Name: Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 15 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box (about 15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix; Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil and water); 13 tablespoons (1 stick + 5 tablespoons) butter; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 2 1/2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract; 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons half-and-half; 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

This cinnamon roll poke cake turns everyone’s favorite breakfast treat into an easy dessert. A soft vanilla cake mix base is poked and filled with a buttery brown sugar cinnamon mixture and sweetened condensed milk, then topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, just like the glaze on a warm cinnamon roll. It is perfect for holidays, potlucks, family gatherings and any time you crave something sweet and comforting.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Bake Time: about 30 minutes | Chill Time: 1 hour | Servings: 15 | Pan: 9×13-inch

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

All the cinnamon roll flavor, with none of the yeast dough, rising or rolling.
Starts with a cake mix. Quick and easy for busy days.
Super moist. The cinnamon butter and condensed milk soak into every bite.
Feeds a crowd. A 9×13 pan is perfect for parties and potlucks.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

For the Cake

1 box (about 15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil and water)
13 tablespoons (1 stick + 5 tablespoons) butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 1/2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons half-and-half
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

Bake the cake. Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the package. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake as directed. Let the cake cool slightly.
Make the cinnamon filling. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon until combined, then add the clear vanilla extract.
Poke the cake. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the warm cake, deep enough to hold the filling.
Add the filling. Pour the cinnamon-butter mixture evenly over the cake so it seeps into the holes, then slowly drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top.
Make the frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the vanilla and half-and-half, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar until creamy and spreadable.
Frost the cake. Let the cake cool completely, then spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Chill and serve. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing. Serve chilled, or let it sit briefly at room temperature for a softer frosting.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

Poke holes while the cake is warm. This helps the filling soak into the cake.
Use softened cream cheese. It makes a smoother frosting without lumps.
Do not frost a hot cake. Let the cake cool completely first or the frosting will melt.
Make it ahead. Chilling gives the cinnamon filling time to settle into the cake and makes slicing easier.
Clear vanilla keeps the frosting bright white, but regular vanilla works too.

Easy Variations

Spice cake base: Use a spice or butter cake mix for extra warmth.
Add pecans: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans over the frosting.
Cinnamon swirl top: Dust the frosting with a little cinnamon sugar before serving.
Caramel drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over each slice.

How to Store It

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days because of the cream cheese frosting. For the best texture, keep it chilled between servings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a poke cake?

A poke cake is a baked cake with holes poked across the top, which are then filled with a liquid or creamy filling so every bite is extra moist and flavorful.

Can I make it a day ahead?

Yes. It is even better the next day, as the cinnamon filling has time to soak in. Keep it covered in the fridge.

Can I use homemade vanilla cake?

Yes. Any vanilla or yellow cake baked in a 9×13-inch pan works.

Conclusion

This cinnamon roll poke cake delivers all the cozy flavors of a cinnamon roll in an easy-to-make cake. With a cinnamon brown sugar filling, sweetened condensed milk and creamy frosting, it is a delicious dessert for sharing with family and friends.

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake – Easy Cake Mix Dessert with Cream Cheese Frosting