Hey there, sweet friend! First off — thank you so much for stopping by my cozy baking corner today. I’m so grateful you’re here because I’m about to share a dessert that’s everything we love about gooey cinnamon rolls — but in cake form! If you’re craving an easy treat that tastes like it came straight from a bakery, you’re in for a real delight today.
This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is soft, sweet, warmly spiced, and topped with the dreamiest cream cheese frosting that soaks into every bite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dessert but impressive enough to bring to a potluck or holiday brunch.
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Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
If you love cinnamon rolls but hate the fuss of yeast and rolling dough, this poke cake is your new best friend. You start with a humble white cake mix, swirl in cinnamon and brown sugar (hello, cozy!), then poke it full of holes so that rich, tangy cream cheese frosting seeps into every nook and cranny.
Flavor-wise? Think soft vanilla cake with buttery brown sugar cinnamon swirls, all topped with creamy frosting that tastes like classic cinnamon roll icing. It’s warm, sweet, and just indulgent enough to make any day feel special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 1 box of white cake mix
- Ingredients called for on the box (usually water, oil, and eggs)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Kitchen Tools
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Fork (for poking!)
- Spatula
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- Swap white cake mix for yellow or spice cake mix for extra warmth.
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top for extra decadence.
- Want it less sweet? Use half the powdered sugar for a lighter frosting.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
Prepare the Cake:
1️⃣ Preheat your oven according to your cake mix box instructions.
2️⃣ Mix the batter according to the package directions. Stir in the ground cinnamon and brown sugar until well combined — your kitchen will smell amazing already!
3️⃣ Bake the cake as directed on the box. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly (about 10–15 minutes).
Make the Frosting & Assemble:
4️⃣ While the cake cools, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until light and fluffy.
5️⃣ Poke holes all over the top of the cake using a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon — the more holes, the better the frosting can soak in!
6️⃣ Spread the frosting generously over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy — that’s the best part!
7️⃣ Serve & enjoy! Slice it up, share with friends, and watch it disappear.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
- A hot cup of coffee or chai — perfect pairing!
- Fresh berries for a pop of color and brightness.
- Extra drizzle of caramel or a dusting of cinnamon on top.
Tips for Perfect Poke Cake
✔️ Poke lots of holes — this is what makes every bite gooey and moist!
✔️ Spread the frosting while the cake is still slightly warm so it melts into the cake.
✔️ Chill for an hour if you want neat slices and a firmer frosting.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days — if it lasts that long! It’s delicious served cold too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade cake batter?
Absolutely! Any simple white or yellow cake batter will work — just add the cinnamon and brown sugar swirl.
Do I have to poke holes?
Yes! Poking holes is what makes a poke cake special — the frosting soaks into the cake for extra moisture and flavor.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it — a simple, delicious dessert that’s pure cinnamon roll comfort in every sweet bite! I’m already craving another slice as I write this. If you bake this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake, I’d love to see your sweet creations — leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest!
Looking for more cozy bakes? Try these next:
- Soft Glazed Cinnamon Roll Muffins
- Easy Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
- Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
Nutritional Information (Approx. per slice)
Calories: ~350 | Carbs: 48g | Fat: 15g | Protein: 3g
Thank you so much for baking along with me today — now grab your fork and dig in to this cinnamon roll magic! ❤️
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