Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

This cinnamon roll poke cake starts with a boxed cake mix and is soaked with a gooey cinnamon filling. Cream cheese frosting makes every bite taste like a cinnamon roll!

Love poke cakes? Try my original Jello poke cake or this decadent chocolate poke cake next!

Cinnamon roll poke cake slices with cream cheese frosting and cinnamon filling.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read disclosure policy.

Key Takeaways: Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

Easy shortcut: A boxed cake mix keeps this recipe simple without sacrificing flavor.
Cinnamon roll flavor: An easy sweet cinnamon filling made with condensed milk soaks into the cake, making every bite extra moist.
Perfect for sharing: Serve it at brunches, baby showers or anytime you need a simple dessert.

Why I Love This Recipe

When I’m craving cinnamon rolls but don’t have time to make my overnight cinnamon rolls, this cinnamon roll poke cake is the answer. It has all that buttery cinnamon flavor with a fraction of the work.

I love how the cinnamon filling soaks into every bite before the cake is topped with cream cheese frosting. Another bakery-inspired poke cake we love is this Boston cream poke cake with vanilla pudding and chocolate ganache.

Ingredients Notes

Ingredients for cinnamon roll poke cake on the counter.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

Vanilla cake mix: Use your favorite boxed vanilla or white cake mix, plus the ingredients listed on the package. You can also use my homemade vanilla cake mix.
Sweetened condensed milk: This creates the rich, gooey filling that soaks into the cake. Be sure not to use evaporated milk.
Brown sugar and cinnamon: These give the filling its warm cinnamon roll flavor.
Salted butter: Melted butter adds richness to the filling, while softened butter creates a smooth frosting.
Cream cheese frosting: Use block-style cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar and vanilla for a creamy, tangy finish. Cinnamon roll frosting also works!

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

Baked vanilla cake cooling in a white 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 1: Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the package directions and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Let it cool for 15 to 20 minutes so it’s still slightly warm but not piping hot.

Cinnamon filling whisked together in a glass bowl for cinnamon roll poke cake.

Step 2: Whisk the sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and salt until smooth. I like to mix this while the cake cools so it’s ready to pour right away.

Pouring cinnamon condensed milk filling into holes in the baked cake.

Step 3: Poke holes about an inch apart using the handle of a wooden spoon, then slowly pour the cinnamon filling over the cake. Spread it evenly with a spatula to help all that goodness settle into the holes.

Spreading cream cheese frosting over cinnamon roll poke cake.

Step 4: Let the cake cool completely before spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top. Chill for at least an hour before serving so the filling can soak in and the cake slices cleanly.

Recipe Tips

Use the right tool: The handle of a wooden spoon creates holes wide enough for the cinnamon filling to soak in. A fork makes holes that are too small.
Don’t overdo the holes: Space them about an inch apart and poke most of the way through the cake without reaching the bottom.
Pour slowly: Give the filling time to settle into the holes instead of running toward the edges of the pan.
Cool before frosting: If the cake is still warm, the cream cheese frosting will soften and slide around.
Allow time to chill: At least an hour in the refrigerator helps the filling soak in and makes the cake easier to slice.

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake FAQs

What size cake mix should I use?

This recipe was tested with a 15.25-ounce box of cake mix. Many brands have reduced their mixes to 13.25 ounces, so check the package carefully. For the most consistent results, use a 15.25-ounce mix, which may still be available from brands such as Pillsbury, Duncan Hines or Aldi.

When making a poke cake, do you let it cool before poking holes?

Let the cake cool for 15 to 20 minutes before poking the holes. It should still be slightly warm so the cinnamon filling absorbs easily, but not so hot that the cake begins to fall apart.

Can I make cinnamon roll poke cake with cake mix?

Yes! This recipe is designed for a boxed vanilla or white cake mix, which keeps it quick and easy. Prepare the batter using the ingredients and directions listed on the package, then bake it in a 9×13-inch pan, then continue with my recipe as directed to add the cinnamon roll flavors!

How many days ahead can I make poke cake?

You can make cinnamon roll poke cake up to 2 days ahead. Cover it tightly and keep it refrigerated, then slice and serve it chilled. I think the texture is even better the next day after the cinnamon filling has had time to soak into the cake.