Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake (Printable)

Moist cinnamon-roll inspired cake with gooey cinnamon pockets and cream cheese frosting—great for brunch or after-dinner treats.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cake

01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla or white cake mix
02 - 3 large eggs
03 - 1 cup milk
04 - 1/3 cup vegetable oil
05 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

→ Cinnamon Filling

06 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
07 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
08 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

09 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
10 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
11 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
12 - 2 tablespoons milk
13 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Combine cake mix, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Beat until smooth, about 2 minutes. Pour mixture into greased baking dish and smooth the top.
03 - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
04 - While the cake bakes, blend brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir in melted butter until a thick paste forms.
05 - Remove the cake from the oven and, while hot, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes across the surface, spacing each hole approximately 1 inch apart.
06 - Spoon or drizzle cinnamon filling over the warm cake, ensuring the mixture seeps into the holes. Let cake cool completely.
07 - Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract; continue beating until light and creamy.
08 - Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The swirls of cinnamon melt straight into the cake making every bite taste like the soft center of a cinnamon roll.
  • You can whip it up for brunch or dessert – and leftovers are even better the next morning (if there are any).
02 -
  • If the cake is too hot, the cinnamon filling will slide right off instead of soaking in – let it rest a minute first.
  • For extra gooeyness, go back and add a few more pokes before pouring the filling.
03 -
  • Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for fluffier frosting, especially in warm kitchens.
  • If the cinnamon filling thickens too much while waiting, pop it in the microwave for just a few seconds to loosen it up.

Go Back