Cinnamon Toast Crunch Poke Cake

This irresistible Cinnamon Toast Crunch Poke Cake combines a moist cinnamon cake, creamy pudding filling, and a crunchy cereal topping for a sweet, indulgent treat.

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Table of Contents

Everything To Know
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cake Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How To Make This Cinnamon Toast Crunch Poke Cake Recipe
How To Serve Cinnamon Crunch Cake
How To Store Cinnamon Toast Cake
Why This Cinnamon Toast Crunch Poke Cake Is The Best
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Poke Cake Frequently Asked Questions
More Easy and Delicious Poke Cake Recipes
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Cinnamon Toast Crunch poke cake is a delightful mix of nostalgic flavors and satisfying textures. Each bite delivers the warmth of a rich, buttery cinnamon filling that seeps into the soft, moist cake. But the real standout is the crunchy Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal topping, which adds a playful contrast. It’s a dessert that captures the joy of comfort food and the delight of childhood favorites.

a slice of Cinnamon Toast Crunch Poke Cake on a plate

Everything To Know

Main Ingredients: Vanilla cake mix, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, whipped topping, Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal.
Quick Steps: Bake vanilla cake, poke holes, pour cinnamon-butter mixture, top with whipped cream and cereal.
Total Time & Yield: 1 hour 40 minutes; serves 15.

Why This Recipe

What sets this recipe apart is the rich cinnamon-butter filling that’s poured into the cake’s holes, this infuses the cake with warm, buttery notes that complement the sweet crunch of the cereal topping.
Other Cinnamon Toast Crunch poke cake recipes often use simpler fillings like vanilla pudding or sweetened condensed milk to moisten the cake, which adds sweetness but can lack complexity.
Unlike recipes that simply layer cereal on top, we suggest you carefully add the Cinnamon Toast Crunch just before serving, ensuring it stays perfectly crispy. This avoids the common issue of soggy cereal, making every bite a delightful contrast of textures that other versions can’t match.

While some recipes rely heavily on multiple homemade steps, ours simplifies the process by using a boxed cake mix, saving time without sacrificing flavor. As a result, this Cinnamon Toast Crunch poke cake recipe strikes the perfect balance between ease and indulgence.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cake Ingredients

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Poke Cake raw ingredients that are labeled

What makes a great cake even better? When it’s made with simple ingredients, like cake mix, Cool Whip, and butter. We’ve made sure this cinnamon roll poke cake won’t break the bank, and if you’re a Cinnamon Toast Crunch fan, you might already have everything you need in your cupboard.

You’ll need:

For the Cake:

1 15.25-ounce box of vanilla (white) cake mix, prepared as directed on the box

For the Filling:

5 tablespoons salted butter, softened
½ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk

For the Frosting and Garnish:

1 8-ounce whipped topping, thawed
2 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal

Substitutions and Additions

Vanilla Cake Mix: If you prefer a homemade approach, you can substitute the boxed mix with your favorite vanilla cake recipe. Alternatively, a yellow or butter cake mix can be used for a slightly richer flavor.

Salted Butter: Unsalted butter can replace salted butter; just add a pinch of salt to maintain the balance.

Light Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar can be used but will give your cake a sweeter, deeper molasses flavor.

Whipped Topping: Homemade whipped cream can be used instead of store-bought whipped topping.

We really enjoy the light taste and texture of Cool Whip whipped topping on this moist cake, but if you want to try a classic frosting, here are some ideas:

Keep in mind that any changes might alter the taste and texture of the cake, so use them at your discretion.

How To Make This Cinnamon Toast Crunch Poke Cake Recipe

STEP ONE: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with baker’s spray to prevent the cake from sticking.

PRO TIP: We like to use a cooking spray that includes flour in the mix, like Baker’s Joy.

STEP TWO: In a large mixing bowl, prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the instructions on the cake mix box, but only use egg whites instead of the whole egg. This will give the cake a lighter texture.

Mix until well combined and smooth.

Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and bake as directed. Begin checking the cake at the 25-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.

Allow the cake to cool until it’s just slightly warm to the touch.

STEP THREE: Once the cake has cooled slightly, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes about a half inch apart all over the cake. This allows the filling to seep into the cake, so it’s extra moist and flavorful.

STEP FOUR: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and pure vanilla extract. Add the sweetened condensed milk and stir until well mixed.

butter, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and pure vanilla extract combined in a measuring cup

If your butter isn’t softened, your filling won’t mix together as well. Make sure you set your butter out 30-45 minutes before you start to allow it to come to room temperature.

STEP FIVE: Microwave the mixture on high for one minute, stir well, and then microwave for another minute. Be sure there are no lumps of brown sugar remaining by stirring thoroughly.

warm butter mixture spooned evenly over the top of the cake

STEP SIX: Carefully spoon the warm butter mixture evenly over the top of the cake, making sure it fills the holes you made. Allow the cake to cool completely before proceeding to the next step — or it will create a mess.

If the filling seems to pool on top of the cake instead of sinking into the holes, you can use a small spoon to press the filling into the holes.

STEP SEVEN: Once the cake has cooled, use an offset spatula or a spoon to spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the entire cake.

STEP SEVEN: Just before serving, sprinkle the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal over the top of the whipped topping. This keeps the cereal crunchy and adds a delightful texture to each bite.

How To Serve Cinnamon Crunch Cake

Now that your delicious cake is ready to go, it’s time to serve it! We like to slice the cinnamon cake and decorate it with fresh pieces of Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal.

To make your dessert extra special, drizzle caramel sauce over top.
Of course, you can serve your cake with vanilla ice cream!
If it’s a special occasion like a birthday, add birthday sprinkles for a fun treat.
To add even more cinnamon flavor or to celebrate Valentine’s Day, sprinkle cinnamon hearts over the top of the slices before serving.

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If you love Cinnamon Toast Crunch, make sure you try our other popular cinnamon recipes, like Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake Bites and Cinnamon Cupcakes.

How To Store Cinnamon Toast Cake

Here are some tips on making ahead and storing this cake to make sure it stays perfect for whenever you’re ready to serve it.

MAKE AHEAD: This cake can be made a day ahead of time. Prepare the cake as directed, including the filling and frosting, but don’t add the cereal topping until just before serving. Store the prepared cake in the refrigerator and add the cereal topping right before you’re ready to serve to keep it crunchy.

IN THE FRIDGE: To store leftover cake in the refrigerator, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days. You might want to remove any cereal pieces from the top before storing or they’ll get soggy. You can add fresh cereal before serving again.

IN THE FREEZER: For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight and add fresh cereal topping just before serving.

Why This Cinnamon Toast Crunch Poke Cake Is The Best

Nostalgic Flavors: It combines the beloved taste of Cinnamon Toast Crunch with a classic poke cake, perfect for kids and adults alike.

Simple Preparation: Using a boxed cake mix makes it quick and easy, even for beginners.

Perfect Textures: Moist cake, creamy filling, and crunchy cereal topping make every bite interesting.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Poke Cake Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the brown sugar from clumping in the filling?

Make sure to stir the butter mixture thoroughly after each minute in the microwave until no lumps remain.

What if I don’t have a wooden spoon to poke holes in the cake?

You can use any similar-sized tool, like the handle of a spatula or a chopstick, to poke the holes.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Start checking the cake at the 25-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix you’d like.

This Cinnamon Toast Crunch Poke Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that brings together the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon cereal and creamy filling. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, like birthdays, potlucks, and holidays.

More Easy and Delicious Poke Cake Recipes

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Poke Cake

5 from 1 vote

This irresistible Cinnamon Toast Crunch Poke Cake combines a moist cinnamon cake, creamy pudding filling, and a crunchy cereal topping for a sweet, indulgent treat.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1 40

Servings

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Ingredients

Cake

1 15.25- ounce box of vanilla white cake mix, prepared as directed on the box

Filling

5 tablespoons salted butter softened
½ cup light brown sugar tightly packed
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 14- ounce can of sweetened condensed milk

Frosting

1 8- ounce whipped topping thawed
2 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 with baker’s spray (like Baker’s Joy).
Prepare the cake as directed on the cake box. Be sure to only use egg whites, not the whole egg. Begin checking the cake at the 25-minute mark until a toothpick inserted comes away clean. Allow the cake to cool until it is just slightly warm to the touch.
Using the end handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes in the cake about ½ inch apart.
Add the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and sweetened condensed milk to a small microwave-safe bowl. Stir to combine. Heat the butter mixture in the microwave for 1 minute at full power, stir well, and heat for another 1 minute. Stir the butter mixture until no brown sugar lumps are remaining.
Carefully spoon the melted butter mixture evenly over the top of the cake. Allow the cake to cool completely.
Using an offset spatula or spoon evenly spread the thawed whipped topping over the cake. Just before you are ready to serve, sprinkle the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal over the top of the whipped topping. (To ensure the cereal keeps its crunch, do not garnish with the cereal until just before serving) Cut 3 slices x 5 slices before serving.

Nutrition

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Cinnamon Toast Crunch Poke Cake