Dessert

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe

ByLily Cross December 2, 2025December 2, 2025

Introduction

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining the ease of boxed cake with the rich flavors of cinnamon and cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a cozy gathering or whenever you crave a sweet treat with minimal effort.

A thick slice of cake is shown on a white plate, sitting on a white marbled surface. The cake has two main layers: the bottom layer is a soft, light tan cake with visible swirls of darker cinnamon-colored filling mixed inside. On top, there is a thick, smooth layer of creamy, pale off-white frosting that spreads evenly across the surface. The texture of the cake looks moist and crumbly, while the frosting appears dense and rich. In the background, there is a cinnamon stick and a small blurred jar with brown contents, adding warmth to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box vanilla (white) cake mix, prepared as directed on the box
5 tablespoons butter
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2½ teaspoons clear vanilla extract
14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
8 tablespoons butter, softened (½ cup)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract
2 teaspoons half and half
2½ cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with baking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the box instructions. Keep an eye on the cake as it may bake faster than the suggested time. Allow the cake to cool until it is just slightly warm.
Step 3: Use the handle end of a silicone spoon, spatula, or wooden spoon to poke holes about ½ inch apart all over the cake.
Step 4: In a heat-safe bowl, combine 5 tablespoons butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, 2½ teaspoons vanilla extract, and the sweetened condensed milk. Whisk to combine and heat in the microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring after each, until smooth and free of lumps.
Step 5: Carefully pour the warm butter mixture evenly over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.
Step 6: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together on medium speed until creamy, scraping down the bowl sides as needed.
Step 7: Lower the mixer speed and add 2 teaspoons vanilla, half and half, and powdered sugar in ½ cup increments. Then beat at medium speed until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Step 8: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake using a silicone spatula. Store any extra frosting in an airtight container.

Tips & Variations

For a richer cinnamon flavor, sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon on top of the frosting before serving.
Use egg whites or whole eggs in the cake mix based on your preference; both work well.
Try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the frosting for added texture.

Storage

Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, you can let the cake sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes for a softer texture. Reheat individual slices briefly in the microwave for a warm treat.