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    Home » Cakes » Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe

    Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe

    Published: Apr 13, 2020 · Modified: Apr 13, 2020 by Kate · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Cake recipes don't get much better than this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake - tender white cake filled with buttery cinnamon-sugar filling and rich cream cheese frosting!

    Piece of Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake with a fork in it

    Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. 

     While I was in school, I didn't do nearly as much baking as I do now. I've always had a sweet tooth, though, so I found time to do a little baking when I could.

    One of my favorite cookbooks at that time was The Cake Mix Doctor. The recipes were pretty easy, and I could keep a few cake mixes on hand. Then I just had to add a little to them for a cake that tasted more like a homemade cake.

    I don't use cake mixes as often these days, but I have few cake recipes that get a jump on things by starting with a mix. This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is one of those recipes.

    The cake is soft and tender, and the buttery cinnamon-sugar filling is incredible! The cake is topped with a not-too-sweet cream cheese frosting that perfectly compliments the cake. It's the perfect way to indulge your cinnamon roll craving!

    How to make cinnamon roll poke cake

    White cake batter in a silver mixing bowl

    Mix the cake mix, eggs, milk, water, and butter together. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

    Spoon handle poking holes in a white cake

    After the cake has baked, poke holes in the cake. I like to use the handle of a spoon.

    Cinnamon roll cake filling in a white mixing bowl

    In a separate bowl, mix the filling ingredients together. Pour over the cake. I pour a little at a time to let it sink in and then continue a little at a time.

    Let the cake cool to room temperature before frosting.

    Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake on a piece of brown parchment paper

    Tips

    • Cake mix: I use a plain white cake mix without pudding in it.
    • Milk: You can use any milk from skim to whole milk.
    • Sweetened condensed milk: You can use either regular or non-fat sweetened condensed milk.
    • Cream cheese: Regular, â…“-less fat, or Greek cream cheese will work. I don't recommend fat-free in this recipe.

     

    More cakes that begin with a cake mix!

    • White Raspberry Poke Cake
    • Darn Good Chocolate Cake
    • Irish Cream Bundt Cake

    If you’ve tried this cinnamon roll poke cake recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who've made my recipes!

    You can SUBSCRIBE to receive my latest recipe newsletters or FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST for even more delicious food.

    Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe

    Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Recipe

    White cake with buttery cinnamon sugar filling and cream cheese frosting
    4.94 from 15 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 20
    Calories: 299kcal
    Author: Kate @ I Heart Eating

    Ingredients

    Cake

    • 15.25 oz white cake mix
    • 3 large eggs
    • ½ cup milk
    • ½ cup water
    • ¼ cup butter melted

    Filling

    • ½ cup butter melted
    • ½ cup brown sugar packed
    • ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
    • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Frosting

    • 8 ounce package cream cheese softened
    • ¼ cup butter softened
    • 2 cups powdered sugar
    • 2-3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish; set aside.
    • In a large bowl, mix together cake mix, eggs, milk, water, and butter on low for 30 seconds.
    • Turn speed up to medium, and mix together for 1-2 minutes, or until combined.
    • Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
    • Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
    • While the cake is baking, stir together butter, brown sugar, condensed milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Set aside.
    • Using the handle of a wooden spoon (or similar instrument), poke holes in the cake (I poke about 35).
    • Pour filling mixture over warm cake, gently spreading as necessary.
    • Let cake cool to room temperature.
    • To make the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until combined.
    • Add powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon condensed milk. Beat together until well-combined.
    • Mix in additional condensed milk and vanilla to desired consistency.
    • Spread frosting over room temperature cake.
    • Enjoy at room temperature, or chill and enjoy cold.
    • Cover and chill any leftovers.

    Video

    Notes

    • Cake mix: I use a plain white cake mix without pudding in it. 
    • Milk: You can use any milk from skim to whole milk.
    • Sweetened condensed milk: You can use either regular or non-fat sweetened condensed milk.
    • Cream cheese: Regular, â…“-less fat, or Greek cream cheese will work. I don't recommend fat-free in this recipe. 
    • Nutrition facts are estimates.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 299kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 314mg | Potassium: 65mg | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 420IU | Calcium: 129mg | Iron: 0.6mg
    Tried this recipe? Rate it below. Mention @i_heart_eating on Instagram & tag #ihearteating!

    Originally published 1/20/16. Updated with new tips and photos 4/13/20.

    Cake adapted from Love, Life, & Sugar.

    This post is not sponsored; however, I will earn a small commission if you purchase through any affiliate links. I only link to products that I have used and have had a great experience with. Thanks! 

    « Carrot Cake Muffins
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    About Kate

    Kate got her first cookbook when she was five years old, and she hasn't stopped cooking since then! Her delicious recipes have been featured on Food Network, MSN, Better Homes & Gardens, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post, and more. When she's not cooking or baking, she can be found on her mini farm with her husband and her five kids.

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    Comments

    1. laura howard

      January 01, 2021 at 10:22 am

      5 stars
      This recipe was amazing! My whole family enjoyed it very much. Definitely on the "make again" list!

      Reply
      • Kate

        January 01, 2021 at 5:22 pm

        Thank you!!

        Reply
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    I’m Kate Dean- mom to five young kids, recipe developer, and photographer. Here at I Heart Eating®, I share my family’s favorite tried-and-true recipes.

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