Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake! Recipe

Brace yourself for the ultimate treat: CINNAMON ROLL POKE CAKE! If you crave the gooey warmth of a classic cinnamon roll but want something even easier—and perfect for a crowd—this recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine a tender white cake infused with bubbling cinnamon-sugar butter, soaking up ribbons of sweetened condensed milk, then crowned with a creamy, tangy frosting. Each forkful tastes like the best bite of a cinnamon roll, only with more luscious filling and less fuss. Whether for a holiday brunch or a random Tuesday, this cake brings bakery-level joy straight to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for CINNAMON ROLL POKE CAKE! is comfortingly simple but thoughtfully chosen. Every component serves a purpose—building those irresistible layers of spiced brown sugar swirls, soft vanilla cake, and pillowy cream cheese frosting. Let’s break it down so you know just how each piece fits into the puzzle.

• White cake mix: Your shortcut to a soft, airy base that soaks up all the delicious fillings.
• Butter: Adds richness to both the cinnamon filling and the creamy frosting.
• Light brown sugar: Creates that gooey, caramel-cinnamon layer signature to every great cinnamon roll.
• Ground cinnamon: The heart of the flavor, fragrant and warm—don’t skimp on this spice!
• Clear vanilla extract: Provides a pure, sweet vanilla flavor, making both the filling and frosting taste dreamy.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Soaks into the poked cake, amplifying moisture and indulgence.
• Cream cheese: Lends tangy creaminess for a perfectly balanced frosting topping.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
• Half and half: Gives the frosting its creamy, spreadable texture without being too thick or heavy.

How to Make CINNAMON ROLL POKE CAKE!

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven according to the directions on your white cake mix box. Mix and bake your cake in a 9×13-inch pan, following package instructions for ingredients and baking time. You’re simply laying the foundation here, so don’t stress—this is the easiest part! Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes so it’s warm, not hot, but still ready to soak up all that yummy filling.

Step 2: Poke and Fill

Once your cake is just cool enough to handle, grab the handle of a wooden spoon (or a similar-sized utensil) and poke holes all over the cake, spaced about an inch apart. Now for the fun: in a saucepan, melt butter, then stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and one teaspoon of vanilla. Let it bubble gently for a minute until smells have you swooning! Pour this filling slowly over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Follow with a slow drizzle of sweetened condensed milk, ensuring every nook is saturated with cinnamon roll flavor.

Step 3: Cool Completely

Refrigerate your cake for at least 1 hour, or until completely cooled. This step allows the sweet, spiced mixture to soak in fully and prevents the frosting from melting. If you’re pressed for time, pop it in the freezer for a quick chill—just don’t skip this part if you want every bite ultra-moist and gooey.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Time for the grand finale! Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Mix in the remaining vanilla, then gradually add powdered sugar. Beat in half and half a tablespoon at a time until your frosting spreads easily but holds its shape. It’s thick, velvety, and downright irresistible—just like the classic cinnamon roll icing, only better!

Step 5: Frost and Serve

Gently spread the dreamy cream cheese frosting over the chilled, filled cake. Swirl it thick or drizzle it artfully—there’s no wrong way as long as every square is slathered. For best results, return the pan to the fridge for 30 minutes so the frosting sets up beautifully. Trust me, your patience will be rewarded the second you take that first marvelous bite.

How to Serve CINNAMON ROLL POKE CAKE!

Garnishes

You can’t go wrong with a simple sprinkle of extra cinnamon over the frosting, but a handful of chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar makes CINNAMON ROLL POKE CAKE! look bakery-worthy. For a little sparkle, try a pinch of coarse sanding sugar—especially if you want to impress brunch guests.

Side Dishes

Pairing this cake with something light and refreshing will keep your spread balanced. Try a bowl of fresh berries, a fruit salad, or tangy Greek yogurt parfaits alongside each slice. For a festive brunch, a cup of strong coffee or chai tea perfectly complements those cinnamon swirls.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to go beyond the classic 9×13 slab? Try serving CINNAMON ROLL POKE CAKE! in individual jars for a cute, transportable treat. For parties, cut the cake into cubes and skewer them for an easy grab-and-go dessert platter. If you’re feeling adventurous, use a round cookie cutter to create “mini cakes” and pipe the frosting for a personal touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid and keep them refrigerated. CINNAMON ROLL POKE CAKE! will stay fresh and moist for up to four days, so you can savor a slice whenever your sweet tooth calls.

Freezing

This cake freezes surprisingly well! Make sure it’s completely cooled, then wrap individual squares or the whole cake—frosting and all—in plastic and a layer of foil. Store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying; the flavors deepen and the texture stays dreamy.

Reheating

If you love your cake a little warm (who doesn’t?), microwave individual portions for 15-20 seconds—the frosting will get slightly melty and taste like a just-made cinnamon roll. Perfect for a cozy snack, especially with your favorite mug of coffee.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade cake instead of boxed mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite white or vanilla sheet cake recipe, use it as your base for CINNAMON ROLL POKE CAKE! Just be sure the cake is sturdy enough to hold up to all the delicious filling.

What if I don’t have clear vanilla extract?

Regular (brown) vanilla extract works just as well—the only difference is a slightly deeper hue in your filling and frosting. Flavor-wise, you’ll be just as happy!

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free white cake mix and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free (most are, but always verify labels). The results are just as crave-worthy.

Is it possible to make this ahead for a party?

CINNAMON ROLL POKE CAKE! is actually better made ahead—it gives the flavors time to meld and the filling to soak in. Prepare and frost it the night before, then chill until you’re ready to serve.

Can I add other spices or mix-ins?

You sure can! Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for an extra layer of warmth, or stir some finely chopped nuts into the topping. Tailor the recipe to your cravings!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a foolproof dessert that feels special but couldn’t be easier, CINNAMON ROLL POKE CAKE! is your new go-to. With its soft cake, gooey spiced filling, and thick cream cheese frosting, it hits all the comforts of a classic cinnamon roll—but with way less effort. Give it a try, and watch it disappear at your next gathering!

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