Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

If you love cinnamon rolls, you’re going to be obsessed with this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake! It takes all the best flavors of a warm, gooey cinnamon roll and transforms them into an irresistibly moist and rich cake. With a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling, sweetened condensed milk soaking into every bite, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is an instant crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for holidays, potlucks, brunch, or just a cozy weekend dessert, this easy-to-make poke cake delivers big flavors without the hassle of making homemade cinnamon rolls from scratch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Easy & Foolproof – Uses a boxed cake mix as the base, making it simple yet delicious.
✔️ Cinnamon Roll Flavor Without the Work – No kneading, rolling, or waiting for dough to rise!
✔️ Super Moist & Flavorful – The sweetened condensed milk soaks into every bite, keeping it ultra moist.
✔️ Cream Cheese Frosting – The perfect tangy-sweet balance to complement the warm cinnamon.
✔️ Great for Any Occasion – Serve it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or special gatherings.

Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• ½ cup melted butter

For the Poke Filling:

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk

Directions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions.
2. Prepare and bake the vanilla cake in a 9x13-inch baking dish following the instructions on the box.
3. Once baked, let the cake cool slightly (about 10 minutes).

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

4. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until combined.

Step 3: Poke the Cake & Add the Fillings

5. Using the back of a wooden spoon or a straw, poke holes all over the cake, making sure they go deep to allow the filling to soak in.
6. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.
7. Drizzle the cinnamon-sugar butter mixture over the cake, ensuring it soaks into every bite.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

8. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
9. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, and continue beating until creamy and spreadable.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

10. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
11. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Slice & Serve

12. Slice into squares, serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the cinnamon roll magic!

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve:

• Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture.
• Sprinkle with extra cinnamon or drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
• Pair with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy treat.

How to Store:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing Option: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Helpful Notes

1. Make Bigger Holes for Better Soaking – Use the handle of a wooden spoon instead of a fork to ensure the filling fully absorbs.
2. Let It Sit Overnight for the Best Flavor – This cake gets better the longer it sits, as the cinnamon and condensed milk infuse into the cake.
3. Use a Spice Cake Mix for More Warmth – Swap the vanilla cake mix for a spice cake mix for an even richer cinnamon roll taste.
4. Add Chopped Pecans or Walnuts – Sprinkle some on top for extra crunch and texture.
5. Drizzle with a Simple Glaze – Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for a drizzle that mimics classic cinnamon roll icing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade cake instead of a cake mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite from-scratch vanilla cake recipe, use it instead of the boxed mix. Just make sure it’s baked in a 9x13-inch pan.

2. Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to develop. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

3. Do I have to use sweetened condensed milk?

Sweetened condensed milk makes the cake extra moist and sweet, but you can substitute caramel sauce or heavy cream if desired.

4. Can I use store-bought frosting instead?

Yes! If you're short on time, you can use a tub of cream cheese frosting instead of making it from scratch.

5. How do I reheat this cake?

• If serving warm, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked cinnamon roll feel.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is the perfect fusion of a classic cinnamon roll and a fluffy vanilla cake. The buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl, sweetened condensed milk soak, and rich cream cheese frosting make every bite soft, gooey, and absolutely irresistible.

It’s an easy, make-ahead dessert that’s perfect for brunch, holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy weekend breakfast treat. And the best part? No kneading, rolling, or waiting for dough to rise!

So if you're looking for the easiest way to enjoy cinnamon rolls in cake form, this poke cake is the answer! Try it today and fall in love with every bite.

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