Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake: The Ultimate Comfort Dessert Fusion

When my weekend sweet tooth hits but I can’t decide between my favorite breakfast pastry and a decadent dessert, there’s one creation that perfectly satisfies both cravings. I discovered the magic of Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake last winter when hosting a brunch that turned into an all-day affair. This ingenious treat captures everything I love about warm, gooey cinnamon rolls but transforms them into a supremely moist cake that’s even easier to serve.

What makes this cake truly special is the luscious brown sugar cinnamon filling that gets poured into holes across the cake’s surface, creating pockets of warm spiced sweetness in every bite. Starting with a simple white cake mix means I can have this impressive dessert ready in under an hour—including the tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances the sweetness.

I’ve found this dessert wins over absolutely everyone, from picky eaters to dessert connoisseurs. The familiar comfort of cinnamon roll flavors in an elevated cake form makes it perfect for everything from casual gatherings to holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

I’ve perfected this recipe through several iterations, and these carefully balanced ingredients create the perfect cinnamon roll flavor profile in cake form.

For the Cake

• 1 box white cake mix
• 8 tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 8 oz whipped topping

For the Filling

• 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 4 Tablespoons melted salted butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 block (4 ounces) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/3 cup butter, softened to room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 Tablespoon heavy cream or milk

Kitchen Essentials for Your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Adventure

Before diving into the baking process, I always make sure my kitchen is properly equipped. Having the right tools at hand makes creating this cinnamon-spiced masterpiece a breeze rather than a chore. Here’s everything I gather before starting my Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake:

Baking Equipment:

I’ve found that having a well-organized workspace with all these items ready makes the baking process so much more enjoyable:

1. A sturdy 9×13-inch baking pan is absolutely essential for this recipe. This size provides the perfect depth for the cake and enough surface area for those delicious poke holes.
2. At least two mixing bowls of different sizes—one larger bowl for the cake batter and a medium bowl for preparing the cinnamon filling.
3. A good whisk to thoroughly incorporate the cake ingredients, ensuring no dry pockets remain in your batter.
4. Precise measuring cups and spoons for both dry and liquid ingredients. The balance of flavors in this cake relies on accurate measurements.
5. A microwave-safe bowl that can handle heating the butter mixture without warping or becoming too hot to handle.
6. A silicone spatula has been my go-to tool for folding ingredients together and smoothly transferring every bit of batter to the pan.
7. The back of a wooden spoon or a round handle works perfectly for creating those essential poke holes, though a skewer or even the tines of a fork can work in a pinch.
8. Don’t forget that your refrigerator plays an important role! Chilling the cake after adding the filling helps everything set beautifully and intensifies the flavors.

When I have all these tools ready before starting, the whole process flows smoothly from mixing to poking to that satisfying moment when I pull the finished cake from the refrigerator.

Bringing Your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake to Life: The Step-by-Step Process

I’ve made this cake dozens of times now, and I’ve developed a foolproof method that guarantees perfect results every time. Here’s exactly how I transform simple ingredients into a showstopping cinnamon roll-inspired dessert:

Prepping the Ingredients

My first step is always to gather everything I’ll need before starting. I make sure my white cake mix, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk are all measured and ready to go. I’ve learned the hard way that having everything prepared before mixing prevents those mid-recipe grocery store runs!

I also ensure my butter and cream cheese are properly softened at room temperature. This small detail makes a huge difference in achieving that perfectly smooth, lump-free frosting later on.

Preheating the Oven

While I’m organizing my ingredients, I preheat my oven to 350°F (180°C). This gives it plenty of time to reach the correct temperature—an often overlooked but crucial step for even baking. Proper preheating prevents the disappointment of an undercooked center or overbrowned edges.

Baking the Cake

Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter

1. With my oven preheated to 350°F, I thoroughly spray my 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray, making sure to get the corners.
2. I follow the directions on the white cake mix box, typically adding water, oil, and eggs. I’ve found that whole eggs create a slightly richer cake, but egg whites work perfectly fine too.
3. I pour the batter into my prepared pan, using my spatula to spread it evenly into the corners.
4. I’ve noticed this cake tends to bake about 3-5 minutes faster than the box suggests, so I start checking at the 20-minute mark by inserting a toothpick in the center.
5. Once baked, I let the cake cool until it’s just warm to the touch—not completely cool, but not piping hot either.

Step 2: Creating Holes in the Cake

1. Using the handle end of my wooden spoon, I poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about ½ inch apart.
2. I make sure the holes go almost to the bottom of the cake but not completely through—this creates perfect pockets for the cinnamon filling.

Step 3: Infusing the Cake

1. In my microwave-safe bowl, I combine the 8 tablespoons of softened butter, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and that important pinch of salt.
2. I heat this mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the butter is completely melted and everything is well blended.
3. While it’s still warm, I pour this cinnamon-sugar mixture slowly over the cake, paying special attention to getting it into those holes I created.
4. I place the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to help set the filling.
5. Meanwhile, I beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of half and half until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
6. Once the cake has chilled, I gently spread this cream cheese frosting over the entire surface.
7. I return the cake to the refrigerator for at least another 30 minutes to set the frosting completely before serving.

The result is a perfectly moist cake infused with warm cinnamon goodness in every bite, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that complements the sweetness beautifully.

Mastering the Signature Cinnamon Filling: The Heart of Your Poke Cake

I consider the filling to be the absolute star of this dessert. This is where all those nostalgic cinnamon roll flavors shine through, transforming a simple cake into something truly memorable. Let me walk you through exactly how I create that perfect cinnamon-sugar mixture that makes everyone ask for my recipe:

1. Preparing the Graham Cracker Mixture: My secret weapon in this recipe is the graham cracker component. I start by crushing about 45 large graham crackers (or using pre-crushed crumbs) to get that perfect cup of fine crumbs. In a small bowl, I thoroughly mix these crumbs with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1½ tablespoons of ground cinnamon. The key here is making sure everything is evenly incorporated—I use my fingers to break up any brown sugar clumps, ensuring each graham cracker particle gets coated with that warm cinnamon spice. This mixture creates that distinctive cinnamon roll texture we’re after.
2. Creating the Perfect Swirl Pattern: Once my cake batter is in the 9×13 pan, I don’t just dump the graham cracker mixture on top. Instead, I carefully sprinkle it in an even layer across the entire surface, making sure to reach all the edges and corners. Then comes the fun part! Using a butter knife held vertically, I gently drag it through the batter in a zigzag pattern from one end of the pan to the other. I rotate the pan 90 degrees and repeat the process, creating that beautiful marbled effect that ensures every slice has ribbons of cinnamon goodness throughout. I’ve learned not to overdo this step—just 4-5 passes in each direction preserves those distinct swirls rather than fully incorporating the mixture.
3. Baking for Optimal Flavor Development: As the cake bakes, something magical happens—the graham cracker mixture caramelizes slightly, creating those pockets of gooey cinnamon flavor that remind you of the center of a freshly baked cinnamon roll. I watch carefully as it bakes, looking for that golden color on top while ensuring the center is fully cooked. The toothpick test is essential here—it should come out clean from the center but might have a few moist crumbs clinging to it from the cinnamon swirls.

The fragrance that fills my kitchen during this process is reason enough to make this cake! That warm, spicy cinnamon aroma combined with the sweet cake creates an irresistible anticipation for what’s to come. The filling distributes throughout the cake during baking, ensuring that distinctive cinnamon roll flavor permeates every single bite.

The Magic Moment: Building Your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Layer by Layer

My favorite part of making this cake is the assembly process—where all those individual components come together to create something truly spectacular. Here’s exactly how I build my perfect Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake:

Adding the Filling

1. After my freshly baked cake has cooled for about 15 minutes (still slightly warm), I take the handle end of my wooden spoon and begin creating a network of holes across the entire surface. I space them about half an inch apart, making sure to cover the whole cake.
2. With the holes ready, I open my can of sweetened condensed milk and slowly drizzle it over the entire cake. I’ve found that pouring it gradually in a zigzag pattern ensures it distributes evenly, giving each bite that perfect sweet creaminess.
3. I let the cake sit for about 5 minutes, occasionally tilting the pan slightly to help the condensed milk find its way into all those little pockets.
4. While waiting, I prepare my signature cinnamon mixture. In a small bowl, I combine the cup of graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1½ tablespoons of ground cinnamon, mixing until the color is uniform.
5. Next comes the most satisfying step—sprinkling this fragrant mixture over the entire cake surface. I make sure to get an even coating from edge to edge, creating that unmistakable cinnamon roll appearance.
6. Using the back of a spoon, I gently press this mixture into the holes, helping it mingle with the condensed milk inside the cake. This technique ensures those cinnamon flavors penetrate deeply.
7. At this point, I cover the cake and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This resting period is crucial—it allows all those flavors to meld together while the cake structure absorbs the moisture from the filling.

Applying the Frosting

1. When I’m ready to frost, I gather my ingredients: 8 ounces of cream cheese and ½ cup of butter (both softened to room temperature), 3 cups of powdered sugar, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream.
2. Using my electric mixer, I beat these ingredients together, starting on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud and gradually increasing to medium-high until the frosting becomes light and fluffy—usually about 3-4 minutes.
3. I retrieve my chilled cake from the refrigerator and begin spreading this luscious frosting across the top. I work from the center outward, creating swoops and swirls with my spatula that mimic the look of frosting on a traditional cinnamon roll.
4. For that final touch of authenticity, I sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon across the top of the frosting—just enough to add visual appeal and reinforce that classic cinnamon roll flavor profile.
5. Back into the refrigerator it goes for at least 30 minutes, allowing the frosting to set to the perfect consistency.
6. When it’s time to serve, I use a sharp knife dipped in hot water (and wiped clean) between cuts to create beautiful, clean slices that showcase all those delicious layers.

The result is a stunning dessert that offers the nostalgic flavor of cinnamon rolls but in an even more indulgent form—creamy, sweet, spiced, and utterly irresistible with every forkful.

Elevating Your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake: Perfect Pairings and Preservation

The grand finale of my cinnamon roll poke cake journey always involves thoughtful presentation and serving suggestions. After all the care that goes into creating this dessert, I want to make sure it’s enjoyed to its fullest potential!

1. Warm Cinnamon Drizzle:

My absolute favorite way to serve this cake for special occasions is with a warm cinnamon drizzle that takes it to the next level. I melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan, then stir in 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Once it starts bubbling, I let it cook for about 30 seconds until slightly thickened. Drizzling this warm sauce over each slice creates a bakery-worthy presentation that never fails to impress guests.

2. Ice Cream Pairing:

On cozy weekend evenings, I love serving this cake slightly warmed with a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream. The temperature contrast between the cake and ice cream creates a magical moment as the ice cream slowly melts into the cinnamon-spiced crumb. For an extra special touch, I sometimes use cinnamon ice cream instead for a double dose of that beloved flavor.

3. Fresh Fruit Garnish:

During summer months, I’ve found that adding fresh berries brings a welcome brightness to this rich dessert. A handful of raspberries or sliced strawberries arranged alongside each slice adds a pop of color and a tangy counterpoint to the sweet cake. For fall gatherings, I’ve had great success with a spoonful of sautéed apples with a hint of nutmeg as a seasonal garnish.

4. Coffee or Tea:

I never serve this cake without offering a beverage pairing! A robust cup of coffee cuts through the sweetness perfectly, while chai tea complements the cinnamon notes beautifully. For afternoon gatherings, I prepare a coffee station with various creamers and a pot of spiced tea to let guests create their perfect pairing.

5. Dusting of Powdered Sugar:

When I want a quick but elegant presentation, I place a paper doily over each slice before dusting with powdered sugar. When removed, it leaves a beautiful pattern that makes even a simple slice look like it came from a professional bakery.

Storage Tips

In the Fridge:

I’ve learned through experience that proper storage is crucial for maintaining this cake’s wonderful texture. Because of the cream cheese frosting, I always store leftovers in the refrigerator. My method is to cut the remaining cake into individual portions and place them in a container with a tight-fitting lid. This makes it easy to grab a single slice and prevents the cake from drying out. In my experience, the cake remains delicious for up to 4 days, though the texture is at its peak within the first 2 days.

In the Freezer:

When making this cake ahead for a future event, I freeze it before adding the frosting. I wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. I’ve successfully kept it frozen for up to three months without any loss of quality. The key is allowing it to thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before adding the freshly made cream cheese frosting just before serving.

Conclusion

My journey with Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake has taught me that simple ingredients can transform into something truly extraordinary with the right technique. This dessert brings together everything I love about cinnamon rolls—the warm spices, the gooey filling, the cream cheese topping—but in a form that’s easier to share and serve.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet and comforting, this cake delivers satisfaction in every forkful. The balance of moist cake, cinnamon-sugar infusion, and tangy frosting creates a harmony of flavors that keeps everyone coming back for just one more slice.

I’ve shared this recipe countless times with friends and family, and it never fails to bring smiles and recipe requests. The versatility of serving options means it works equally well at brunch gatherings or elegant dinner parties. With proper storage techniques, you can enjoy this delectable creation for days—though in my house, it rarely lasts more than 24 hours!