Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

There’s something magical about Christmas desserts, and this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is a true showstopper. Picture this: layers of moist, rich red velvet cake soaked with sweetened condensed milk and topped with a creamy whipped topping that’s just the right balance of sweet and light. The best part? It’s not just for looks—every bite is bursting with flavor. This cake is as festive as it is delicious, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. Trust me, this one’s going to be a crowd favorite!

Why You’ll Love Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

• Festive and Fun: With its vibrant red color and creamy white topping, this cake screams holiday cheer. It’s perfect for bringing a little extra joy to your Christmas celebrations.
• Easy to Make: While it looks impressive, this cake is actually super simple to make, and it requires minimal effort for maximum flavor.
• Moist and Flavorful: The poke cake technique ensures every bite is infused with the sweet condensed milk, making the cake extra moist and rich.
• Perfect for a Crowd: Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or bringing dessert to a family gathering, this cake serves a crowd and looks beautiful on any dessert table.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare this cake a day or two in advance, so it’s perfect for busy holiday schedules.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this decadent cake:

• Red Velvet Cake Mix: The base of this cake is a store-bought mix that makes the process easier while still giving you that classic red velvet flavor.
• Eggs: To help bind the ingredients together and give the cake structure.
• Vegetable Oil: For moisture and a tender texture.
• Buttermilk: A must for achieving the signature tangy flavor and soft crumb of red velvet cake.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: The star ingredient for soaking the cake, giving it an irresistibly creamy texture.
• Whipped Topping: Light and fluffy, this will be the creamy layer on top, adding that signature contrast to the rich cake.
• Cream Cheese: For a tangy, creamy filling that makes every bite more indulgent.
• Powdered Sugar: To sweeten the whipped topping and cream cheese layer without making it too heavy.
• Red and Green Sprinkles: For a festive touch that makes this cake perfect for Christmas.

(Note: Full ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making this delicious Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake:

1. Bake the Cake:

Start by preparing the red velvet cake mix according to the instructions on the box, but replace any water with buttermilk for extra flavor. Once mixed, pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake at the temperature specified on the box (typically 350°F). Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes.

2. Poke the Cake:

Once the cake has cooled slightly, use the end of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the cake—about 1-inch apart. Make sure to poke deep enough so the milk can soak in, but not all the way through the cake.

3. Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk:

Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top of the cake, making sure to fill all the holes. This will create that signature moist, creamy texture and flavor. Let the cake sit for about 30 minutes so the milk can soak in fully.

4. Prepare the Topping:

While the cake is soaking, prepare the creamy topping. In a medium bowl, mix the whipped topping with cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

5. Top the Cake:

Once the cake has finished soaking, spread the whipped cream mixture evenly over the top of the cake, making sure it’s smooth and covers every inch.

6. Decorate:

Top the cake with festive red and green sprinkles to give it a holiday look. You can also add a few extra touches like holiday-themed sugar decorations or mini candy canes.

7. Chill and Serve:

Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results. The longer it chills, the more the flavors will meld together.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes (plus chilling time)

How to Serve Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

• Perfect for Christmas Dinner: Serve this cake as the grand finale of your holiday meal. It’s rich enough to feel indulgent yet light enough to leave everyone wanting just one more bite.
• Holiday Parties: This cake is a hit at Christmas parties—whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or an office holiday party, it’s sure to be devoured.
• Gift a Slice: Pack slices in a cute container and give them to friends or neighbors for a festive homemade gift.

Additional Tips

• Make it More Indulgent: If you love chocolate, try drizzling some chocolate syrup or chocolate chips over the whipped topping for extra richness.
• Vegan or Dairy-Free Options: Swap the cake mix for a dairy-free or vegan red velvet mix, and use non-dairy whipped topping and cream cheese for a delicious dairy-free version.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
• Add More Toppings: For even more flavor, you can add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips to the topping.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A1: Yes! This cake actually gets better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. It’s perfect for making ahead of time.

Q2: Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of a mix?
A2: Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade red velvet cake recipe, feel free to use it. Just make sure to follow the same method of poking holes and adding the sweetened condensed milk.

Q3: Can I use whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
A3: Yes, you can! If you prefer real whipped cream, you can make your own using heavy cream and a bit of sugar. Just make sure it’s stabilized so it holds its shape.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover cake in the fridge, tightly covered with plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Q5: Can I freeze this cake?
A5: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cake before adding the whipped topping. Just cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and top with the whipped cream before serving.

This Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is everything you want in a holiday dessert—festive, flavorful, and utterly delicious. It’s the perfect way to spread holiday cheer and share something sweet with the ones you love. Enjoy every bite!

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