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To make your Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box) - 1 cup cinnamon rolls (roughly 5-6 rolls, chopped) - 1 cup sweetened condensed milk - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup milk - Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for topping These ingredients come together to create a dessert that is both easy to make and delicious. The yellow cake mix serves as a soft base. Chopped cinnamon rolls add delightful bites throughout the cake. Sweetened condensed milk and ground cinnamon form a sweet filling that seeps into the cake. The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, creamy layer on top. You can sprinkle nuts for extra crunch if you like. Using these basic ingredients, you can create something special. You will impress your family and friends with this easy poke cake. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Set temperature to 350°F (175°C) - Grease the baking dish Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step is key for even baking. While that heats up, grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and grease it. Use butter or cooking spray to coat the bottom and sides well. This will help the cake come out smoothly. - Mix yellow cake according to package instructions - Pour batter into the baking dish Next, open your box of yellow cake mix. Follow the instructions on the box carefully. Usually, you will add water, eggs, and oil. Mix until it’s smooth and free of lumps. Once mixed, pour the batter into your greased baking dish. Make sure it spreads evenly across the bottom. - Add and bake cinnamon rolls - Create poke holes in cooled cake Now, chop your cinnamon rolls into small pieces. Sprinkle these pieces evenly over the cake batter, pushing them in slightly. Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick. Once done, let it cool for about 10 minutes. After cooling, take a wooden spoon handle or skewer and poke holes all over the cake. Space the holes about 1-2 inches apart. - Mix sweetened condensed milk and ground cinnamon - Pour over cake, letting it absorb In a bowl, mix sweetened condensed milk with ground cinnamon. Stir until well combined. Slowly pour this mixture over the cake, focusing on filling the poke holes. Allow the cake to sit for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors soak in and makes the cake extra moist. - Prepare frosting with cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk - Spread over the cake For frosting, mix cream cheese frosting, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl. Stir until it’s nice and smooth. Once mixed, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake. This will add a creamy layer that perfectly complements the cake. - Recommended refrigeration time for better flavor Finally, refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving. Chilling enhances the flavor, making every bite taste divine. When ready to serve, slice and enjoy this delightful treat! - Every oven is different. Check your cake at 25 minutes. - Insert a toothpick in the center to check if it's done. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. - For creamy frosting, mix well. Start with room-temperature cream cheese. - If you run out of powdered sugar, blend granulated sugar until fine. - Serve slices on bright plates to make them pop. - Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle nuts on top for a lovely finish. Pro Tips Choose the Right Cake Mix: Opt for a high-quality yellow cake mix for a moist and flavorful base that complements the cinnamon rolls perfectly. Let It Cool Properly: Allow the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before poking holes to prevent it from falling apart. Experiment with Fillings: Try adding different flavored condensed milk or even caramel sauce for a unique twist on this poke cake. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the cake for a couple of hours after frosting to enhance the flavors and make it easier to slice. {{image_2}} You can switch things up with different cake flavors. Chocolate cake mix adds a rich twist. A spiced cake mix brings a warm, cozy vibe. Try adding fillings like fruit or nuts for fun textures. You can mix in chocolate chips or even caramel bits. Toppings like whipped cream or candy can add extra joy to your cake. If you need a gluten-free option, look for a gluten-free cake mix. Many brands offer this choice now. For a vegan frosting, swap cream cheese for a plant-based option. Use coconut cream or a nut-based yogurt instead. These changes make it easy for everyone to enjoy this dessert. Seasonal flavors can make this cake even more special. Try adding pumpkin spice for fall gatherings. You can also use peppermint for a festive touch in winter. Customize the cake for birthdays or holidays too. Adding sprinkles or themed decorations can make it perfect for any celebration. To keep your cinnamon roll poke cake fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This helps prevent the cake from drying out. Try to eat the cake within 4 to 5 days for the best taste. The longer it sits, the less fresh it will become. If you want to save some cake for later, you can freeze it. First, cut the cake into slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, take it out and place it in the fridge overnight to thaw. This keeps it moist and tasty for you to enjoy later! A poke cake is a fun and easy dessert. You bake a cake, then poke holes in it. This lets the filling soak in, making it super moist. The filling can be anything, like sweetened condensed milk or pudding. For this recipe, we use sweetened condensed milk and cinnamon. This adds a rich flavor that pairs well with the cake. The cake stays fresh for about 3-5 days in the fridge. To keep it tasty, cover it well. Use plastic wrap or a cake dome. The longer it sits, the more the flavors blend. Just remember, if it starts to look or smell off, it's best to toss it. Yes, you can make your own frosting! Combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. This gives your cake a creamy texture. If you want it sweeter, add more sugar. You can also try adding cocoa powder for a chocolate twist. Homemade frosting adds a personal touch to your cake. Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just let it cool, poke the holes, and add the filling. Cover it and store it in the fridge. Frost it right before you serve. This makes it easy for parties or gatherings. Preparing ahead saves you time and stress! This poke cake combines yellow cake mix and cinnamon rolls for a unique dessert. You learned how to bake it, from the batter to the creamy frosting. Remember to chill it for better flavor. Experiment with different flavors or dietary options to suit your taste. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh. Poke cakes are fun and easy to make, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this sweet treat with family and friends!

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

A deliciously moist cake infused with cinnamon and topped with cream cheese frosting.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box)
  • 1 cup cinnamon rolls (roughly 5-6 rolls, chopped)
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • to taste chopped pecans or walnuts for topping (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • In a mixing bowl, prepare the yellow cake mix according to package instructions. Pour the batter into the greased baking dish.
  • Chop the cinnamon rolls into small pieces and sprinkle them evenly over the cake batter, pushing them slightly into the batter.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the cake, about every 1-2 inches apart.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and ground cinnamon. Slowly pour this mixture over the cake, making sure to fill the holes. Allow the cake to absorb the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese frosting, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. Spread this frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
  • Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top if desired for an extra crunch.
  • For the best flavor, refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

For the best flavor, refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving.
Keyword cake, cinnamon roll, dessert