Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts: the comforting, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls and the moist, decadent texture of a classic poke cake. Perfect for brunches, holiday gatherings, or a weekend treat, this cake captures the essence of cinnamon rolls with swirls of brown sugar and cinnamon, complemented by a creamy glaze that soaks into every delicious bite. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it accessible to both beginner and seasoned bakers alike.

This dessert is especially popular during the fall and winter months when warm, spiced flavors are in high demand, but it’s truly a crowd-pleaser year-round. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, preparing for a family breakfast, or just satisfying a craving for something sweet and cinnamon-scented, this poke cake checks all the boxes. Its unique preparation method—poking holes in the baked cake to allow sweet filling or glaze to seep in—ensures that each slice is perfectly moist and bursting with flavor. You can customize it with different toppings or even turn it into a layered dessert for an extra-special touch. If you’re looking for a no-fuss dessert that delivers maximum flavor, this cinnamon roll poke cake is it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Incredible Flavor Combo – Combines the warm, spiced flavor of cinnamon rolls with the rich texture of cake.
2. Moist and Gooey – The poke method ensures every bite is filled with creamy, sweet goodness.
3. Simple to Make – Uses basic pantry ingredients and minimal baking skills.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for brunch, dessert tables, or holiday mornings.
5. Customizable – You can easily switch up the glaze or add toppings like nuts, fruit, or caramel.

Ingredients

• Vanilla or white cake mix
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Water or milk
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Butter
• Vanilla extract

Variations

• Caramel Drizzle: Replace or add to the glaze with a rich caramel sauce.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
• Pumpkin Spice: Mix pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the cake for an autumn twist.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Add dollops of sweetened cream cheese before baking for a richer experience.
• Maple Glaze: Substitute the glaze with a maple syrup-based topping for a deeper flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Prepare the cake batter using a vanilla or white cake mix, following package instructions. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

While the cake bakes, mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. You can also melt butter and combine it to make a paste.

Step 3: Poke the Cake

Once baked and slightly cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.

Step 4: Pour Filling

Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, letting it soak into the holes. Then, sprinkle or spread the cinnamon mixture on top.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 6: Top the Cake

Spread or drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the cake while it’s still warm for easier spreading.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Let the cake cool fully. Refrigerate for an hour or more before slicing for clean cuts and deeper flavor absorption.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use a skewer or thick straw if you don’t have a wooden spoon handle for poking.
• Warm the sweetened condensed milk slightly for easier pouring.
• Allow the cake to rest before adding glaze to avoid melting.
• For extra cinnamon flavor, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top just before serving.
• Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour to help it set and intensify the flavors.

How to Serve

Serve the cinnamon roll poke cake chilled or at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee, chai, or hot cocoa. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few chopped nuts for presentation. You can also serve it warm by reheating individual slices slightly in the microwave and adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Use an airtight container or wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap.

Freezing

Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds if you prefer it served warm. The glaze may melt slightly, creating an even gooier texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade cake batter instead of boxed mix?

Yes, a homemade white or vanilla cake works great if you prefer from-scratch baking.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free cake mix and check that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

3. Is it necessary to refrigerate the cake?

Yes, because of the cream cheese glaze and condensed milk, it should be stored in the fridge.

4. Can I use a different type of glaze?

Of course! A simple vanilla icing or maple glaze works wonderfully.

5. Can I make this cake a day in advance?

Yes, in fact, it often tastes better the next day after the flavors have melded.

6. How do I keep the cake from becoming soggy?

Use just enough condensed milk to fill the holes without drowning the cake, and chill it properly.

7. Can I use cinnamon roll dough instead of cake mix?

It changes the texture, but you can bake cinnamon rolls in a pan and poke/fill them for a fun twist.

8. What kind of cinnamon is best?

Ground Ceylon cinnamon offers a milder, sweeter taste, but regular ground cinnamon works perfectly too.

9. How long should I let the cake cool before poking?

Let it cool for about 10–15 minutes before poking to avoid tearing the cake.

10. Can I use evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?

No, it won’t give the same sweetness or texture. Stick with sweetened condensed milk for best results.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert that combines ease of preparation with irresistible flavor. Whether you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls or just love moist, rich cakes, this recipe delivers on all fronts. With its sweet filling, creamy glaze, and tender crumb, it’s bound to become a favorite in your baking rotation. Make it ahead for gatherings, customize it to your taste, or keep it simple—the choice is yours, and the result is always delicious

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