If you love the warm, comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll but don’t want to deal with all the rolling, rising, and waiting—say hello to your new favorite dessert: Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake. This ultra-moist, flavor-packed cake delivers all the buttery cinnamon-sugar goodness of a cinnamon roll in an easy-to-make sheet cake format. With swirls of sweet glaze, rich frosting, and that signature cinnamon warmth in every bite, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday brunch, a family gathering, or just a weeknight indulgence, Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is simple, satisfying, and downright addictive. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to serving tips, nutritional details, and ways to customize it to your taste.
What Is a Poke Cake?
A poke cake is a sheet cake that’s intentionally “poked” with holes after baking, then filled with a sauce, glaze, pudding, or frosting that soaks into the cake for an ultra-moist, flavor-loaded dessert. In this cinnamon roll-inspired version, the cake is infused with sweetened condensed milk and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze—reminiscent of the gooey center and frosting on a traditional cinnamon roll.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 1 box vanilla or white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box: usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 cup sour cream (for extra moisture)
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: pinch of salt to balance the sweetness
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional, for soaking)
- Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings
Instructions
1. Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the cake mix as directed on the box, stirring in the sour cream to make it extra moist. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Make the Filling
While the cake is baking, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is warm and slightly thickened (about 3–5 minutes). Remove from heat.
3. Poke and Pour
Once the cake is done baking and still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface—spacing them about 1 inch apart. Pour the warm cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the top, letting it soak into the holes.
4. Cool and Frost
Let the cake cool completely (chill for faster results). Meanwhile, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Spread or drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Slice and serve at room temperature or chilled. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a bakery-style finish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Estimated for 1 of 16 slices:
- Calories: 340
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 36g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 260mg
Note: Values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Presentation and Serving Ideas
- Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Lightly dust the top with cinnamon sugar or a touch of nutmeg before serving.
- Whipped Cream Swirl: Add a dollop of whipped cream on each slice for extra indulgence.
- Make It Brunch-Worthy: Pair with a cup of hot coffee or chai latte and serve as a brunch dessert.
- Holiday Touch: Garnish with chopped pecans or drizzle with caramel sauce for festive flair.
Variations and Customizations
- Pumpkin Spice Version: Add ½ cup pumpkin puree and a dash of nutmeg to the cake batter for a fall-themed twist.
- Apple Cinnamon Poke Cake: Add finely diced sautéed apples to the cinnamon filling before pouring it into the cake.
- Maple Glaze Option: Replace the milk in the cream cheese glaze with maple syrup for a seasonal spin.
- Make It Mini: Prepare the recipe in cupcake form or in a 9×9-inch pan for smaller gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake offers all the comfort of a classic cinnamon roll—without the work of proofing dough or rolling out layers. The cake is tender and moist, the filling seeps into every bite, and the cream cheese glaze ties it all together with a sweet, tangy finish.
It’s a dessert that feels indulgent and nostalgic but is incredibly easy to make. It travels well, stores beautifully in the fridge, and tastes just as good (if not better) the next day.