake instead of a cake mix?
Absolutely! A homemade vanilla cake works just as well if you prefer to make it from scratch.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and add the glaze before serving.
3. Can I use a different type of milk?
Whole milk is best, but you can use almond, oat, or even evaporated milk for a different texture.
4. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm it up before serving for the best taste.
5. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
6. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix, and you’re good to go!
7. How do I prevent the cake from becoming too soggy?
Don’t overdo the sweetened condensed milk—just enough to soak in without pooling on top.
8. Can I add a cream cheese frosting instead of glaze?
Absolutely! A simple cream cheese glaze takes this cake to the next level.
9. What’s the best pan size to use?
A 9×13-inch baking dish works best to get the perfect cake-to-topping ratio.
10. Can I add raisins or nuts to the cake?
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts are a great addition for extra crunch.
Conclusion
This Delish Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is everything you love about cinnamon rolls in an easy, fuss-free cake. It’s soft, gooey, and bursting with warm cinnamon goodness. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a sweet treat for yourself, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your fork and get ready to indulge—because this one is pure dessert perfection!
Print
Delish Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: Approximately 35 minutes (baking plus assembly/chilling)
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking / Poke Cake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Unfamiliar with poke cakes? Now’s your chance to try one of the easiest and most delicious desserts ever. This cake is inspired by the flavor of cinnamon rolls but uses a box‐cake mix for simplicity. It’s fluffy and moist with a sweet cinnamon–brown sugar filling that’s poked into the cake and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
Ingredients
For the cake
- Cooking spray
- 1 box white cake mix (plus the ingredients called for on the box)
For the filling
- 1 (14‑oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 Tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of kosher salt
For the frosting
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 (8‑oz) block cream cheese
- 4 Tbsp butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
-
Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13‑inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, prepare the cake mix according to the package directions. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (approximately 25–35 minutes). Allow the cake to cool completely.
-
Filling:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
-
Frosting & Assembly:
- In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt; beat until well combined. Fold in the whipped cream gently until just incorporated.
- Once the cake is cooled, poke holes all over the surface using the back of a wooden spoon or a fork.
- Pour the filling evenly over the cake, using a spatula to work it into the holes.
- Top with the cream cheese frosting and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This recipe is versatile—try adding sliced bananas on top for a banana variation or swapping the cream cheese frosting for a simple buttercream if you prefer a less tangy finish.
- For best results, use the ingredients as directed on your cake mix box.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (≈120 g)
- Calories: 549kcal
- Sugar: 42 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 72 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg