Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Treat

Cinnamon rolls are a beloved breakfast pastry for many, offering a combination of soft dough and rich cinnamon flavor. But what if you could transform this classic comfort food into a dessert that is easy to make and just as delicious? Enter the cinnamon roll poke cake – a soft, sweet cake loaded with cinnamon goodness that will satisfy your sweet tooth in no time.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this irresistible cinnamon roll poke cake, step by step. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will make you feel like a pro in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

This cake takes all the best aspects of cinnamon rolls and turns them into a moist, gooey dessert. What makes a poke cake so special? The “poke” method involves making holes in the cake after baking and filling them with a sweet filling, making every bite a perfect blend of cake and icing.

Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a favorite:

Quick and easy: It takes only a few ingredients and a little bit of time to prepare.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, a family dinner, or just indulging yourself, this cake is perfect for any occasion.
Cinnamon flavor in every bite: If you love cinnamon rolls, this cake brings that same comforting flavor but in a new, fun way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all the ingredients to ensure you have everything you need to make the cinnamon roll poke cake. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cake Ingredients:

1 box of cake mix (plus the ingredients required to prepare the cake as per the box instructions)
5 tbsp butter (for the cinnamon swirl)
½ cup brown sugar
3 tsp cinnamon
1 can sweetened condensed milk (for the filling)
8 tbsp butter (for the frosting)
1 block cream cheese (for the frosting)
4.5 tsp vanilla extract (for the frosting)
2 tsp half-and-half (for the frosting)
2½ cups powdered sugar (for the frosting)

These ingredients come together to create a moist, cinnamon-flavored cake with a creamy frosting that’ll make your taste buds sing!

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to get baking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a cinnamon roll poke cake that everyone will love.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

To start, prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box. This will typically involve adding water, eggs, and oil, then mixing the ingredients together until smooth.

Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box.
Grease and flour your cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
Pour the prepared cake batter into the pan and spread it out evenly.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

While the cake is baking, prepare the cinnamon swirl to create the signature cinnamon roll flavor.

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter (5 tbsp). Stir the mixture until it forms a smooth, spreadable paste.
Once the cake is done baking (and slightly cooled), take a fork or skewer and gently poke holes all over the top of the cake. The holes should go about halfway through the cake.
Pour the cinnamon mixture evenly over the top of the cake, making sure it fills the holes. The cinnamon sugar will seep into the cake, creating pockets of gooey goodness.

Step 3: Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk

After adding the cinnamon swirl, pour the sweetened condensed milk over the entire cake. This step is key to making the cake moist and flavorful, giving it that sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake. It should absorb into the holes and soak into the layers, making every bite extra moist and sweet.
Let the cake sit for about 10 minutes to allow the milk to soak in fully.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Next, it’s time to make the creamy frosting that will top off your cinnamon roll poke cake.

In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter (8 tbsp) until smooth and fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract and half-and-half to the mixture, then continue beating until everything is well combined.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick but spreadable.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

Once the frosting is ready, spread it evenly over the top of the cake. You can use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the frosting over the entire surface, covering the cinnamon swirl and any visible holes.

Step 6: Let It Set

Allow the cake to cool completely before serving. This step is important to ensure the frosting sets properly and the flavors meld together. For best results, refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving, which will also help the frosting firm up.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cinnamon roll poke cake turns out just right:

Don’t skip the poke step: The holes you make in the cake allow the cinnamon mixture and sweetened condensed milk to soak into the cake, which is what makes it so delicious and moist.
Use room temperature ingredients for the frosting: Allow your cream cheese and butter to come to room temperature before mixing them. This will help create a smooth and creamy frosting without lumps.
Customize the frosting: If you want to add a little extra flavor to the frosting, try incorporating a teaspoon of cinnamon or a few tablespoons of maple syrup to give it a more distinctive flavor.
Serve chilled: The cake is best served chilled. The frosting firms up nicely in the fridge, and the cake becomes even more delicious the next day!

Variations of the Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

This cinnamon roll poke cake recipe is versatile, and you can easily make some variations to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:

1. Caramel Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top of the frosting for a caramel-cinnamon combination that will take your poke cake to the next level. You can also mix a little caramel into the frosting for extra richness.

2. Nutty Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

If you love nuts, try adding some chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl mixture before pouring it over the cake. The nuts will give the cake a nice crunch and complement the sweetness of the cake.

3. Apple Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

For a fall-inspired twist, add some cinnamon-spiced apples to the top of the cake or mix them into the cake batter. You can also swap out the cinnamon sugar for an apple pie spice blend to enhance the apple flavor.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which might be unlikely, given how delicious this cake is), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake will stay moist and flavorful, so you can enjoy it for a few more days!

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe

Author: Freya Allen
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy the sweet, gooey goodness of cinnamon roll poke cake with a soft cake base, cinnamon swirl, and creamy frosting for a perfect dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box cake mix (plus required ingredients)
5 tbsp butter
½ cup brown sugar
3 tsp cinnamon
1 can sweetened condensed milk
8 tbsp butter (for frosting)
2½ cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Prepare and bake the cake mix as instructed.
Make the cinnamon swirl with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Poke holes in the baked cake and pour the cinnamon mixture over it.
Pour sweetened condensed milk over the cake.
Beat the frosting ingredients until smooth.
Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.
Chill before serving for best flavor.

Notes

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Add caramel for a richer flavor.
You can mix in chopped nuts for crunch.
Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for smooth frosting.
Customize frosting by adding vanilla or maple syrup.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cake
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 350 kcal (estimate)
Sugar: 40g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Cinnamon roll poke cake, easy cinnamon cake, cinnamon dessert, poke cake, sweet cinnamon treats, cake with frosting, cinnamon swirl cake

Final Thoughts on Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

The cinnamon roll poke cake is an easy yet indulgent dessert that brings together the best flavors of cinnamon rolls and cake. With its gooey cinnamon filling, creamy frosting, and soft texture, it’s a treat that is sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this cinnamon roll poke cake is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Now that you have the recipe and tips, it’s time to gather your ingredients and make this mouthwatering cinnamon roll poke cake. Enjoy!