Ingredients

There’s something special about desserts that remind you of home—those cozy flavors that instantly take you back to slow weekend mornings and warm family breakfasts. This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake delivers that exact feeling. With its gooey filling, soft cake, and silky cream cheese frosting, every bite feels like comfort and celebration rolled into one.

If you grew up loving cinnamon rolls on Sunday mornings, this cake will reconnect you with that nostalgia in the sweetest way. It’s familiar but fun, classic yet exciting, and absolutely perfect for sharing. Whether you’re bringing dessert to a gathering or surprising your family after an easy dinner recipe, this cake shows up as pure joy.

Best of all? It’s unbelievably simple to make. No complicated steps, no fuss—just a decadent, family-friendly comfort food dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again, especially when you want something that feels warm, homemade, and irresistible.

 

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 box vanilla cake mix
• Ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, water)

For the Filling

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream

 

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Prepare the cake batter according to the package directions. Pour into the pan and bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the condensed milk, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cooled cake. Pour the cinnamon filling evenly over the top, pressing it gently into the holes.
5. For the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually. Mix in vanilla, salt, and 1 tablespoon of cream. Whip until fluffy. Add more cream if you prefer a softer texture.
6. Spread the frosting over the cake. Chill for 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort food at its best: All the cozy flavor of a homemade cinnamon roll with the ease of a simple cake mix.
• Perfect for busy families: An ideal dessert for your next easy dinner recipe, potluck, or Sunday lunch.
• Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves poke cakes, and this one is extra special thanks to its gooey cinnamon filling.
• Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.

 

Tips for the Best Results

• Make sure the cake is fully cooled before adding frosting so it spreads smoothly.
• For deeper cinnamon flavor, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon directly over the warm cake before frosting.
• If you like extra gooey desserts, increase the filling by 25%.
• Chill at least 30 minutes for clean slices and the perfect poke-cake texture.

 

Variations

• Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake: Add 1 cup diced apples to the filling for a fall twist.
• Chocolate Cinnamon Cake: Mix 1 tablespoon cocoa powder into the filling.
• Maple Glazed Version: Replace vanilla in the frosting with pure maple syrup.
• Pecan Crunch Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the frosting for texture.

 

FAQs

1. Can I use spice cake mix instead of vanilla?
Yes! It adds even more warm spice flavor.

2. Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely—poke cakes taste even better the next day.

3. Do I need heavy cream for the frosting?
No. Milk works too, but cream creates a smoother finish.

4. Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake?
Yes, freeze unfrosted or fully frosted for up to 2 months.

5. Should this cake be served cold or room temperature?
Either works, but cold slices hold the filling beautifully.

6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply bake in two 9×13-inch pans.

7. What’s the best topping for added crunch?
Toasted pecans, walnuts, or even a cinnamon streusel.

8. Does the filling make the cake soggy?
No—the filling sinks in but the structure stays soft and moist.

9. Can I replace the condensed milk?
Not recommended, as it provides richness and thickness.

10. Is this safe for kids to help make?
Yes! Kids love poking the holes and mixing the frosting.

 

How to Serve

Serve after dinner as a warm, cozy, family-friendly comfort food treat.
Pairs especially well with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.

Make Ahead & Storage

• Make Ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance and keep chilled.
• Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered for 4–5 days.
• Freeze: Freeze slices individually for easy grab-and-go treats.

 

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is one of those recipes that reminds you why baking at home feels so rewarding. It’s simple, warm, comforting, and filled with the flavors everyone loves—cinnamon, brown sugar, and creamy frosting. Whether you’re serving it after an easy dinner recipe, bringing it to a potluck, or surprising your family with a cozy weekend treat, this dessert always delivers that “wow” moment.

It’s the kind of family-friendly comfort food that feels special without being complicated, and that’s why it quickly becomes a repeat favorite. Make it once, and you’ll understand why this cake never lasts long on the table. Enjoy every soft, gooey, cinnamon-swirled bite!