Cinnamon Roll Poke Dessert Cake
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is a great shortcut for anyone who enjoys the soft, gooey center of a cinnamon roll but wants a simpler method without working with yeast or waiting for dough to rise. After baking a vanilla cake, holes are poked throughout so a rich cinnamon-butter mixture can soak into the cake, making every bite moist and packed with warm spice. Topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, it brings that classic bakery flavor with much less effort.
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Ingredients
| Component | Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| For the Cake | Vanilla or white cake mix | 1 (15 1/4 oz) box |
| Milk | 1 cup | |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 1/2 cup | |
| Large eggs | 3 | |
| Pure vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | |
| Cinnamon Filling | Brown sugar, packed | 3/4 cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 teaspoons | |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 4 tablespoons | |
| Frosting | Cream cheese, softened | 4 oz |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1/4 cup | |
| Powdered sugar | 1 1/2 cups | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| Milk | 1/2 tablespoon |
How To Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Heat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cake mix, milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla for about 2 minutes. Using milk and butter instead of the usual water and oil helps create a richer flavor.
Step 2: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sauce
While the cake is baking, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl. Stir until the mixture becomes thick and syrupy.
Step 4: Poke and Add the Filling
After removing the cake from the oven, let it sit for 10 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes across the surface about 1 inch apart. Spoon the cinnamon mixture over the cake, helping it seep into the holes. Allow the cake to cool completely, about 1 hour.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
Beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
Step 6: Frost and Chill
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. For a cinnamon-roll look, use the back of a spoon to create light swirls on top. Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before slicing so the flavors can settle together.
