Description
If you love the warm, comforting flavors of homemade cinnamon rolls but want an easier dessert to prepare, Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is the perfect recipe. This irresistible dessert combines all the classic flavors of a gooey cinnamon roll—sweet cinnamon sugar, buttery richness, and creamy frosting—with the soft, moist texture of a poke cake.
Ingredients
🍰 For the Cake
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix package (usually eggs, oil, and water)
🍯 For the Cinnamon Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🧀 For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Optional Garnishes
- Cinnamon sugar
- Chopped pecans
- Caramel drizzle
- White chocolate drizzle
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Prepare the cake mix according to package directions.
Pour batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bake according to package instructions until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool for 10–15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
In a bowl, combine:
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Melted butter
- Vanilla extract
Mix until smooth and syrupy.
This mixture creates the signature cinnamon roll flavor.
Step 3: Poke the Cake
Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly throughout the cake.
Slowly pour the cinnamon filling over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
Spread any remaining mixture evenly over the surface.
Allow the cake to absorb the filling.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together:
- Cream cheese
- Butter
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
Mix until smooth.
Add milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Spread the frosting evenly over the slightly warm cake.
Step 5: Decorate and Serve
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the frosting.
Add chopped pecans or caramel drizzle if desired.
Serve warm or chilled.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Poke holes while the cake is still warm.
- Pour the filling slowly for better absorption.
- Use softened cream cheese for smooth frosting.
- Refrigerate leftovers because of the frosting.
- The cake tastes even better the next day.
- Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g