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A white plate filled with grilled radishes and a white bowl of creamy white jalapeno dip, with fresh ingredients in the background.

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

Chef Jenn
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is an easy dessert mashup that combines the soft, moist texture of yellow cake with gooey cinnamon filling and rich cream cheese frosting. It's perfect for holidays, brunch, or weeknight baking.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rest Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 564 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

For the Cake & Filling:

  • 1 yellow cake mix
  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Frosting:

  • ½ cup stick butter softened
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar

Instructions
 

  • Bake the yellow cake in a 9x13-inch baking dish according to package instructions. Let it cool slightly.
  • Poke holes all over the cake using the handle of a wooden spoon or a chopstick.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir and continue in 30-second intervals until melted and smooth.
  • Stir in the cinnamon and vanilla, then pour the mixture evenly over the cake. Let sit for 15 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy. Add the vanilla and heavy cream and mix again.
  • Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the frosting is thick and smooth.
  • Spread the frosting over the cooled cake. Dust with cinnamon if desired. Slice and serve at room temperature.

Notes

Chef Jenn’s Tips

  • Want the best frosting texture? Use room temperature butter and cream cheese—they blend smoother and fluff better.
  • A cake leveler or serrated knife can help you trim any domed top before poking, so the glaze soaks in evenly.
  • Don’t skip letting the cake rest after pouring the filling—it’s how you get those gooey cinnamon roll swirls in every bite.
  • Store leftover cake tightly covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1squareCalories: 564kcalCarbohydrates: 85gProtein: 6gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 513mgPotassium: 183mgFiber: 1gSugar: 67gVitamin A: 526IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 214mgIron: 1mg
Keyword cinnamon roll cake, cream cheese frosting, easy dessert, holiday baking, poke cake
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