Introduction

Looking for a delicious recipe that’s both easy and impressive? This CINNAMON ROLL POKE CAKE is exactly what you need! With its perfect blend of flavors and simple preparation, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Let’s get started on creating this tasty masterpiece!

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

This incredibly easy dessert takes a simple yellow cake and transforms it into a moist, cinnamony, cream cheese-glazed masterpiece that tastes just like a giant, shareable cinnamon roll. Perfect for potlucks, brunch, or a cozy dessert.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Bake Time: 30-35 mins | Chill Time: 2+ hours | Serves: 12-15

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Ingredients

For the Cake

· 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix, plus ingredients listed on box (usually eggs, oil, water)
· 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

For the Cinnamon Swirl & Topping:

· ½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter, melted
· ¾ cup (150g) packed brown sugar
· 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
· Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

· 4 oz cream cheese, softened
· ¼ cup (½ stick / 57g) unsalted butter, softened
· 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
· 1 tsp vanilla extract
· 2-3 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)

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Instructions

1. Bake the Cake

· Preheat oven and prepare cake mix according to package directions.
· Pour batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
· Bake as directed on the box (usually 30-35 minutes) until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
· Let cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes (should still be warm).

2. Poke & Soak

· Using the handle of a wooden spoon or the round end of a chopstick, poke holes all over the warm cake, about 1 inch apart.
· Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, aiming for the holes. Let it soak in for 10 minutes.

3. Add the Cinnamon Swirl

· In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
· Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the top of the cake, then gently spread it into an even layer (it’s okay if it swirls and sinks into some holes).
· Sprinkle with chopped nuts if using.

4. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

· In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
· Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla.
· Add milk, 1 tbsp at a time, until you reach a thick but pourable glaze consistency.

5. Glaze & Chill

· Drizzle the glaze evenly over the slightly warm or completely cooled cake.
· Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the cake to fully absorb the condensed milk and set the glaze.

6. Serve

· Cut into squares and serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
· Store covered in the refrigerator.

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Key Success Tips

· Poke While Warm: The cake absorbs the condensed milk best when it’s still warm (not hot).
· Pour Slowly: Let the condensed milk soak in gradually; don’t rush.
· Softened Cream Cheese: This is essential for a smooth, lump-free glaze.
· Chill Thoroughly: This cake gets better as it chills and the flavors meld.

Storage & Make-Ahead

· Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days.
· Freeze: Freeze unglazed cake (wrapped tightly) for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge, then add glaze.
· Make-Ahead: This cake is perfect for making the day before serving.

Delicious Variations

· Apple Cinnamon: Add 1 cup finely diced apples to the batter.
· Caramel Poke Cake: Use caramel sauce instead of sweetened condensed milk.
· Churro Style: Add ¼ tsp nutmeg to the cinnamon swirl, and roll cake squares in cinnamon-sugar before serving.
· Pumpkin Spice: Use spice cake mix and add pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon swirl.
· Sticky Bun: Add ½ cup chopped pecans to the cinnamon swirl and drizzle with caramel on top.

This cake is irresistibly gooey, sweet, and spiced—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with minimal effort!

Conclusion

Congratulations on making this delicious CINNAMON ROLL POKE CAKE! We hope you and your loved ones enjoyed every bite of this flavorful dish. This recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends, and we’re confident it will become a regular favorite in your kitchen.

🍽️ Looking for more amazing recipes? Browse through our collection of delicious dishes on YumPost! From quick weeknight dinners to impressive desserts, we have something for every taste and occasion.

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