Delish Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake: A Heavenly Dessert That Will Wow Your Taste Buds

When it comes to indulgent, comforting desserts, few can rival the warm, cinnamon-sugar goodness of a Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake. This dessert takes everything you love about cinnamon rolls—rich flavors, gooey filling, and sweet icing—and transforms it into a cake that’s easy to make, visually stunning, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a gathering, treat yourself to something sweet, or create a dessert for a special occasion, this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is sure to be a showstopper.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the simple yet extraordinary steps to make this delicious poke cake, featuring a decadent filling and creamy frosting. With its combination of warm cinnamon and creamy icing, this dessert will leave everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive right into the recipe!

Ingredients for the Ultimate Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

For the Cake Base:

• 1 box vanilla (white) cake mix, prepared as directed on the box. The base of this cake is light and fluffy, providing the perfect foundation for the sweet and cinnamon-infused filling that follows.

For the Filling:

• 5 tablespoons butter, melted. Butter adds richness to the filling, giving it a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed. This sugar brings the perfect balance of sweetness and a caramelized flavor, creating a gooey center for the poke cake.
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon. The star of this dessert, cinnamon, adds warmth and spice, giving the cake that irresistible cinnamon roll taste.
• 2½ teaspoons clear vanilla extract. Clear vanilla extract helps maintain the whiteness of the frosting and provides a smooth, pure vanilla flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
• 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk. This creamy, sweet milk creates a rich filling that soaks into the cake, enhancing the flavor and texture.

For the Frosting:

• 8 tablespoons butter, softened (½ cup). Softened butter ensures that the frosting is smooth and spreadable, giving it a perfect consistency.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened. Cream cheese is essential for achieving that rich and tangy flavor in the frosting, providing the right balance of sweetness and creaminess.
• 2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract. The addition of vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the frosting, giving it a subtle sweetness that complements the cinnamon-filled cake.
• 2 teaspoons half and half. Half and half provides a smoother, more velvety texture in the frosting, allowing it to spread evenly over the cake.
• 2½ cups powdered sugar. Powdered sugar gives the frosting its smooth texture and sweetness, allowing it to be spread easily without being overly sugary.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base

Start by preparing the vanilla cake mix as instructed on the box. This step typically involves mixing the cake mix with water, oil, and eggs, then baking it in a preheated oven. Follow the directions carefully to ensure the cake turns out light and fluffy. Once the cake is baked and cooled slightly, make several holes in the cake using the end of a wooden spoon or a similar object. These holes will allow the filling to soak in and create the delicious cinnamon roll effect.

Step 2: Make the Filling

While the cake is cooling, prepare the cinnamon roll filling. In a medium saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add ½ cup light brown sugar, 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 2½ teaspoons clear vanilla extract. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, and the mixture is well combined. Add the entire can of sweetened condensed milk to the saucepan and continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Allow the filling to cook for 1-2 minutes before removing it from the heat.

Step 3: Pour the Filling into the Cake

Once the filling has cooled slightly, carefully pour it over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes you created earlier. Use a spoon or spatula to gently spread the filling evenly across the cake, ensuring that it soaks into every crevice. The filling will settle into the cake and create the sweet, gooey cinnamon roll effect that is the hallmark of this dessert.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

While the cake is absorbing the filling, you can prepare the frosting. Start by beating 8 tablespoons softened butter and 8 ounces softened cream cheese together in a mixing bowl. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. Add 2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract and 2 teaspoons half and half, mixing until fully incorporated. Gradually add 2½ cups powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and easy to spread.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

Once the frosting is ready, spread it generously over the top of the cake. The frosting should cover the entire surface, creating a smooth, creamy layer that complements the cinnamon filling below. If desired, you can swirl the frosting to create an attractive texture or even sprinkle a little extra ground cinnamon on top for an added touch.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the cake is frosted, it’s ready to be served! Let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set, although it can be enjoyed right away. Slice it up and serve it to your guests—it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of soft cake, gooey cinnamon filling, and creamy frosting creates a dessert that’s impossible to resist.

Why This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Is the Ultimate Dessert

This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. Here’s why this cake is the ultimate treat for any occasion:

1. A Flavor Combination Everyone Loves

Cinnamon rolls are a classic favorite, and this poke cake takes that beloved flavor to a whole new level. The warm, aromatic cinnamon filling combined with the rich, creamy frosting makes for a flavor-packed treat that will have everyone coming back for more.

2. Easy to Make, But Looks Impressive

While this cake looks like it took hours to make, it’s actually quite simple. The combination of store-bought cake mix, an easy cinnamon filling, and a smooth frosting makes it the perfect dessert for both beginners and experienced bakers. It looks impressive but requires minimal effort, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings or family events.

3. Perfect for All Occasions

This cake is versatile and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a holiday celebration, or a casual get-together with friends. It’s sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.

4. Comforting and Cozy

There’s something incredibly comforting about the combination of cinnamon, sugar, and butter. This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake evokes feelings of warmth and coziness, making it the perfect dessert for cooler weather or for enjoying after a meal with loved ones.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, look no further than the Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake. With its rich cinnamon filling, soft cake base, and creamy frosting, this treat is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings, this cake is a surefire way to delight your taste buds and make memories with every bite.