Gooey Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe

Heavenly Gooey Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe for Dreamers

Sweet, decadent cinnamon roll poke cake is a dessert that melts hearts with its irresistible charm.

Layers of moist cake infused with creamy filling create a delightful symphony of flavors.

Each slice promises a magical journey through soft, tender textures and warm spices.

Drizzled with a luscious glaze, this cake brings bakery-style indulgence straight to your kitchen.

The combination of cinnamon’s warmth and sweet cream evokes memories of lazy weekend mornings.

Comfort and nostalgia blend perfectly in every single bite.

Prepare to lose yourself in this utterly delicious dessert that will surely become your new favorite treat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 12

What You’ll Need for Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

For Cake Base:
  • White Cake Mix: Provides the fluffy foundation with a subtle cinnamon twist for a homemade feel.
  • Cinnamon Powder: Infuses warm, aromatic depth and transforms an ordinary cake into a delightful cinnamon experience.
For Filling and Moisture:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates luxurious moisture that seeps into cake gaps, adding rich sweetness.
  • Caramel Sauce: Delivers gooey, golden layers of decadent flavor that complement the cinnamon notes.
For Topping:
  • Cream Cheese: Offers tangy, smooth frosting that balances the cake's sweetness with a velvety texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides silky smoothness and subtle sweetness to the cream cheese frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with its warm, comforting essence.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Sprinkles a final aromatic touch and visual appeal to the finished dessert.

Tools to Poke and Pour Your Cinnamon Roll Cake

  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for spreading cake batter evenly and creating classic rectangular shape.
  • Mixing bowl: Essential for combining cake mix and additional ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring spoon: Helps add precise amount of cinnamon for rich flavor.
  • Toothpick: Crucial for testing cake doneness by checking center for clean insertion.
  • Whisk or electric mixer: Great for blending cake ingredients until well combined.
  • Spatula: Helpful for scraping batter into baking dish and ensuring even distribution.

Baking Instructions for Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F, getting ready for some serious baking magic.

  • Mix Your Base

Whip up the cake mix like a pro, tossing in a sprinkle of cinnamon to give it that extra zing. Blend until smooth and dreamy.

  • Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab your trusty 9×13-inch pan and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent any sticky situations.

  • Bake to Perfection

Pour your cinnamony batter into the pan, spreading it evenly. Slide it into the heated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye out and do the toothpick test – when it comes out clean, you’re golden!

Extra Tips for Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Perfection

  • Cinnamon Swirl Magic: Sprinkle extra ground cinnamon between cake batter layers for a more intense cinnamon flavor profile before baking.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare the cake a day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld and intensify overnight.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional cake mix with a gluten-free white cake mix to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Cream Cheese Drizzle Twist: Replace standard vanilla glaze with a cream cheese icing for a richer, tangier topping that complements the cinnamon notes perfectly.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use a sugar-free cake mix and sugar substitute in the recipe to create a diabetes-friendly version without compromising on delicious taste.

Serving Your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Just Right

  • Sweet Breakfast Partner: Pair this delightful cinnamon roll cake with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a cold glass of milk for a perfect morning treat.
  • Dessert Companion Delight: Serve a slice alongside vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream to enhance the cake's warm, comforting cinnamon flavors and add a creamy texture.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Create an impressive brunch spread by cutting the cake into elegant squares and garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzling with a simple cream cheese glaze.
  • Weekend Gathering Centerpiece: Present the cake on a beautiful cake stand with some fresh berries scattered around to add color and a touch of freshness to this indulgent dessert.

How to Store Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Without Soggy Bits

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping its moisture and delicious cinnamon flavor intact.
  • Freezing Friendly Option: Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Room Temperature Tip: If enjoying within 2 days, keep the cake covered at room temperature to maintain its soft texture and prevent drying out.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake one day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and develop a richer taste profile. Let it cool completely before covering to prevent condensation.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Gooey Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe

Gooey Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Layered cinnamon roll poke cake delivers classic comfort with a modern twist. Sweet cream filling and rich cinnamon glaze create an irresistible dessert you’ll crave for weekend gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box white or yellow cake mix
  • 1 eggs
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ cup (113 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) milk

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to ensure easy cake release.
  2. Batter Creation: Prepare cake mix according to package instructions, blending in ground cinnamon to infuse the batter with warm, spicy undertones and creating a fragrant base for the dessert.
  3. Baking Process: Pour the cinnamon-enhanced batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface to guarantee uniform thickness and even cooking. Bake for 25-30 minutes, using a toothpick inserted into the center to confirm doneness – it should emerge clean and dry, indicating the cake is perfectly cooked.
  4. Cooling and Finishing: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack, preparing for the next stage of the recipe which will involve additional flavor enhancements and toppings.

Notes

  • Enhance Cinnamon Flavor: Add an extra teaspoon of ground cinnamon directly into the cake batter for a more intense, warming spice profile that elevates the overall taste experience.
  • Check Moisture Perfectly: Insert a toothpick at multiple points when testing doneness to ensure the cake is uniformly baked, preventing any undercooked or dry sections in the final dessert.
  • Prevent Sticking Smartly: Use parchment paper in addition to cooking spray, creating an easy lift-out method and guaranteeing clean cake removal without breaking or crumbling.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute standard cake mix with gluten-free or low-sugar alternatives to accommodate different dietary restrictions while maintaining the delicious cinnamon roll essence.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 299
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star