Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is a festive and easy dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. This cake combines the classic red velvet flavor with a creamy, indulgent filling that’s poured into holes poked throughout the cake. Topped with a fluffy cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of red and green holiday decorations, it’s as delicious as it is visually stunning. This cake is ideal for Christmas gatherings, potlucks, or any special holiday occasion.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Red velvet cake mix
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Water
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Red and green sprinkles (for garnish)

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the red velvet cake mix according to the package instructions, adding eggs, oil, and water. Mix until smooth.
3. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. While the cake is baking, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream in a bowl.
5. Once the cake is done, allow it to cool for 10 minutes. Then, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw to poke holes all over the cake.
6. Pour the milk and cream mixture evenly over the cake, letting it soak into the holes.
7. Let the cake cool completely in the fridge for 1-2 hours.
8. While the cake cools, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
9. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake and garnish with red and green sprinkles.
10. Slice and serve chilled.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12-16 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Cooling time: 3 hours
Total time: 4 hours

Variations

• Add chocolate chips to the cake batter for extra indulgence.
• Use a different cake mix flavor, such as chocolate or vanilla, for a twist.
• Top the cake with holiday-themed candy like mini candy canes or chocolate shavings.
• For a lighter version, use a sugar-free cake mix and light cream cheese frosting.

storage/reheating

Store the Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake is perfect for making a day or two ahead of time. Just be sure to refrigerate it until ready to serve.

Can I use homemade cake instead of cake mix?
Yes, feel free to make a homemade red velvet cake if preferred. Just be sure to poke holes in the cake once it’s baked and follow the soaking steps.

What other toppings can I use besides sprinkles?
You can top the cake with whipped cream, crushed nuts, or even holiday-themed candies.

Can I use whipped topping instead of cream cheese frosting?
Yes, whipped topping can be used for a lighter texture, though the cream cheese frosting gives a richer flavor.

Can I make this cake without sweetened condensed milk?
If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, you can substitute with a homemade mixture of evaporated milk and sugar or use regular milk with sugar, though the flavor may differ slightly.

Conclusion

Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is the perfect dessert to celebrate the season with its festive colors, deliciously creamy filling, and light, airy frosting. Whether for a holiday party or a family dinner, this easy-to-make cake will become a seasonal favorite, delighting everyone with its sweet, indulgent flavor.

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