Dessert

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe

ByAndria Russo December 2, 2025December 2, 2025

Introduction

This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake combines the best flavors of a classic cinnamon roll into a moist, easy-to-make cake. With a rich cinnamon-butter filling baked right into the cake and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, it’s a perfect treat for any occasion.

A single square slice of cinnamon cake is shown on a white plate with a white marbled background. The cake has two visible layers; the bottom layer is soft and light brown with a crumbly, moist texture marbled with darker cinnamon swirls, while the top layer is a thick, smooth, creamy white frosting spread evenly. There are some slight peaks and swirls in the frosting texture. The cake looks fluffy and rich, and next to the plate is a cinnamon stick and a jar of cinnamon on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box vanilla (white) cake mix, prepared as directed on the box
5 tablespoons butter
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2½ teaspoons clear vanilla extract
14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
8 tablespoons butter, softened (½ cup)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract
2 teaspoons half and half
2½ cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with baking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the package directions. Note that using whole eggs or egg whites is your choice. Bake the cake and watch it closely, as it often finishes a few minutes before the suggested time. Allow the cake to cool until it is slightly warm to the touch.
Step 3: Use the handle end of a silicone spoon, spatula, or wooden utensil to poke holes evenly all over the cake, spacing them about ½ inch apart.
Step 4: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 5 tablespoons butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, 2½ teaspoons vanilla extract, and the sweetened condensed milk. Whisk until combined. Heat in the microwave on high for 1 minute, stir, then heat another minute and stir again. Continue heating in 30-second increments, stirring well each time, until no brown sugar lumps remain.
Step 5: Carefully pour or ladle the warm cinnamon butter mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
Step 6: In a mixing bowl, beat 8 tablespoons softened butter and cream cheese together on medium speed until creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 7: Lower the mixer speed to low and add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons half and half, and powdered sugar ½ cup at a time. Once all powdered sugar is added, increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Step 8: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake using a silicone spatula. Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container for future use.

Tips & Variations

Use egg whites only for a lighter cake if desired, but whole eggs add richness.
Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon butter mixture before pouring it over the cake for extra texture and flavor.
For an extra gooey topping, warm the frosting slightly before spreading it on the cake.

Storage

Store the cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving or warm individual slices slightly in the microwave for a soft, fresh-from-the-oven taste.

How to Serve

A square piece of cinnamon swirl cake sits on a white plate, showing two main layers: a light, fluffy cake base mixed with swirls of darker brown cinnamon filling, creating a marbled effect. On top, there is a thick, creamy layer of smooth, pale off-white frosting that spreads evenly with soft, gentle swirls. The texture of the cake looks soft and moist, contrasting with the glossy, rich frosting above. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with part of a cinnamon stick and a small jar blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor for this recipe?

Yes, vanilla or white cake mix works best to showcase the cinnamon and cream cheese flavors, but you can experiment with yellow or butter cake mixes if preferred.