Name: Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box white or yellow cake mix; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk; 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar mixture (1/2 cup brown sugar + 1 tablespoon cinnamon); 1/4 cup melted butter; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2–3 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you’ve ever wished you could transform your favorite bakery cinnamon roll into an easy-to-make dessert for a crowd, Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is your dream come true! This treat combines the beloved warmth of cinnamon swirls, sweet glaze, and a super-moist, tender cake—all with hardly any fuss. It’s a showstopper for brunches, parties, or cozy nights in, guaranteed to fill your kitchen with that irresistible cinnamon-sugar aroma. Trust me, everyone will think you spent hours in the kitchen, and the first bite will prove that it’s every bit as decadent as it sounds.

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake starts with a handful of pantry staples and a couple of special additions for that classic flavor. Each ingredient plays a unique role—whether it’s adding richness, moisture, bold cinnamon warmth, or that signature gooey glaze on top.

1 box white or yellow cake mix: The ultimate time-saver, this forms the soft, tender base for the poke cake.
1 cup milk: Swap in milk instead of water for deeper flavor and extra moisture.
1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake melt-in-your-mouth moist.
3 large eggs: Adds structure and richness to every slice.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The heart of every cinnamon roll recipe—don’t be shy with it!
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk: This seeps into the poked cake for an irresistibly gooey texture.
1/2 cup cinnamon sugar mixture (1/2 cup brown sugar + 1 tablespoon cinnamon): Brings classic cinnamon roll flavor and that caramelized oomph.
1/4 cup melted butter: Adds richness and helps the cinnamon filling soak in beautifully.
1 cup powdered sugar: Key to a luscious glaze that ties everything together.
2–3 tablespoons milk: For thinning the glaze to that perfect drizzle consistency.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the glaze—don’t skip it!

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F, and give a 9×13-inch baking dish a good grease—this ensures a mess-free release and a golden crust, every time. Setting up your space makes the rest of this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake recipe a total breeze!

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, swapping in milk for water, along with the oil and eggs. Beat until smooth, then stir in the ground cinnamon. This little trick infuses the entire cake with warm, cinnamon spice—the kind that makes your kitchen smell like a bakery.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean, you know your cake is done! Give it about 10 minutes to cool so it’s just the right temperature for poking.

Step 4: Poke and Pour

Grab the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the cake, about an inch apart. Now, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon sugar mixture, and melted butter. Slowly pour this sweet, buttery magic over the whole cake, letting it soak down into every crevice for that classic gooeyness.

Step 5: Chill and Glaze

Let the filled cake cool, then pop it into the fridge for at least an hour. This step lets all the flavors meld together beautifully. Meanwhile, whisk up the glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and when you’re ready to serve, drizzle it generously over the chilled cake.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

Garnishes

Turn your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake into a true bakery-worthy dessert by showering it with optional garnishes! A sprinkle of chopped pecans adds crunch, or try a swirl of cream cheese frosting for extra richness. A dusting of cinnamon on top is the perfect final flourish.

Side Dishes

Pair your cake with a hot mug of coffee, a tall glass of cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on warm days. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness and make a festive, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake into cubes and pile them into decorative jars for a fun dessert parfait, or serve slices on a rustic wooden board with a drizzle of extra glaze. For special occasions, add toothpicks topped with mini cinnamon rolls for a whimsical touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake keeps beautifully when covered tightly and refrigerated—it’ll stay moist and delicious for up to four days. Just make sure your pan is wrapped well or transfer individual pieces to an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual, un-glazed slices in plastic wrap and store them in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. When a craving strikes, just thaw overnight in the fridge and glaze right before serving for that just-baked taste.

Reheating

For the ultimate warm-and-gooey experience, pop a slice of Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The filling gets extra luscious and the glaze softens into a sweet, melty topping—just like a fresh cinnamon roll!

FAQs

Can I use a homemade cake base instead of boxed mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite vanilla or yellow cake recipe, go for it. The boxed mix just keeps things simple and quick, especially when you’re short on time or serving a crowd.

What’s the best way to poke holes in the cake?

A wooden spoon handle does the trick perfectly. Aim for holes about an inch apart for even soaking—you want every slice to be swirled with gooey cinnamon filling.

How can I make the filling extra gooey?

If you love a super-gooey cake, add a bit more of the cinnamon-sugar mixture to the filling, or even an extra splash of sweetened condensed milk. Just don’t skip chilling, as it helps everything set nicely.

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake ahead for a party?

Yes! In fact, this cake tastes even better when made the night before. Chill it overnight to let the flavors meld, and add the glaze just before serving for a beautiful presentation.

Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?

Definitely—just swap the regular cake mix for your favorite gluten-free blend, and double-check that all other ingredients are gluten-free. The rest of the process is exactly the same.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s simple to make but feels extra-special, give this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake a try. It’s the perfect marriage of nostalgic flavor, gooey texture, and easy assembly. Once you taste that first cinnamon-spiked bite, you’ll see why it’s become a regular in my kitchen!

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the deliciousness of a Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake – a delectable twist on the classic cinnamon roll, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 box white or yellow cake mix
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Filling:

1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup cinnamon sugar mixture (1/2 cup brown sugar + 1 tablespoon cinnamon)
1/4 cup melted butter

Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prepare the Cake: Preheat oven and mix cake batter with cinnamon. Bake in a 9×13-inch dish.
Poke Holes: Cool cake and poke holes. Pour filling over and let soak.
Chill and Glaze: Refrigerate cake, then drizzle with glaze before serving.