If you’re a fan of gooey cinnamon rolls and love the comforting taste of warm vanilla glaze, this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake will blow your mind. It’s a dreamy fusion of soft vanilla cake, swirls of buttery cinnamon sugar, and a rich glaze that sinks into every hole poked into the fluffy base. Each bite delivers all the cozy cinnamon roll vibes—with the bonus of being incredibly easy to make for a crowd.
This cake is perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday mornings, or any time you crave something sweet and cinnamony without the fuss of making dough from scratch. The swirls bake right into the cake, and once it’s out of the oven, a luscious vanilla glaze is poured over the top, soaking into the cake and making it impossibly moist and flavorful.
Ingredients for this Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box: usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (plus more if needed for glaze consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper. Mix the vanilla cake batter according to the instructions on the box. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling
While the cake is baking, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Mix until you get a thick, sugary paste that resembles a gooey cinnamon roll filling.
Step 3: Poke and Swirl
Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, using the end of a wooden spoon or the handle of a spatula, poke holes all over the cake. Be generous! Next, spoon the cinnamon filling over the cake and use a butter knife to swirl it into the holes and across the top.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar. The glaze should be pourable but not watery.
Step 5: Glaze and Chill
Pour the glaze evenly over the cake while it’s still slightly warm, letting it sink into the swirled cinnamon pockets. Let the cake set for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for best results.
Storage Instructions
To keep your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake fresh and flavorful:
- Room Temperature: Store the cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: It can last up to 5 days in the fridge. The glaze might firm up a bit, but the cake will still be moist and delicious. Let it come to room temperature or microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving.
- Freezing: You can freeze slices (wrapped individually in plastic wrap and foil) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or microwave gently before enjoying.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 12 slices)
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 46g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 3g
Note: Values are approximate and will vary based on specific brands and any modifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use homemade cake batter instead of a box mix?
Yes, absolutely! Any vanilla or yellow cake recipe will work if you prefer to bake from scratch.
2. What’s the best way to poke holes in the cake?
Use the handle of a wooden spoon or anything around ½ inch in diameter to create deep, wide holes so the filling can seep in properly.
3. Can I make this cake the night before?
Yes! In fact, letting it sit overnight enhances the flavor as the glaze continues to soak in.
4. Can I use cream cheese in the glaze?
You can! Blend 2 ounces of softened cream cheese into the glaze for a tangy twist.
5. How do I keep the cinnamon sugar from getting grainy?
Make sure the butter is warm enough to dissolve the sugar. Stir well until smooth before spreading it on the cake.
6. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix and double-check your other ingredients for any gluten content.
7. What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can substitute with white sugar and a teaspoon of molasses per cup to mimic the flavor and texture.
8. Can I add nuts or raisins?
Sure! Fold in chopped pecans or golden raisins into the cinnamon filling for extra texture and flavor.
Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
Description
Wake up your mornings or cozy up your evenings with this irresistible Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake. Imagine the classic taste of a warm cinnamon roll but in a soft, fluffy cake form that’s generously glazed with vanilla icing and swirled with buttery brown sugar and cinnamon. It’s perfect for when you need quick breakfast ideas, easy dessert recipes, or warm holiday food ideas. Whether you’re serving it as a sweet brunch centerpiece or saving it for an easy dinner treat, this cake will leave everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients
1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box)
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13″ pan by greasing or lining it.
- Mix and bake the vanilla cake according to the box instructions.
- While baking, stir together melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Once baked, poke holes all over the cake with a wooden spoon handle.
- Spoon the cinnamon mixture over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Swirl gently.
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze.
- Pour glaze over warm cake. Let set for 15–20 minutes.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!