This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake combines the soft, fluffy texture of a vanilla cake with the gooey sweetness of cinnamon filling and creamy glaze. Each bite melts in your mouth with buttery cinnamon-sugar flavor — just like a fresh-baked cinnamon roll! Perfect for brunch, holidays, or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow or white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box: eggs, oil, and water)
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup heavy cream (or milk)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (more as needed for consistency)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Bake the Cake
Prepare and bake the cake according to the package directions in a 13×9-inch pan.
Once baked, let it cool for about 10 minutes. - Poke the Holes
Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the cake (about 1 inch apart). - Make the Cinnamon Filling
In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, cinnamon, heavy cream, melted butter, and vanilla.
While the cake is still warm, slowly pour the mixture over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. - Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool completely so the cinnamon mixture sets inside. - Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, and mix until creamy and pourable. - Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. For an extra treat, sprinkle lightly with cinnamon sugar or chopped pecans.
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For best flavor, bring to room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
- Gooey, moist, and full of cinnamon flavor
- Easy to make with cake mix
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
- Feeds a crowd — great for potlucks and holidays
FAQ
Q: Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix?
Absolutely! A simple vanilla or butter cake works great.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
Yes! This cake tastes even better the next day once the flavors soak in.
Q: Can I use store-bought frosting?
You can — just warm cream cheese frosting slightly and drizzle over the cake.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake delivers all the cozy flavors of homemade cinnamon rolls with none of the fuss. It’s sweet, buttery, and irresistibly gooey — the kind of dessert that makes everyone ask for seconds.
