If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls—the gooey layers, the sweet glaze, the warm spices—then this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is about to become your new obsession. Imagine everything you love about cinnamon rolls, but in the form of a moist, fluffy cake that’s soaked with creamy sweetness, topped with a drizzle of glaze, and ready to impress at any gathering.
This cake is perfect for both breakfast and dessert, and it’s one of those recipes that looks impressive but is actually very easy to make. With the help of a simple cake mix, some pantry staples, and a little bit of cinnamon magic, you’ll have a treat that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.
Let’s dive into the details of this cozy, crowd-pleasing cake!
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
There are plenty of cakes out there, but this one holds a special place. Here’s why:
- It’s foolproof. You don’t need to be a professional baker to nail this recipe. With a cake mix as the base, the heavy lifting is already done for you.
- It’s unbelievably moist. Thanks to sweetened condensed milk poured into the poked holes, every bite is rich and gooey. No dry cake here!
- It tastes like a cinnamon roll. The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and buttery goodness creates that classic cinnamon roll flavor everyone craves.
- It’s versatile. This cake works for brunch, dessert, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. It’s fancy enough for guests but simple enough for a weekday treat.
- Make-ahead friendly. You can prepare this cake in advance and let it chill in the fridge. In fact, it tastes even better the next day when all the flavors have settled in.
If you’ve ever wanted a dessert that screams comfort food but also turns heads at a party, this cake is it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down what goes into this cake and why each ingredient matters:
For the Cake Base
- 1 box vanilla or white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box): This keeps the recipe quick and reliable. Choose your favorite brand—most call for eggs, oil, and water.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds depth and that caramel-like sweetness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon: The star spice that gives the cake its warm, cozy flavor.
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk: Poured into the cake holes, this makes the cake extra moist and indulgent.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and that buttery cinnamon roll vibe.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors.
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for a simple, sweet glaze.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Thins the glaze to a pourable consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds that bakery-style finishing touch.
Optional Add-ins
- A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- A drizzle of cream cheese glaze instead of the classic sugar glaze for an extra cinnamon roll feel.
- Extra cinnamon sugar on top for texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to transform those simple ingredients into the most delicious cake you’ve ever tasted:
Step 1 – Prepare the Cake
- Bake the cake according to the package directions in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Once baked, let it cool slightly (but not completely—you want it warm enough to absorb the filling).
Step 2 – Make the Cinnamon Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- This mixture will give the cake that signature “cinnamon roll swirl” flavor.
Step 3 – Poke the Cake
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake. Don’t be shy—you want plenty of space for the filling to seep in.
- The holes should go about halfway down into the cake.
Step 4 – Add the Filling
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk into the holes, letting it soak in.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously across the cake, making sure it gets into the holes too.
Step 5 – Make the Glaze
- In another bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Adjust the thickness—add more sugar for a thicker glaze or more milk for a thinner drizzle.
Step 6 – Finish and Serve
- Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cake.
- Let it rest for at least 15–20 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
- Slice into squares and serve warm or chilled.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Even though this recipe is simple, a few small tips can take it from good to absolutely irresistible:
- Don’t skip the poking. The more holes you poke, the more filling the cake absorbs. Think of them as little tunnels carrying all that gooey goodness.
- Use good cinnamon. Fresh, high-quality ground cinnamon makes a huge difference in flavor. If your spice jar has been sitting in the pantry for years, it might be time for a new one.
- Warm is wonderful. This cake tastes amazing fresh from the oven when it’s still warm and melty, but it also sets beautifully when chilled.
- Glaze right before serving. If you’re making this ahead, wait to drizzle the glaze until you’re ready to serve for the best presentation.
- Try cream cheese glaze. Swap out the glaze for a mix of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk if you want that classic cinnamon roll frosting vibe.
Why This Cake is Perfect for Any Occasion
This isn’t just a cake—it’s a dessert that fits into so many different situations:
- Family Brunch: Serve alongside eggs, fruit, and coffee for a cinnamon roll-inspired breakfast spread.
- Holiday Gatherings: This cake screams fall and winter comfort, making it ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even Easter brunch.
- Potlucks and Parties: It’s baked in a 9×13 dish, making it easy to transport and slice for a crowd.
- Casual Weeknights: Sometimes you just want a sweet treat after dinner, and this cake comes together quickly enough for that.
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s familiar (everyone loves cinnamon rolls!) but with a fun twist that keeps people coming back for seconds.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this cake is how well it holds up, making it perfect for planning ahead.
- Room Temperature: If you plan to serve the cake the same day, it’s fine to leave it covered at room temperature for up to 8 hours.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. The flavors actually intensify the longer it sits.
- Freezer: Yes, you can freeze it! Bake the cake, poke, add the filling, and let it cool completely. Skip the glaze for now. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then glaze before serving.
- Make Ahead: This cake is ideal for preparing the night before an event. It gets even gooier and more flavorful as it rests, so your guests will think you worked extra hard (when really, you just chilled overnight).
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Description
🍰✨ If you adore the gooey comfort of cinnamon rolls, this cake is a dream come true! Moist, sweet, and bursting with cinnamon flavor, drizzled in a silky glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert. 🤎🥮
Ingredients
1 box vanilla or white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the cake: Bake the cake according to package instructions in a 9×13-inch dish. Let it cool slightly.
⏱️ Baking Time: 25-30 minutesMake the cinnamon filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
⏱️ Mixing Time: 2 minutesPoke the cake: Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the cake.
⏱️ Poking Time: 1 minuteAdd the filling: Pour sweetened condensed milk into the holes so it soaks in. Drizzle melted butter over the cake and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
⏱️ Drizzling Time: 5 minutes
Prepare the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cake. 🍯
⏱️ Glaze Time: 3 minutes
Notes
Chill and serve: Allow the cake to rest for 15–20 minutes so the flavors soak in. Slice and enjoy! 🍽️
⏱️ Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
Fun Variations of Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
If you love experimenting in the kitchen, here are some fun twists to try:
Cream Cheese Swirl Version
Instead of the glaze, whip up a cream cheese frosting with cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and a splash of vanilla. Spread it over the cooled cake for a classic cinnamon roll vibe.
Apple Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Add a layer of apple pie filling on top of the cake before poking the holes. The apples mix with the cinnamon sugar, creating a fall-flavored masterpiece.
Pecan Praline Version
Sprinkle chopped pecans over the cinnamon-sugar topping before baking for a crunchy, nutty addition.
Chocolate Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Mix a tablespoon of cocoa powder into the cinnamon sugar filling and drizzle chocolate syrup over the glaze. It’s like a cinnamon roll and brownie had a delicious baby.
Mini Cupcake Version
Bake the cake mix into cupcakes, poke holes with a straw, fill with condensed milk, and drizzle with glaze. Perfect for parties or portion control.
Pairing Ideas – What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
This cake is rich and sweet, so pairing it with the right foods and drinks can make the whole experience even better:
- Beverages: A hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a cold glass of milk balances the sweetness. For adults, a cinnamon latte or spiced apple cider is a match made in heaven.
- Breakfast Spread: Pair it with scrambled eggs, bacon, or fruit salad to balance out the sugar if you’re serving it for brunch.
- Dessert Table: It goes beautifully alongside pumpkin pie, apple crisp, or chocolate brownies for a fall-themed spread.
- Holiday Dinner: Serve as a sweet ending to a hearty meal like roast turkey or ham. Guests will thank you.
Why This Recipe Works – The Magic of Poke Cakes
Let’s take a moment to talk about why poke cakes are so amazing, and why this cinnamon roll version is especially good:
- Moisture Distribution: The poking allows fillings like sweetened condensed milk and butter to soak into the cake, making every bite flavorful and moist.
- Simple but Impressive: It starts with a box cake mix, but the end result tastes homemade and bakery-worthy.
- Customizable: You can adapt it with different flavors, toppings, and frostings to suit any occasion.
- Texture Play: The soft cake, gooey filling, and smooth glaze create layers of texture that mimic a cinnamon roll but in cake form.
- Crowd Pleaser: Cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla are universally loved flavors—this cake will never go untouched at a party.
Occasions to Serve Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
This cake isn’t just for one season—it works all year long. Here are some perfect occasions to serve it:
- Sunday Brunch: A sweet centerpiece that pairs perfectly with savory dishes.
- Holiday Gatherings: Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter—it fits them all.
- Potlucks and Parties: Easy to transport and slice, making it great for feeding a crowd.
- Birthday Parties: Skip the traditional cake and surprise your guests with this fun twist.
- Casual Weeknights: Sometimes you just need a sweet, comforting dessert to end the day.
Conclusion
The Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is one of those magical recipes that combines everything you love about cinnamon rolls—gooey filling, warm spices, sweet glaze—into a simple and delicious cake that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for guests, and it’s guaranteed to disappear quickly from the table.
Whether you’re serving it warm out of the oven with coffee, or chilled from the fridge as a sweet midnight snack, this cake delivers comfort and joy in every single bite.
So the next time you’re craving cinnamon rolls but don’t feel like rolling dough, grab a cake mix and let this poke cake do all the work. Your taste buds will thank you.
FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Q1: Can I use homemade cake batter instead of a mix?
Absolutely! A simple vanilla or butter cake recipe works perfectly if you prefer from-scratch baking.
Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, in fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just wait to glaze until before serving.
Q3: Can I use evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?
Not recommended—evaporated milk doesn’t have the same sweetness or texture. Stick with condensed milk for best results.
Q4: How do I reheat leftovers?
Microwave slices for about 15–20 seconds to make the cake soft and gooey again.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use two 9×13 pans or bake in a large sheet pan. Perfect for big gatherings.
