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Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake transforms the cozy flavor of a classic cinnamon roll into a moist, gooey, crowd-pleasing dessert. With sweet cinnamon swirls, a tender vanilla cake base, and a rich cream cheese glaze, it’s a shortcut to bakery-level deliciousness—no yeast or rolling required. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or any sweet tooth craving, this easy poke cake starts with a box mix and ends with rave reviews.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 box yellow or vanilla cake mix

  • Ingredients for cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water or milk)

  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened

  • ¼ cup butter, softened

  • 1½ cups powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

  • Chopped pecans or walnuts

  • Whipped cream

  • Extra cinnamon

  • Caramel drizzle

Instructions

  • Bake the Cake: Prepare and bake the cake according to the package directions using eggs, oil, and water or milk.

  • Poke the Cake: While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface.

  • Make the Filling: Mix sweetened condensed milk with brown sugar and cinnamon until fully combined.

  • Soak the Cake: Pour the cinnamon mixture evenly over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.

  • Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool fully before frosting.

  • Make Frosting: In a bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

  • Frost the Cake: Spread or drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake.

 

  • Finish: Top with your favorite optional toppings and serve

Notes

Make sure to poke deep holes so the filling spreads evenly.

Let the cake cool before adding frosting to avoid melting.

Use full-fat cream cheese for a smoother texture.

Chill before slicing for cleaner presentation and more flavor.

This cake can be made 1–2 days ahead for convenience.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: cinnamon roll poke cake, easy cinnamon cake, cream cheese glaze cake, brunch dessert, poke cake recipes, cinnamon sugar cake, holiday baking, easy sheet cake

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Find it online: https://paradisedishes.com/cinnamon-roll-poke-cake/