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Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Irresistible Dessert Recipe

by on November 11, 2025

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Craving something sweet and easy? Try my Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake! This dessert combines soft cake, gooey cinnamon rolls, and a creamy frosting. It’s a delightful twist on a classic favorite, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Perfect for any celebration or a cozy night in, this recipe is both satisfying and fun to make. Let’s dive into the ingredients and turn up the sweetness together!

Here’s what you need to make this tasty Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake: - 1 box yellow cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as needed) - 1 cup cinnamon rolls (5-6 rolls, chopped into bite-sized pieces) - 1 cup sweetened condensed milk - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup milk (adjust for desired consistency) - Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for topping Each ingredient plays a key role in the cake's flavor and texture. The yellow cake mix gives a soft base. The cinnamon rolls add a burst of warm spice. Sweetened condensed milk brings sweetness and moisture. Ground cinnamon enhances the cake with a cozy flavor. The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy finish. Powdered sugar and vanilla extract sweeten the frosting. Milk helps adjust the frosting's smoothness. Chopped nuts can add a delightful crunch. Gathering these ingredients will set you up for a delicious baking experience. {{ingredient_image_2}} Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Next, prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish. Use non-stick spray or butter to grease it well. This step helps prevent the cake from sticking. In a large mixing bowl, mix the yellow cake ingredients. Follow the instructions on the box carefully. Don’t forget to add the eggs, oil, and water. Once mixed, pour the batter evenly into the greased baking dish. Take about 1 cup of chopped cinnamon rolls. Scatter them over the cake batter. Press them down gently. This helps the rolls blend into the cake while baking. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The top should be golden brown. Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. After baking, take the cake out and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes in the cake. Space the holes about 1 to 2 inches apart. This allows the filling to seep in. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Stir until well mixed. Slowly drizzle this mixture over the cake. Make sure to fill each hole, so the cake absorbs the sweet goodness. In another bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of cream cheese frosting, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a bit of milk. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Spread this frosting evenly across the top of the cake. For extra flavor and texture, add about 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting. This gives a nice crunch to every bite. Cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. This helps the flavors blend and makes it taste even better. Enjoy your delicious cinnamon roll poke cake! To get the perfect texture for your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake, use room temperature ingredients. This helps the batter mix evenly. When you bake, keep an eye on the time. Check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Make sure to grease your baking dish well. This will prevent the cake from sticking. I recommend using non-stick spray or butter. Spread the batter evenly in the dish. This will help the cake bake evenly. For smooth frosting, mix cream cheese frosting with powdered sugar and vanilla in a large bowl. If the frosting is too thick, add a little milk. Mix until creamy and smooth. You can also try different frostings. A vanilla or chocolate frosting will work great. If you want to go a bit wild, use maple frosting for a fun twist! When serving, cut the cake into nice, even slices. Use colorful plates to make it pop. For a special touch, drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice. This not only makes it look fancy but adds an extra level of deliciousness. Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. Just sprinkle them on top of the frosting. This adds texture and looks great! Pro Tips Keep Your Cake Moist: To ensure your poke cake remains moist, avoid overbaking. Check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. Customize with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of cake mix or frosting to create variations of this delightful dessert! Serving Temperature: For the best flavor experience, serve the cake chilled but allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness. {{image_4}} You can change the cake mix to spice cake for a warm flavor. A chocolate cake mix adds a fun twist. Swap the cream cheese frosting for vanilla, chocolate, or even maple frosting. Each change offers a new taste that keeps the dessert exciting. If you need dairy-free options, try almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk. For a gluten-free cake, use a gluten-free cake mix. Nuts are not just for decoration. You can use chopped almonds or hazelnuts for added flavor. They add crunch and make the cake even better. This cake pairs well with ice cream or whipped cream. Both add creaminess that balances the cake's sweetness. For a warm touch, serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Guests will love the extra layers of flavor! To keep your cinnamon roll poke cake fresh, store it in the fridge. First, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use an airtight container. This keeps the cake moist and prevents it from absorbing other smells in the fridge. It’s best to store it after it has cooled down completely. If you have leftover cake, you can freeze it. Start by cutting the cake into individual slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible. For thawing, take a slice out and place it in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few hours. In the fridge, your cinnamon roll poke cake lasts about 5 to 7 days. If left at room temperature, it’s best to eat it within 2 days. The flavors will still be good, but the cake may dry out a bit. Always check for any signs of spoilage before enjoying your sweet treat! A poke cake is a dessert where holes are poked into the cake after baking. You pour a liquid filling into the holes. This allows the filling to soak into the cake, adding flavor and moisture. It’s an easy way to make a cake extra special and fun! Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. Bake and cool the cake, then add the filling and frosting. Cover it well and store it in the fridge. Try to make it at least a few hours before serving. This gives the flavors time to mix together, making each bite even better. To keep the cake moist, add extra liquid. You can use milk or even some melted butter. Another trick is to not overbake the cake. Check it a few minutes early. When it comes out of the oven, poke holes right away. This helps it soak up the sweet filling. Yes, you can use homemade cinnamon rolls! Just chop them up into small pieces. Scatter these pieces over the cake batter before baking. This adds a lovely, fresh flavor. Homemade rolls can make the cake even more special. To reheat leftovers, place a slice in the microwave. Heat it for about 20-30 seconds. This will warm it up without drying it out. You can also cover it with a damp paper towel while heating. This keeps the cake moist and tasty. You learned how to make a delicious cinnamon roll poke cake. The recipe includes a yellow cake mix, cinnamon rolls, and creamy frosting, making it a perfect treat. I shared tips on baking, frosting, and storage to help you succeed. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and variations to make it your own. This cake is a great way to impress friends and family, too. You now have all the tools to create something special!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Easy to Make: This recipe combines the simplicity of a boxed cake mix with the indulgence of cinnamon rolls, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
  2. Decadent Flavor: The combination of sweetened condensed milk and cinnamon creates a rich, delightful flavor that is sure to impress your taste buds.
  3. Perfect for Any Occasion: This poke cake is perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy family dessert night, making it versatile for all types of gatherings.
  4. Chilled Delight: Letting the cake chill enhances its flavors and texture, providing a refreshing treat that’s perfect for warm days.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this tasty Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake:

– 1 box yellow cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as needed)

– 1 cup cinnamon rolls (5-6 rolls, chopped into bite-sized pieces)

– 1 cup sweetened condensed milk

– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

– 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)

– 1/2 cup powdered sugar

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1/4 cup milk (adjust for desired consistency)

– Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for topping

Each ingredient plays a key role in the cake’s flavor and texture. The yellow cake mix gives a soft base. The cinnamon rolls add a burst of warm spice. Sweetened condensed milk brings sweetness and moisture. Ground cinnamon enhances the cake with a cozy flavor. The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy finish. Powdered sugar and vanilla extract sweeten the frosting. Milk helps adjust the frosting’s smoothness. Chopped nuts can add a delightful crunch.

Gathering these ingredients will set you up for a delicious baking experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Next, prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish. Use non-stick spray or butter to grease it well. This step helps prevent the cake from sticking.

Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, mix the yellow cake ingredients. Follow the instructions on the box carefully. Don’t forget to add the eggs, oil, and water. Once mixed, pour the batter evenly into the greased baking dish.

Incorporate Cinnamon Rolls

Take about 1 cup of chopped cinnamon rolls. Scatter them over the cake batter. Press them down gently. This helps the rolls blend into the cake while baking.

Bake the Cake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The top should be golden brown. Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready.

Create Poke Holes

After baking, take the cake out and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes in the cake. Space the holes about 1 to 2 inches apart. This allows the filling to seep in.

Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Stir until well mixed. Slowly drizzle this mixture over the cake. Make sure to fill each hole, so the cake absorbs the sweet goodness.

Frost the Cake

In another bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of cream cheese frosting, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a bit of milk. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Spread this frosting evenly across the top of the cake.

Optional Topping

For extra flavor and texture, add about 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting. This gives a nice crunch to every bite.

Chill the Cake

Cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. This helps the flavors blend and makes it taste even better. Enjoy your delicious cinnamon roll poke cake!

Tips & Tricks

Baking Tips

To get the perfect texture for your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake, use room temperature ingredients. This helps the batter mix evenly. When you bake, keep an eye on the time. Check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Make sure to grease your baking dish well. This will prevent the cake from sticking. I recommend using non-stick spray or butter. Spread the batter evenly in the dish. This will help the cake bake evenly.

Frosting Tips

For smooth frosting, mix cream cheese frosting with powdered sugar and vanilla in a large bowl. If the frosting is too thick, add a little milk. Mix until creamy and smooth.

You can also try different frostings. A vanilla or chocolate frosting will work great. If you want to go a bit wild, use maple frosting for a fun twist!

Presentation Tips

When serving, cut the cake into nice, even slices. Use colorful plates to make it pop. For a special touch, drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice. This not only makes it look fancy but adds an extra level of deliciousness.

Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. Just sprinkle them on top of the frosting. This adds texture and looks great!

Pro Tips

  1. Keep Your Cake Moist: To ensure your poke cake remains moist, avoid overbaking. Check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time.
  2. Customize with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of cake mix or frosting to create variations of this delightful dessert!
  3. Serving Temperature: For the best flavor experience, serve the cake chilled but allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
  4. Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Variations

Flavor Variations

You can change the cake mix to spice cake for a warm flavor. A chocolate cake mix adds a fun twist. Swap the cream cheese frosting for vanilla, chocolate, or even maple frosting. Each change offers a new taste that keeps the dessert exciting.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need dairy-free options, try almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk. For a gluten-free cake, use a gluten-free cake mix. Nuts are not just for decoration. You can use chopped almonds or hazelnuts for added flavor. They add crunch and make the cake even better.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs well with ice cream or whipped cream. Both add creaminess that balances the cake’s sweetness. For a warm touch, serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Guests will love the extra layers of flavor!

Storage Info

Best Practices for Refrigeration

To keep your cinnamon roll poke cake fresh, store it in the fridge. First, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use an airtight container. This keeps the cake moist and prevents it from absorbing other smells in the fridge. It’s best to store it after it has cooled down completely.

Freezing Instructions

If you have leftover cake, you can freeze it. Start by cutting the cake into individual slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible. For thawing, take a slice out and place it in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, your cinnamon roll poke cake lasts about 5 to 7 days. If left at room temperature, it’s best to eat it within 2 days. The flavors will still be good, but the cake may dry out a bit. Always check for any signs of spoilage before enjoying your sweet treat!

FAQs

What is a poke cake?

A poke cake is a dessert where holes are poked into the cake after baking. You pour a liquid filling into the holes. This allows the filling to soak into the cake, adding flavor and moisture. It’s an easy way to make a cake extra special and fun!

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. Bake and cool the cake, then add the filling and frosting. Cover it well and store it in the fridge. Try to make it at least a few hours before serving. This gives the flavors time to mix together, making each bite even better.

How do I make the cake more moist?

To keep the cake moist, add extra liquid. You can use milk or even some melted butter. Another trick is to not overbake the cake. Check it a few minutes early. When it comes out of the oven, poke holes right away. This helps it soak up the sweet filling.

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?

Yes, you can use homemade cinnamon rolls! Just chop them up into small pieces. Scatter these pieces over the cake batter before baking. This adds a lovely, fresh flavor. Homemade rolls can make the cake even more special.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

To reheat leftovers, place a slice in the microwave. Heat it for about 20-30 seconds. This will warm it up without drying it out. You can also cover it with a damp paper towel while heating. This keeps the cake moist and tasty.

You learned how to make a delicious cinnamon roll poke cake. The recipe includes a yellow cake mix, cinnamon rolls, and creamy frosting, making it a perfect treat. I shared tips on baking, frosting, and storage to help you succeed. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and variations to make it your own. This cake is a great way to impress friends and family, too. You now have all the tools to create something specia

Here’s what you need to make this tasty Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake: - 1 box yellow cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as needed) - 1 cup cinnamon rolls (5-6 rolls, chopped into bite-sized pieces) - 1 cup sweetened condensed milk - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup milk (adjust for desired consistency) - Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for topping Each ingredient plays a key role in the cake's flavor and texture. The yellow cake mix gives a soft base. The cinnamon rolls add a burst of warm spice. Sweetened condensed milk brings sweetness and moisture. Ground cinnamon enhances the cake with a cozy flavor. The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy finish. Powdered sugar and vanilla extract sweeten the frosting. Milk helps adjust the frosting's smoothness. Chopped nuts can add a delightful crunch. Gathering these ingredients will set you up for a delicious baking experience. {{ingredient_image_2}} Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Next, prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish. Use non-stick spray or butter to grease it well. This step helps prevent the cake from sticking. In a large mixing bowl, mix the yellow cake ingredients. Follow the instructions on the box carefully. Don’t forget to add the eggs, oil, and water. Once mixed, pour the batter evenly into the greased baking dish. Take about 1 cup of chopped cinnamon rolls. Scatter them over the cake batter. Press them down gently. This helps the rolls blend into the cake while baking. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The top should be golden brown. Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. After baking, take the cake out and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes in the cake. Space the holes about 1 to 2 inches apart. This allows the filling to seep in. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Stir until well mixed. Slowly drizzle this mixture over the cake. Make sure to fill each hole, so the cake absorbs the sweet goodness. In another bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of cream cheese frosting, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a bit of milk. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Spread this frosting evenly across the top of the cake. For extra flavor and texture, add about 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting. This gives a nice crunch to every bite. Cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. This helps the flavors blend and makes it taste even better. Enjoy your delicious cinnamon roll poke cake! To get the perfect texture for your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake, use room temperature ingredients. This helps the batter mix evenly. When you bake, keep an eye on the time. Check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Make sure to grease your baking dish well. This will prevent the cake from sticking. I recommend using non-stick spray or butter. Spread the batter evenly in the dish. This will help the cake bake evenly. For smooth frosting, mix cream cheese frosting with powdered sugar and vanilla in a large bowl. If the frosting is too thick, add a little milk. Mix until creamy and smooth. You can also try different frostings. A vanilla or chocolate frosting will work great. If you want to go a bit wild, use maple frosting for a fun twist! When serving, cut the cake into nice, even slices. Use colorful plates to make it pop. For a special touch, drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice. This not only makes it look fancy but adds an extra level of deliciousness. Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. Just sprinkle them on top of the frosting. This adds texture and looks great! Pro Tips Keep Your Cake Moist: To ensure your poke cake remains moist, avoid overbaking. Check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. Customize with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of cake mix or frosting to create variations of this delightful dessert! Serving Temperature: For the best flavor experience, serve the cake chilled but allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness. {{image_4}} You can change the cake mix to spice cake for a warm flavor. A chocolate cake mix adds a fun twist. Swap the cream cheese frosting for vanilla, chocolate, or even maple frosting. Each change offers a new taste that keeps the dessert exciting. If you need dairy-free options, try almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk. For a gluten-free cake, use a gluten-free cake mix. Nuts are not just for decoration. You can use chopped almonds or hazelnuts for added flavor. They add crunch and make the cake even better. This cake pairs well with ice cream or whipped cream. Both add creaminess that balances the cake's sweetness. For a warm touch, serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Guests will love the extra layers of flavor! To keep your cinnamon roll poke cake fresh, store it in the fridge. First, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use an airtight container. This keeps the cake moist and prevents it from absorbing other smells in the fridge. It’s best to store it after it has cooled down completely. If you have leftover cake, you can freeze it. Start by cutting the cake into individual slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible. For thawing, take a slice out and place it in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few hours. In the fridge, your cinnamon roll poke cake lasts about 5 to 7 days. If left at room temperature, it’s best to eat it within 2 days. The flavors will still be good, but the cake may dry out a bit. Always check for any signs of spoilage before enjoying your sweet treat! A poke cake is a dessert where holes are poked into the cake after baking. You pour a liquid filling into the holes. This allows the filling to soak into the cake, adding flavor and moisture. It’s an easy way to make a cake extra special and fun! Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. Bake and cool the cake, then add the filling and frosting. Cover it well and store it in the fridge. Try to make it at least a few hours before serving. This gives the flavors time to mix together, making each bite even better. To keep the cake moist, add extra liquid. You can use milk or even some melted butter. Another trick is to not overbake the cake. Check it a few minutes early. When it comes out of the oven, poke holes right away. This helps it soak up the sweet filling. Yes, you can use homemade cinnamon rolls! Just chop them up into small pieces. Scatter these pieces over the cake batter before baking. This adds a lovely, fresh flavor. Homemade rolls can make the cake even more special. To reheat leftovers, place a slice in the microwave. Heat it for about 20-30 seconds. This will warm it up without drying it out. You can also cover it with a damp paper towel while heating. This keeps the cake moist and tasty. You learned how to make a delicious cinnamon roll poke cake. The recipe includes a yellow cake mix, cinnamon rolls, and creamy frosting, making it a perfect treat. I shared tips on baking, frosting, and storage to help you succeed. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and variations to make it your own. This cake is a great way to impress friends and family, too. You now have all the tools to create something special!

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Delight

A deliciously moist cake infused with cinnamon rolls and topped with creamy frosting, perfect for dessert lovers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box yellow cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as required by the box)
  • 1 cup cinnamon rolls (approximately 5-6 rolls, chopped into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup milk (adjust for desired consistency)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for topping)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, prepare the yellow cake mix according to the box instructions and pour the batter into the greased baking dish.
  • Scatter the chopped cinnamon rolls over the surface of the cake batter and gently press them down.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cake cool for approximately 10 minutes, then poke holes in the cake at intervals of about 1-2 inches.
  • In a mixing bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk and ground cinnamon, then drizzle this mixture over the cake.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream cheese frosting, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth, then spread it over the cake.
  • Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the frosted cake if desired.
  • Cover the cake and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours before serving.

Notes

For an added touch, drizzle with warm caramel sauce before serving.
Keyword cake, cinnamon, dessert, poke cake

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