Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

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Imagine the comforting aroma of warm cinnamon swirls wafting through your kitchen, just like your favorite bakery at dawn. That’s the magic of Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake—a dessert that combines the soft, buttery texture of a cake with the nostalgic flavor of a homemade cinnamon roll. This sweet treat is drenched in a gooey glaze that seeps into every bite, delivering pure indulgence.

Whether you’re craving a cozy breakfast idea, a holiday brunch centerpiece, or simply a warm, easy dessert to share with loved ones, this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake delivers. It’s soft, moist, and infused with a buttery cinnamon-sugar ripple that mimics the essence of your favorite morning pastry. Drizzled with a luscious cream cheese icing, this cake is a guaranteed showstopper.

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Ingredients for this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

For the cake base:

• 1 box vanilla or white cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as called for on the box)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the cinnamon-sugar swirl:

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the glaze:

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the cream cheese icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp milk (to thin if needed)

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Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a large bowl, prepare the vanilla or white cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the batter and mix until smooth. Pour the batter into your prepared dish and spread it evenly.

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Step 2: Bake the Cake

Bake the cake according to the package directions, usually around 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for 5–10 minutes, just enough that it’s still warm but not too hot.

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Step 3: Poke and Fill

Using the handle of a wooden spoon or something similar in size, poke holes all over the top of the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart. In a small bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture slowly over the cake, making sure it seeps down into the holes. Let it sit and absorb the richness.

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Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Swirl

In another bowl, stir together melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Spoon or drizzle this mixture across the top of the cake, letting it fill the gaps and create that iconic cinnamon roll swirl.

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Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until fluffy. If the icing is too thick, add milk a little at a time until you reach a pourable consistency. Drizzle the icing generously over the cake while it’s still slightly warm.

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Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the cake rest for at least 10–15 minutes so the flavors can settle and the glaze soaks in completely. Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. Every bite will remind you of those gooey, bakery-style cinnamon rolls—but with the ease of a cake!

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake fresh and delicious, store it properly based on how soon you plan to enjoy it:

• Room Temperature: If serving within 1 day, you can loosely cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature. Make sure it’s in a cool, dry place.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage (up to 4–5 days), cover the cake tightly and refrigerate. The cream cheese icing stays fresher this way.
• Freezer: You can freeze individual slices by wrapping them in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in airtight containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving for that gooey texture.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (1/12th of the cake):

• Calories: ~420
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Sugar: 38g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: <1g
• Sodium: 320mg

Note: Nutrition values can vary slightly based on specific brands and portion sizes used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a poke cake?

A poke cake is a baked cake that’s pierced with holes after baking, then filled with a glaze, pudding, or sauce so the flavors soak deep into the cake layers.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes! It’s even better the next day as the glaze and icing soak into the cake. Prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate.

Can I use homemade cake instead of a box mix?

Absolutely. A homemade vanilla or butter cake will work beautifully. Just bake it in a 9×13-inch dish.

What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?

Try using a vanilla pudding mix for a creamier filling, or a caramel sauce if you’re looking for a richer twist.

How do I keep the icing from becoming too runny?

Only add milk to the icing a tablespoon at a time. It should be thick enough to drizzle, not pour like a glaze.

Can I reheat this cake?

Yes! Microwave individual slices for 15–20 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love the sweet cinnamon flavor, and it’s a fun dessert to help them prepare (especially poking the holes!).

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Sure! Chopped pecans or walnuts, or a handful of raisins, can be mixed into the batter or sprinkled on top for extra texture.

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