Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
If you’re ready to bring the warm, gooey flavors of your favorite breakfast treat into a showstopping dessert, this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is about to become your new obsession. Imagine everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls—swirls of cinnamon sugar, creamy tangy glaze, and that irresistible aroma—reimagined in the form of an ultra-moist, crowd-pleasing cake. It’s the kind of recipe that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it comes together with the help of a simple cake mix and a few easy steps. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or just because you’re craving something sweet and nostalgic, Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake delivers every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this recipe? It’s made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a key role in creating the signature taste and texture of Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake. Every component adds something special, from the tender cake base to the rich glaze on top.
- White cake mix: This forms the fluffy, tender base and keeps the recipe incredibly easy—just follow the instructions on the box for guaranteed results.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps create those classic “cinnamon roll” swirls.
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the show, it brings warmth, spice, and that unmistakable cinnamon roll flavor.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Soaks into the poked cake, making every bite luscious and ultra-moist—don’t skip this step!
- Heavy cream: Gives the glaze a rich, silky texture that drapes beautifully over the cake.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze and adds a touch of elegance as a finishing sprinkle.
- Cream cheese: Softened for easy mixing, it adds tang and creaminess to the glaze, just like a real cinnamon roll.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds a hint of warmth to the glaze.
- Milk: Just a splash, to thin the glaze to the perfect pourable consistency.
- Optional extra cinnamon and powdered sugar: For a bakery-style finish, dust these over the top before serving.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Make the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Grab your white cake mix and prepare the batter according to the package instructions. This shortcut guarantees a light, fluffy base that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon swirl. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, setting the stage for all the cinnamon roll goodness to come.
Step 2: Swirl in the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until fully combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cake batter in the pan. Take a butter knife and gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter, creating those signature marbled streaks that mimic a classic cinnamon roll. This step is where all the magic begins!
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be pure cinnamon bliss. Remove the cake from the oven, but don’t let it cool just yet—you’ll want to move on to the next step while it’s still warm.
Step 4: Poke and Pour
While the cake is still hot, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top. Don’t be shy—these pockets are what transform an ordinary cake into a Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake! Immediately pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the surface, making sure it seeps into every nook and cranny. This creates that unbelievably moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 5: Cool and Glaze
Let the cake cool to room temperature before adding the glaze. For the glaze, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and just enough milk to reach a pourable consistency. Drizzle or spread the glaze generously over the cooled cake, letting it settle into the poked holes and over the edges. For a final flourish, sprinkle with a little extra cinnamon and powdered sugar if you like.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Pop the finished cake into the refrigerator for at least one hour before slicing. This step helps the flavors meld and the glaze set, making every bite even more dreamy. Once chilled, it’s ready to serve—just try not to sneak a piece before your guests arrive!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Garnishes
A little extra flair goes a long way! Top your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake with a dusting of powdered sugar and a pinch of ground cinnamon for that irresistible bakery-style look. If you’re feeling decadent, add a few delicate curls of white chocolate or a drizzle of caramel sauce to really make it pop.
Side Dishes
Pair this sweet treat with something a little lighter to balance out the richness. Fresh fruit salad, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream can brighten up the plate. Of course, a hot cup of coffee or tea is the perfect cozy companion to a slice of Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to have some fun with presentation! Try cutting the cake into bite-sized cubes and skewering them for a dessert kebab, or serve warm squares in individual ramekins for a brunch buffet. You can even add festive sprinkles or edible flowers for a special occasion. However you serve it, Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is always a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, and the flavors only get better as they meld together. Just be sure to keep it chilled because of the cream cheese glaze.
Freezing
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake freezes beautifully! Simply wrap individual slices or the entire cake (without additional garnishes) tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked warmth, microwave individual pieces for about 15–20 seconds, or heat slices in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. The glaze will become soft and luscious again, making your leftovers taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While white cake mix gives the lightest flavor and color, yellow or even butter cake mixes add extra richness. Just keep the cinnamon swirl and glaze for that signature Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake experience.
What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is key for creating the moist, decadent texture, but in a pinch, you could use a mixture of whole milk and extra powdered sugar. The result won’t be quite as rich, but your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake will still be delicious.
Can I make this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake ahead of time?
Yes, in fact, the flavors get even better after chilling! You can bake, poke, and glaze the cake up to a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
Is there a shortcut for the glaze?
Definitely! If you’re pressed for time, store-bought cream cheese frosting thinned with a splash of milk makes a quick and tasty substitute. Just drizzle it over the cooled cake as you would homemade glaze.
Do I have to refrigerate Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake?
Yes, because of the cream cheese in the glaze, it’s best to keep the cake chilled. Not only is it food-safe, but the texture is actually more enjoyable when served cold or at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a foolproof dessert that brings all the cozy charm of cinnamon rolls with a fun, modern twist, you can’t go wrong with Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely packed with flavor. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!
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Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a deliciously moist white cake swirled with cinnamon and brown sugar, soaked with sweetened condensed milk, and topped with a rich cream cheese glaze. Inspired by the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll, this dessert is easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Soaking Mixture:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (as needed for glaze)
Topping (Optional):
- Extra cinnamon
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Prepare the white cake batter according to the package instructions specific to your cake mix, then pour the batter evenly into the baking dish.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cake batter. Using the handle of a knife, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove the cake from the oven.
- Poke Holes in Cake: While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar utensil to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. This helps the soaking mixture seep in perfectly.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to soak through the holes. This adds richness and moisture to the cake. Let the cake cool to room temperature.
- Make the Cream Cheese Glaze: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and as needed, milk, continuing to beat until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has fully cooled, spread or drizzle the cream cheese glaze evenly over the top. If desired, sprinkle with extra cinnamon and powdered sugar for an added touch.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the glazed cake for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the glaze to set before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious cinnamon roll poke cake!
Notes
- You can substitute yellow cake mix for a richer flavor profile.
- For a shortcut glaze, use store-bought cream cheese frosting slightly thinned with milk to achieve a pourable consistency.
- Be sure to poke holes thoroughly so the sweetened condensed milk soaks well into the cake.
- This cake is best served chilled but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
