This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake Will Change Your Dessert Game Forever

If a cinnamon roll and a cake had a beautiful baby, this would be it! Grandma's Secret Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is the dessert that dreams are made of—gooey, sweet, cinnamon-swirled perfection in every bite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but so delicious it could steal the show at any family gathering, which it did for our family for over 50 years!

This cake is a love letter to those warm, cozy Sunday mornings at Grandma’s house, where the smell of cinnamon and sugar lingered in the air long before you even got to the kitchen. It’s easy to make, loaded with flavor, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to grab a slice. Whether you're making it for a holiday dessert table, a special occasion, or just because you need something sweet, this poke cake delivers every time.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Filling:

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• 1 container cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons milk (to thin, if needed)

Optional Toppings:

• A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar
• Chopped pecans or walnuts

Directions

Preheat and Prep:

Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on your cake mix box. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Make the Cake:

Prepare the cake mix according to the box instructions, but before pouring the batter into the pan, stir in the ground cinnamon for that signature cinnamon roll flavor. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake as directed on the box.

Poke and Fill:

Once the cake is out of the oven and still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake, about an inch apart. These little wells will soak up the delicious filling and create the ultimate gooey bite.

In a small bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Slowly pour this mixture evenly over the cake, letting it seep into all those little holes.

Frost It Up:

Warm the cream cheese frosting slightly (10–15 seconds in the microwave works wonders). Stir well, and if needed, add a splash of milk to thin it out to a spreadable consistency. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake, making sure every inch is covered in creamy goodness.

Add the Finishing Touches:

Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for extra sparkle or add chopped nuts for a bit of crunch. This final touch adds a little extra texture and makes the cake look as irresistible as it tastes.

Chill and Serve:

For the best results, pop the cake in the fridge for at least an hour to let all the flavors meld together. Trust me, the wait is worth it! When you’re ready to serve, slice it up and watch as everyone goes back for seconds (and thirds!).

Why You’ll Love It

This cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of treat that has people begging for the recipe before they’ve even finished their first slice. Plus, it’s forgiving for novice bakers and adaptable for seasoned pros.

Want to switch it up? Try these fun variations:

Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: Swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate or spice cake for a different flavor experience.

Maple Magic: Add a teaspoon of maple extract to the frosting for a warm, fall-inspired touch.

Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake: Mix in 1/2 cup of finely diced apples into the batter for an extra burst of fruity sweetness.

No matter how you make it, this cake is the ultimate comfort food wrapped in a nostalgic, cinnamon-scented hug.

A Sweet Ending

So, whether you’re whipping it up for a potluck, a holiday, or a Tuesday night pick-me-up, Grandma’s Secret Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake will have everyone asking, “Who’s Grandma, and can she move in?”

This is the kind of dessert that makes people linger around the table, savoring each bite, swapping stories, and creating memories. And if you find yourself sneaking a second slice straight from the fridge at midnight? Well, I won’t judge.

Enjoy every gooey, cinnamon-kissed bite!