Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
If you adore the cozy, nostalgic flavors of cinnamon rolls but crave something a bit simpler to serve at gatherings, this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is an absolute must-try. It’s a mashup that brings the gooey, spiced joy of a classic cinnamon roll together with a soft, tender cake, all in one pan! Drizzled with creamy glaze and studded with sweet pockets of cinnamon sugar, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s incredibly easy to whip up, yet genuinely impressive to present.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is how friendly it is to both beginner and experienced bakers. Each ingredient plays a special role, blending for that classic, bakery-shop flavor without fuss.
- Box white or yellow cake mix: The simple foundation for your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake, giving you a tender, fluffy base every time.
- Brown sugar: Brings deep, caramel notes and a touch of moisture, enhancing the “roll” part of this delicious hybrid.
- Ground cinnamon: The heart of this cake’s spiced warmth—a must for that unmistakable cinnamon roll aroma and flavor.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Seeps luxuriously into every hole, making the cake irresistibly moist and luscious.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds tang and silkiness to the glaze, balancing the sweetness for that authentic cinnamon roll finish.
- Powdered sugar: Helps create a smooth, pourable, and perfectly sweet cream cheese glaze.
- Milk: Thins the glaze so it perfectly drapes over the cake—I recommend whole or 2% for the richest flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds everything out with a cozy, creamy depth that makes the glaze pop.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Mix the Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and getting your 9×13-inch baking dish ready with a light coating of grease or a sheet of parchment paper, so nothing sticks later. Follow the package directions to mix your cake batter. Whether you’re using white or yellow cake mix, it’s the springboard for all the flavors to come!
Step 2: Bake and Poke
Pour the cake batter into your prepared dish and bake according to the box instructions until golden and just set in the center. After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes—just enough so it’s safe to touch, but still warm. Then, grab the handle of a wooden spoon (or any similar tool) and poke holes all over the cake. These little wells are where the true cinnamon roll magic happens.
Step 3: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar and Condensed Milk
In a small bowl, stir together your brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly across the warm cake, letting it nestle into every nook and cranny. Next, slowly pour sweetened condensed milk over the entire surface, making sure it seeps delightfully into each poked hole and softens the cake with rich sweetness. Allow the cake to cool completely to set those gooey layers.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While your cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth and silky. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until you have a luscious, drizzly glaze. You want it pourable but not too runny—think the classic topping of a cinnamon roll, ready to cascade over every inch of your cake.
Step 5: Glaze and Chill
Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over your now completely cooled cake, making sure to coat it evenly and let some naturally seep into the poked holes. For the best texture and flavor, pop the whole pan into the fridge for at least one hour before serving. Chilling not only melds all those irresistible flavors, but also makes slicing a breeze!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Garnishes
The beauty of Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is how easily you can elevate it with a few thoughtful garnishes. Sprinkle a pinch of extra cinnamon on top just before serving, or finish with a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy touch. Feeling decadent? Add a few toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, or even a swirl of caramel sauce.
Side Dishes
This cake is bold yet comforting, so pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of softly whipped cream works wonders. For a brunch spread, consider fresh fruit or a tangy fruit salad to lighten the sweetness. It’s also wonderful alongside a cup of coffee or chai, which highlights all those warming spices.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow at a party, slice the cake into cubes and arrange them in cupcake liners for a grab-and-go dessert bar. Another fun idea: layer squares of Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake with extra cream cheese glaze in mini jars for single-serve parfaits. You can even stack thin slices for a show-stopping dessert tower, letting the glaze drizzle seductively over the sides.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake holds up beautifully for several days. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors often deepen after a night in the fridge, making it a delicious treat to enjoy all week.
Freezing
For extra convenience, you can freeze your cake (with or without glaze). Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and you’ll have a homemade treat ready whenever the craving strikes. The texture might be slightly softer after freezing, but the taste remains dreamy.
Reheating
If you prefer your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake slightly warm, just pop a piece in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving. This gently melts the cream cheese glaze and brings a fresh-from-the-oven vibe—so comforting, especially on a cold morning or as a cozy dessert.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade cake base instead of a boxed mix?
Absolutely! A homemade vanilla or yellow cake works perfectly if you want a more from-scratch approach. Just bake it in a 9×13-inch dish and follow the same poking and soaking steps for that signature Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake texture and flavor.
Do I have to refrigerate the cake after making it?
Yes, because of the cream cheese glaze and sweetened condensed milk, it’s best to store your cake in the refrigerator. Chilling also helps the flavors meld and makes slicing cleaner and easier.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free yellow or white cake mix and follow the same steps. Be sure to check all your other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake before removing it from the oven. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go. Since you’ll be soaking it later, a slightly underbaked cake can become too soggy, so aim for just-done.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
For larger gatherings, it’s easy to make two pans of Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake side by side. If you need to use a bigger pan, adjust baking time and make sure the cake layer isn’t too thick, so the condensed milk can soak through properly.
Final Thoughts
With its tender cake, gooey pockets of cinnamon, and that irresistible cream cheese glaze, Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake brings all the best flavors of brunch right into your dessert plate. I truly hope you’ll make it for your next family gathering or finicky sweet tooth moment. Don’t be surprised if it disappears in record time—this is one treat you’ll want to share, and remake, again and again!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in the form of a moist and decadent poke cake. This easy-to-make dessert features a tender cake soaked in sweetened condensed milk and topped with a creamy cream cheese glaze.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare the cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish. Mix and bake the cake according to package instructions.
- Poke holes and add cinnamon sugar: Once baked, cool the cake and poke holes using a wooden spoon handle. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the warm cake.
- Add sweetened condensed milk: Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Let the cake cool completely.
- Make the cream cheese glaze: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and pourable.
- Glaze the cake: Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the cooled cake evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- For an extra cinnamon kick, swirl cinnamon-sugar into the cake batter before baking.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
