Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

Introduction

The first time I made this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake, it was for a family holiday party. I knew it would be a hit because red velvet is such a classic, and the creamy topping adds a luxurious twist. As soon as I brought it out, it disappeared in no time! The combination of the moist red velvet cake with the white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk makes it irresistibly moist and indulgent. The cream cheese topping is light and fluffy, adding the perfect balance to the rich cake. My family couldn’t stop raving about it, and I had to make another one just to keep up with the demand. It has since become one of our go-to holiday desserts. It’s easy to make, festive, and delicious—what more could you ask for?

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

The Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is everything you want in a holiday dessert. It’s rich, moist, and packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of red velvet cake, sweetened condensed milk, and white chocolate. The frosting, made with cream cheese and whipped topping, is fluffy and light, creating the perfect balance with the dense, flavorful cake. The addition of festive sprinkles adds a beautiful touch, making it a great centerpiece for your holiday table. Not only is it visually stunning, but the cake is incredibly easy to make, thanks to the box cake mix and simple ingredients. It’s the ideal treat for any holiday gathering, from family dinners to office parties.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this indulgent Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake:

For the Cake:

• 1 box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted

For the Topping:

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• Festive sprinkles or holiday-themed decorations (optional)

Instructions

Making this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is straightforward and perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers. Follow these easy steps:

Bake the Cake

1. Prepare the cake: Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the box for the red velvet cake mix. Prepare the cake batter as directed, usually by adding eggs, oil, and water.
2. Bake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake according to the box directions until fully cooked. Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.

Poke the Cake

3. Poke holes: Once the cake has cooled slightly, take the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the cake. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced across the cake.

Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and White Chocolate

4. Mix the topping: In a small bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and melted white chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and well combined.
5. Pour over the cake: Slowly pour this mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes you created. Let the cake absorb the mixture for at least 30 minutes, allowing the cake to become extra moist. Allow it to cool completely.

Prepare the Topping

6. Cream cheese mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
7. Add powdered sugar and vanilla: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
8. Fold in whipped topping: Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until it’s light and fluffy.

Frost the Cake

9. Spread the frosting: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled cake, creating a thick and smooth layer of frosting.

Decorate

10. Add festive sprinkles: Top the cake with festive sprinkles, holiday decorations, or any other fun toppings like holiday-themed candies or melted chocolate. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving for best results.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories Per Serving)

This recipe yields approximately 12 servings. Below are the estimated nutrition facts for each serving:

• Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/12 of the cake)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 36g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

These values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Preparation Time

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30-35 minutes
• Cooling time: 1 hour (including cooling and chilling)
• Total time: 2 hours

How to Serve

This Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is perfect for a variety of occasions and can be served in many ways:

• As a dessert for holiday dinners: It’s a great addition to any festive meal, whether it’s Christmas, New Year’s, or a holiday potluck.
• For office or family parties: Make a big batch of this cake to serve a crowd. It’s easy to slice into individual servings and hand out.
• As a sweet treat with coffee: Enjoy a slice with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa as a midday snack.
• For holiday brunches: Its festive colors and rich flavor make it a perfect choice for a holiday brunch dessert.

Additional Tips

1. Add a peppermint twist: For a refreshing twist, mix in ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract into the whipped topping before spreading it on the cake.
2. Drizzle with chocolate: For extra holiday flair, drizzle the cake with melted chocolate or red and green candy melts before chilling.
3. Make it a layered cake: If you want to elevate this cake, make it into a layered poke cake by using two 9-inch round cakes and filling the holes with the sweetened condensed milk mixture.
4. Use full-fat cream cheese: For the richest, creamiest topping, use full-fat cream cheese.
5. Chill for better texture: Allow the cake to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to meld and gives the topping a firmer texture.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! You can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
2. Can I use a different type of cake mix? Absolutely! You can use chocolate, vanilla, or any other cake mix you prefer. The sweetened condensed milk mixture pairs well with many flavors.
3. Can I substitute the white chocolate chips? Yes! You can substitute with dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips if you prefer, but the white chocolate adds a creaminess that complements the red velvet flavor.
4. What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan? You can use any size pan, but keep in mind that the cooking time might vary. Just keep an eye on it as it bakes.
5. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping? Yes, you can use freshly whipped cream in place of the whipped topping for a more natural taste.
6. Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivity.
7. Can I make this cake vegan? While this cake is not inherently vegan, you could substitute vegan alternatives for the eggs, milk, and whipped topping to make it vegan-friendly.
8. What other toppings can I use besides sprinkles? You can use crushed peppermint candies, holiday-themed chocolate pieces, or even a drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup.
9. Why does the cake have holes in it? The holes are poked so that the sweetened condensed milk mixture can seep into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.
10. Can I freeze this cake? Yes! You can freeze the cake before frosting it. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw it before adding the frosting.

Conclusion

The Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is a perfect holiday dessert that combines the rich flavor of red velvet cake with a sweet, creamy topping. It’s a dessert that everyone will love, from kids to adults, and it’s easy enough to make without much fuss. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, New Year’s, or just need a festive treat, this cake is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. With its moist texture, creamy topping, and festive flair, it’s a dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of your guests and become a holiday tradition in no time.

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