Welcome to the delightful world of desserts where the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls meets the effortless charm of a poke cake! Prepare to be captivated by this incredible Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake recipe, a creation so irresistibly delicious it’s destined to become your go-to for any occasion. Imagine a tender, vanilla-infused cake, generously permeated with an ooey-gooey, warm cinnamon-brown sugar filling, all crowned with a luscious, homemade cream cheese frosting. It’s truly a slice of heaven that delivers all the nostalgic flavors of your favorite cinnamon roll, but in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing cake form.
Why This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Will Be Your New Favorite
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake recipe has exceeded all expectations, quickly becoming a beloved staple. The secret? Its utterly divine, melt-in-your-mouth filling, combined with the simplicity of its preparation. This cake vanishes in record time wherever it’s served, testifying to its incredible appeal. It perfectly balances a light and tender vanilla cake with a rich, spiced filling that seeps into every crevice, creating pockets of warm, sweet cinnamon goodness. The crowning glory is a homemade cream cheese frosting, adding a creamy, tangy counterpoint that ties all the flavors together beautifully. This isn’t just a cake; it’s an experience – comforting, indulgent, and undeniably divine!
“Huge hit at our church dinner! It got emptied out fast – everyone loved it and wanted the recipe. Thank you so much!
– Shelly”
What Makes a Poke Cake So Special?
For those new to the concept, a poke cake is a magical dessert that involves baking a cake, then, once cooled, literally poking holes all over its surface. These holes are then filled with a liquid or semi-liquid mixture, such as pudding, gelatin, or in our case, a rich cinnamon-brown sugar sauce. This ingenious method allows the filling to seep deep into the cake, creating incredible pockets of flavor and moisture that elevate the dessert beyond a traditional cake. Finally, a frosting is spread over the top, not only to add another layer of flavor but also to elegantly conceal the poked holes, leaving a perfectly smooth and inviting finish. It’s a technique that guarantees a consistently moist, intensely flavored cake with every single bite.
The beauty of the poke cake lies in its versatility and ability to transform a simple cake mix into something extraordinary. This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake takes full advantage of this method, ensuring that the warm, aromatic cinnamon and sweet brown sugar mixture infuses every inch of the vanilla cake. The result is a dessert that’s not just easy to make but also incredibly satisfying and reminiscent of a freshly baked cinnamon roll, without the intricate rolling and shaping typically required.
Essential Ingredients for Your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Crafting this delectable Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake requires a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving its signature flavor and texture. We’ve broken them down by component, along with tips and potential substitutions, to ensure your baking experience is as smooth as your frosting!
For the Moist Vanilla Cake Base
- Vanilla Cake Mix: This is our starting point for an easy and consistently tender cake. While French vanilla is preferred for a richer flavor, a classic white or yellow cake mix will also work wonderfully. The key is to choose a flavor that complements, rather than competes with, the cinnamon filling. Avoid chocolate or fruit-flavored mixes for this recipe.
- Eggs, Oil & Water: Simply follow the specific proportions listed on the back of your chosen cake mix box. Different brands may require slightly varying amounts, so always refer to the package directions for the best results. These ingredients are vital for the cake’s structure and moisture.
The Irresistible Cinnamon-Brown Sugar Filling
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient is non-negotiable for the “ooey-gooey” texture and rich sweetness of our filling. It is crucial to double-check that you are using sweetened condensed milk and not evaporated milk, which is often found nearby on grocery store shelves. Evaporated milk will not provide the same thick, sweet consistency, and your filling will not set correctly.
- Salted Butter: Melted salted butter adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the filling, enhancing the overall richness. If you only have unsalted butter, you can certainly use it, but consider adding a tiny pinch of salt (about ⅛ teaspoon) to the filling mixture to balance the sweetness.
- Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: These are the stars of our cinnamon roll-inspired filling, providing that signature warmth and spice. Use a good quality ground cinnamon for the best aroma and flavor. For an even deeper, more molasses-like flavor, you can opt for dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. Make sure the brown sugar is packed when measuring.
Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Cheese: For a lump-free, silky-smooth frosting, your cream cheese *must* be fully softened to room temperature. This typically takes at least 30-60 minutes out of the refrigerator. If it’s too cold, your frosting will be lumpy, no matter how much you mix it.
- Butter: Like the cream cheese, the butter for your frosting should also be softened to room temperature to ensure it creams smoothly with the cream cheese, creating a homogenous base.
- Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this fine-textured sugar is essential for a smooth frosting that dissolves perfectly without any grittiness. Granulated sugar will not work as a substitute here.
- Vanilla Extract: A good quality vanilla extract enhances all the sweet flavors in the frosting, adding a classic bakery-style aroma and taste.
- Heavy Cream or Milk: Heavy cream is highly recommended for a truly rich, velvety, and indulgent frosting consistency. However, if heavy cream is unavailable, regular milk (whole milk works best) can be used as a suitable alternative. Start with the recommended amount and add more sparingly if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Cinnamon Sugar (Optional Topping): A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top adds a beautiful visual appeal and an extra burst of cinnamon flavor to the finished cake.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Perfection: How to Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Creating this delicious Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a straightforward process, broken down into three main stages: baking the cake, preparing and adding the filling, and finally, frosting your masterpiece. Follow these simple steps for a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress.
Creating Your Cake Foundation
- Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and spray it thoroughly with a nonstick cooking spray to ensure your cake releases easily.
- Mix the Cake Batter: Following the instructions on the back of your vanilla cake mix box, prepare the batter using the specified amounts of eggs, oil, and water. Mix until just combined and smooth, being careful not to overmix, which can lead to a tough cake. Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased baking dish.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cake according to the package directions, typically 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial before poking holes, as a warm cake will absorb the filling differently and may become soggy.
- Poke the Holes: Once the cake is fully cooled, grab the handle end of a wooden spoon or a similar blunt object (like a dowel or even a wide straw). Gently but firmly poke holes into the cake at approximately 1-inch intervals across the entire surface. Aim for holes that go almost all the way to the bottom but don’t break through. These holes are the conduits for our delicious filling!
Infusing the Oooey Gooey Filling
- Combine Filling Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, 4 tablespoons of melted salted butter, ½ cup of packed brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Whisk until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Pour and Spread the Filling: Carefully pour the cinnamon-brown sugar filling mixture over the cooled, poked cake. Use the back of a spoon or a butter knife to gently spread the filling, guiding it into all the poked holes and evenly distributing it across the cake’s surface. Ensure every hole is filled to maximize flavor.
Mastering the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the ½ block (4 ounces) of fully softened cream cheese and ⅓ cup of softened butter. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat these together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add Remaining Frosting Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream (or milk). Once the dry ingredients are mostly incorporated, increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and spreadable. Adjust the consistency by adding a tiny bit more powdered sugar for thicker frosting or a few drops more cream/milk for a thinner consistency.
- Frost the Cake: Evenly spread the luscious cream cheese frosting over the top of the cake, covering the filling and the poked holes. Aim for a smooth, inviting layer.
The Finishing Touch and Chilling
- Garnish and Chill: For an extra touch, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar lightly over the top of the frosting. This adds a beautiful aesthetic and a hint more cinnamon flavor.
- Set the Cake: Place the frosted cake into the refrigerator for at least one hour. This crucial step allows the cinnamon-brown sugar filling to set properly within the cake and ensures the frosting firms up slightly, making the cake easier to slice and enhancing the overall texture and flavor marriage.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is ready to be served! Cut into generous slices and watch it disappear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
A poke cake is a delightful dessert that begins with a baked cake. Once cooled, holes are poked across its surface, typically using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer. These holes are then filled with a liquid or semi-liquid mixture, such as sweetened condensed milk, pudding, gelatin, or fruit purées, allowing the flavors to seep deep into the cake. The cake is then topped with frosting, which serves to both enhance the flavor and hide the poked holes, creating a beautiful and intensely flavored dessert. It’s a fantastic method for ensuring every bite is moist and packed with flavor, making it a favorite for countless dessert recipes, including our popular Oreo Pudding Poke Cake, Banana Pudding Poke Cake, and Boston Cream Poke Cake.
While a vanilla or French vanilla cake mix is highly recommended because its subtle flavor perfectly complements the rich cinnamon filling, you certainly have other options. You could successfully use a butter or yellow cake mix, as these flavors also blend harmoniously with cinnamon. However, it’s best to avoid strongly flavored cake mixes like chocolate, lemon, or strawberry, as they might overpower or clash with the distinct cinnamon roll profile we’re aiming for. The goal is to let the cinnamon and brown sugar filling shine!
Absolutely! If you prefer to go the extra mile and bake from scratch, feel free to substitute your favorite homemade vanilla, yellow, or butter cake recipe for the boxed mix. Just ensure your homemade cake is baked in a 9×13-inch dish to accommodate the filling and frosting ratios. The principle remains the same: bake, cool, poke, fill, and frost. Using a homemade cake will only elevate the already incredible flavor of this dessert!
If cream cheese frosting isn’t to your taste, you have several excellent alternatives. You can easily create a delicious vanilla buttercream frosting by simply omitting the cream cheese from our recipe. You might need to adjust the amount of powdered sugar and milk/cream slightly to achieve the desired thickness and consistency. Alternatively, for ultimate convenience, a good quality store-bought vanilla or whipped frosting would work perfectly. The key is to choose a frosting that offers a sweet, creamy contrast without overpowering the cinnamon roll flavors.
Due to the cream cheese frosting, leftovers of this delicious cake should always be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days when properly refrigerated. Yes, this cake also freezes wonderfully! To freeze, wrap the cake (either whole or in individual slices) very well with multiple layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, to protect it from freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply defrost it in the refrigerator overnight.
The ideal tool for poking holes is the handle end of a wooden spoon, which creates holes that are wide enough to receive a generous amount of filling without tearing the cake apart. Alternatively, a thick dowel, the back of a chopstick, or even a wide-diameter straw can work. Aim to poke holes about 1 inch apart, going almost all the way to the bottom of the cake. This ensures an even distribution of the delicious cinnamon filling throughout.
Chilling the Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake for at least an hour after frosting is a crucial step that significantly enhances the final result. First, it allows the warm cinnamon-brown sugar filling, which might still be slightly liquid, to fully set and firm up within the cake’s holes. This prevents the filling from running out when sliced and contributes to that perfect “ooey-gooey” texture. Second, chilling helps the cream cheese frosting to firm up, making the cake much cleaner and easier to slice. Finally, it allows all the flavors to meld together more harmoniously, resulting in an even more delicious and cohesive dessert experience.
Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
- Don’t Overmix the Cake Batter: Mix only until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough, less tender cake.
- Cool Completely: Ensure your cake is entirely cool before poking holes and adding the filling. A warm cake will absorb the filling too quickly and can become mushy.
- Proper Hole Size and Spacing: Use a tool that creates holes large enough (like the handle of a wooden spoon) to allow the filling to seep in properly, but not so large that the cake crumbles. Space them evenly for consistent flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients for Frosting: This is critical for smooth, lump-free cream cheese frosting. Plan ahead and take out your cream cheese and butter an hour or so before you start.
- Quality Ingredients: While a boxed mix provides ease, using good quality vanilla extract, fresh cinnamon, and real butter will make a noticeable difference in the overall flavor profile.
- Don’t Skip the Chill Time: The refrigeration period allows the filling to set beautifully and the flavors to fully meld, enhancing the texture and taste of the cake.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a showstopper on its own, but you can elevate the experience even further with a few simple serving suggestions or creative variations:
- Classic Pairing: Serve a slice warm or at room temperature with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a tall glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort food experience.
- A la Mode: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting alongside a slice of this cake is pure bliss, adding an extra layer of creaminess and temperature contrast.
- Fruit Topping: A scattering of fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries can add a touch of freshness and a tart counterpoint to the sweetness.
Feeling adventurous? Try these delicious variations:
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts over the frosting before chilling for added texture and a nutty flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: A light drizzle of caramel sauce over the frosting just before serving would mimic a caramel pecan roll flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling for a more complex spice profile.
More Irresistible Poke Cake Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and deliciousness of this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake, you’re in luck! The world of poke cakes is vast and full of exciting flavors. Here are some more beloved recipes that utilize the poke cake method to create incredible desserts:
- Banana Pudding Poke Cake
- Red Velvet Poke Cake
- Boston Cream Poke Cake
- Oreo Poke Cake
- Carrot Pudding Poke Cake
- Twinkie Poke Cake
- The Best Chocolate Poke Cake
- Cherry Almond Poke Cake
- Ultimate Lemon Poke Cake
- Apple Pie Poke Cake
- Tiramisu Poke Cake
- Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up
Originally published: May 2019
Updated & republished: June 2023
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
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30 minutes
38 minutes
1 hour
1 hour 8 minutes
9
Brandie Skibinski
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Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- ingredients needed to make cake: eggs, oil and water
For the filling:
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 Tablespoons melted salted butter
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the frosting:
- ½ block (4 ounces) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ⅓ cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Tablespoon heavy cream or milk
- cinnamon sugar (for topping, optional)
Instructions
For the cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare 1 box vanilla cake mix with eggs, oil and water according to package directions. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
- After baking, allow the cake to cool completely. Then, using the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes (in about 1-inch intervals) into the cooled cake.
For the filling:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk, 4 Tablespoons melted salted butter, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the filling mixture into the poked holes and gently spread it out using the back of a spoon or a butter knife, ensuring it seeps into all the cavities.
For the frosting:
- In a medium bowl, mix together 1/2 block (4 ounces) cream cheese, softened to room temperature and 1/3 cup butter, softened to room temperature with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Then, slowly mix in 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 Tablespoon heavy cream or milk. Continue mixing until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Evenly spread the prepared frosting onto the cake, covering the entire surface.
- Sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top of the frosting (optional). Place the cake into the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the filling and frosting to set. Then slice and serve!
Video
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions and helpful tips.
Dessert
American
Nutrition
Calories:
594
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
86
g
|
Protein:
12
g
|
Fat:
22
g
|
Sodium:
623
mg
|
Sugar:
62
g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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