Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake – A Swirled Sensation of Sweetness
Introduction: A Classic Breakfast Flavor Meets Dessert Bliss
What happens when a beloved breakfast treat collides with a soft and tender vanilla cake? You get the irresistible Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake—a decadent dessert that captures the essence of a cinnamon roll in every bite. Moist vanilla cake is infused with a buttery cinnamon-brown sugar filling, soaked with sweetened condensed milk, and finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, potluck, or weekend family dinner, this poke cake is guaranteed to become a crowd-favorite.
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Why You’ll Love This Cake
Combines two favorite treats: cake + cinnamon rolls
Super moist and flavorful thanks to the poke-and-fill method
Easy to prepare with a boxed cake mix
Perfect for breakfast-themed desserts, holidays, or sweet cravings
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Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 box vanilla or white cake mix
Ingredients listed on the box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
For the Cinnamon Filling:
5 tablespoons butter
½ cup packed light brown sugar
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2½ teaspoons clear vanilla extract
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
For the Frosting:
8 tablespoons (½ cup) butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract (or regular)
2 teaspoons half-and-half (or milk/cream)
2½ cups powdered sugar
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Prepare the vanilla cake according to the box directions.
Pour batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bake as directed, typically 25–30 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let cake cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a thick straw to poke holes all over the warm cake, spaced about 1 inch apart.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Filling
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon until sugar dissolves.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Mix in the sweetened condensed milk until fully combined.
While the cake is still warm, pour filling evenly over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.
Cool completely before frosting.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth.
Add vanilla and half-and-half.
Gradually mix in powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
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Optional Toppings
Cinnamon sugar sprinkle on top
Drizzle of caramel sauce
Chopped pecans or walnuts
Mini cinnamon rolls as garnish
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Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead:
Bake and fill the cake a day in advance.
Frost the next day for freshest texture.
Storage:
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Best served chilled or at room temperature.
> Tip: For cleaner slices, chill before cutting.
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Variations and Customizations
1. Pumpkin Cinnamon Poke Cake
Add ½ cup pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the filling for a fall twist.
2. Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Add 1 tbsp maple syrup to the frosting for extra depth.
3. Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes
Bake the cake batter in muffin tins and fill each cupcake individually.
4. Carrot Cinnamon Poke Cake
Add shredded carrot and walnuts to the batter.
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Nutrition Estimate (Per Slice – Based on 12 Servings)
Calories: ~430
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Sugar: 38g
Protein: 4g
> Values may vary depending on brand of cake mix and frosting ingredients.
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FAQs
Can I use homemade vanilla cake?
Yes! A homemade butter or buttermilk cake works perfectly.
Do I have to poke the cake?
Yes—it allows the filling to seep in and create moist, flavorful layers.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—use a gluten-free cake mix and check that all ingredients are GF-certified.
Can I freeze this cake?
You can freeze the unfrosted cake with filling. Thaw and frost before serving.
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Conclusion: A Spoonful of Cinnamon Heaven
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is the ultimate dessert comfort food—warm, gooey cinnamon filling, silky cream cheese frosting, and the ease of a simple cake mix. Whether served for breakfast-for-dinner, weekend brunch, or potluck dessert, this treat is guaranteed to impress.
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