Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday dessert—the *Christmas poke cake*! This cake is like a sweet hug for your taste buds, bursting with festive flavors that perfectly capture the spirit of the season. Imagine a fluffy, moist cake filled with rich, sweetened condensed milk and topped with luscious strawberry or raspberry sauce. It’s so easy to make, and it always disappears at gatherings! I love bringing it to family get-togethers; there’s just something magical about watching everyone’s faces light up when they take that first bite. Plus, the crushed candy canes on top give it that perfect holiday crunch! Trust me, this cake will become a beloved tradition in your home, just like it has in mine!
Ingredients for Christmas Poke Cake
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup strawberry or raspberry sauce
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
How to Prepare the Christmas Poke Cake
Making this delightful *Christmas poke cake* is a breeze, and I promise, the results are nothing short of spectacular! Let’s dive right into these simple steps so you can impress your guests with your holiday baking skills!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want that cake to bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy!
- Next, grab a large mixing bowl and prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions. It typically involves mixing the cake mix with 1 cup of water, 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs. Just follow the directions, and you’ll be golden!
- Now, pour that delicious batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure it’s evenly spread out so it bakes nicely.
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Just try not to eat the whole thing before it cools!
- Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial because it gives the cake time to settle. But don’t wander off just yet!
- Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake—this is where the magic happens! These little holes will soak up all that sweetened condensed milk.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, making sure to fill those holes generously. You want every bite to be packed with flavor!
- Next, spread your choice of strawberry or raspberry sauce over the top. The vibrant color and flavor will make it festive and delicious!
- Finish off with a generous dollop of whipped topping and sprinkle crushed candy canes and chocolate chips on top. It’s like a winter wonderland on a plate!
- Finally, chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps the flavors meld together, and trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
- Moist, decadent cake soaked in sweetened condensed milk for a delightful treat.
- Festive flavors of strawberry or raspberry that scream holiday cheer.
- Crowd-pleasing dessert that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
- Visually stunning with its whipped topping and colorful candy cane garnish.
- Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or cozy nights in with loved ones.
- Can be made ahead of time—just chill and serve when you’re ready!
- Versatile enough to switch up fruit sauces and toppings for variety.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your *Christmas poke cake* turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips that I’ve learned along the way:
- Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: After baking, let your cake cool for at least 10 minutes before poking holes. This helps the cake set a bit and ensures it doesn’t fall apart when you’re pouring in that delicious sweetened condensed milk!
- Make Those Holes Deep: When poking holes, be generous! Use the end of a wooden spoon and poke all the way to the bottom of the cake. This way, the milk soaks in thoroughly for maximum flavor.
- Chill, Chill, Chill: I know it’s hard to wait, but chilling the cake for at least 2 hours is crucial. It allows the flavors to meld and creates that perfect, creamy texture.
- Presentation is Key: For a stunning presentation, add a sprinkle of extra crushed candy canes right before serving. It adds a pop of color and festive flair that’ll wow your guests!
- Experiment with Sauces: Feel free to mix things up! While I love strawberry and raspberry, you can try using blueberry or even a mix of different fruit sauces for a unique twist.
- Keep it Covered: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), make sure to cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from drying out in the fridge.
Variations of Christmas Poke Cake
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up a bit with your *Christmas poke cake*, I’ve got some fun variations that’ll keep things exciting and cater to everyone’s taste buds! Trust me, these ideas will make this cake even more festive and delightful!
- Chocolate Delight: Swap out the fruit sauce for a rich chocolate fudge sauce. Pour it over the holes for a decadent twist and top with chocolate shavings instead of candy canes. It’s like a holiday dessert dream come true!
- Minty Fresh: Use a mint chocolate sauce instead of fruit sauce and mix crushed peppermint candies into the whipped topping for an extra minty kick. It’ll feel like a winter wonderland in every bite!
- Fruit Medley: Combine different fruit sauces—think raspberry and blueberry or even a tropical twist with mango and coconut. The colorful layers will not only taste amazing but also look stunning!
- Nutty Crunch: Add a layer of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the whipped topping before sprinkling with crushed candy canes. It gives a lovely crunch that complements the softness of the cake.
- Coconut Cream: Use coconut cream instead of whipped topping and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical flair. This variation feels like a sunny holiday escape!
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top along with the fruit sauce for a sweet and salty combination that will have everyone raving!
These variations are all about experimenting with flavors and making the *Christmas poke cake* your own. Feel free to mix and match ideas based on what you or your guests love. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional information for this delightful *Christmas poke cake*! Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients. Each slice is a festive treat packed with flavor, so here’s the breakdown:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
This cake is definitely a sweet indulgence, but hey, it’s the holidays! Enjoy every bite, and remember, it’s all about balance and enjoying the festive season with loved ones!
FAQ About Christmas Poke Cake
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While I love the classic white cake mix, you can totally experiment with flavors like vanilla, lemon, or even chocolate. Just keep in mind that the flavors of your fruit sauce should complement your chosen cake mix!
How should I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), just cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to keep it chilled!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This *Christmas poke cake* is perfect for making ahead. Just prepare it a day or two in advance, let it chill in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to serve when your guests arrive!
What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
If you’re looking for a lighter option or have dietary restrictions, you can use a mixture of evaporated milk and a bit of sugar, or even a coconut milk-based version for a dairy-free alternative. It’ll still work wonders in soaking up the cake!
How do I serve it?
Serve slices of this delightful cake chilled, topped with extra whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for that added festive flair. It’s all about making it special for the holidays!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to store that delicious *Christmas poke cake* so you can enjoy it long after the holiday festivities! First off, if you have any leftovers (which is a miracle, but hey, it happens!), make sure to cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from drying out in the fridge. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it stays nice and chilled!
If you want to keep it for a bit longer, you can also freeze it! Just slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply take out a slice and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—this cake is best enjoyed chilled, and the flavors will still be as delightful as ever!
So, whether you’re savoring a slice right after the holidays or pulling one out from the freezer for a special treat later on, you can have your *Christmas poke cake* and enjoy it too!
Print
Christmas Poke Cake: 7 Festive Flavors to Delight You
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and moist poke cake filled with holiday flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup strawberry or raspberry sauce
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes in the cake using the end of a wooden spoon.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk over the cake, filling the holes.
- Spread the strawberry or raspberry sauce over the cake.
- Top with whipped topping and sprinkle crushed candy canes and chocolate chips on top.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- You can use different fruit sauces for variety.
- Garnish with additional crushed candy canes if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas poke cake, holiday dessert, festive cake
