This cinnamon roll poke cake is everything you love about a gooey cinnamon roll—made super easy with a cake mix, sweet cinnamon drizzle, and fluffy whipped cream cheese frosting on top! It's cozy, creamy, and totally irresistible.
This post may contain affiliate links. When you click on these links, I get a small percentage back at no cost to you! For more information see my disclosure policy.
Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap "Jump to Recipe" at the top of the page.
Get Away Today is my FAVORITE company to book my Disney vacations. Get discounts and the BEST customer service by checking prices below. Don’t forget to use the coupon code: Clubhouse10 to save even more! Tap the yellow button below to check prices and see more Disney World Deals from Get Away Today!
Why You'll Love This Cake
If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls (and who isn’t?), this cinnamon roll poke cake is going to be your new favorite dessert hack!
It starts with a simple vanilla cake mix, gets soaked with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling that melts into every bite, and is topped with the dreamiest whipped cream cheese frosting.
It’s got all the cozy, gooey goodness of a homemade cinnamon roll—without all the work. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or just because you deserve a little something sweet!
Ingredients
*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Vanilla Cake Mix: The base of the cake, making prep quick and easy while still tasting homemade.
- Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the cake mix.
- Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and give the cake structure.
- Oil: Keeps the cake soft and moist.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and that signature cinnamon roll flavor.
- Cinnamon: Warm spice that gives the cake its classic swirl flavor.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Poured into the poked holes to create gooey, sweet pockets throughout the cake.
- Melted Butter: Combined with cinnamon and sugar for a buttery, rich filling.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor depth to the cinnamon filling.
- Cream Cheese (softened) – Gives the frosting a rich, tangy base.
- Butter (softened) – Adds creaminess and helps whip the frosting to a fluffy texture.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
How to Make a Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
[Step 1] Bake the cake: In a mixing bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, combine the vanilla cake mix, milk, eggs, and oil. Beat until smooth and well combined. Pour the batter into a 9x13 inch baking pan that has been coated with nonstick spray and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
[Step 2] Poke the Cake: Allow the cake to cool for 5 minutes, then use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes in the cake about 1 inch apart.
[Step 3] Cinnamon Roll Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined. Pour the mixture evenly over the cake, letting it soak into the holes. Allow the cake to cool completely.
[Step 4] Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until light and fluffy. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
[Step 5] Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving. Slice and enjoy that gooey cinnamon roll goodness!
How to Store Cinnamon Roll Cake
To store cinnamon roll poke cake, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Because of the cream cheese frosting and sweetened condensed milk filling, chilling helps keep the cake fresh and delicious. You can enjoy it cold or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 Vanilla Cake Mix
- 1 Cup Milk
- 3 Eggs
- 2 Egg Yolks
- ½ Cup Oil
Cinnamon Roll Filling
- 14 Ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ Cup Brown Sugar
- 2 Teaspoons Cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 Ounces Cream Cheese softened
- ½ Cup Butter softened
- 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Milk
- 1 ½ Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- ⅛ Teaspoon Salt
Instructions
Cake
- In a mixing bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, combine the cake mix, milk, eggs, and oil. Beat until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the batter into a 9x13 inch baking pan that has been coated with nonstick spray and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 5 minutes, then use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes in the cake about 1 inch apart.
Cinnamon Roll Filling
- In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the cake, letting it soak into the holes. Allow the cake to cool completely.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until light and fluffy. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving. Slice and enjoy that gooey cinnamon roll goodness!
Leave a Reply