There’s just something magical about the holidays, and when it comes to desserts, my absolute favorite has to be this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake. The vibrant red color and fluffy whipped cream topping instantly bring cheer to any gathering! I remember the first time I made this cake for our family Christmas party. It was a hit! Everyone loved the surprise of the creamy filling inside, and I could hardly keep up with the requests for seconds. Trust me, this cake isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a feast for the eyes too. It’s the perfect centerpiece for your festive table, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients for Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 box red velvet cake mix: This is the star of our cake! Look for a good quality mix for the best flavor and color.
- 3 large eggs: These will help your cake rise beautifully and give it that lovely fluffy texture.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: This keeps the cake moist and tender. You can also use canola oil if you prefer!
- 1 cup water: Just plain water is perfect here to help the cake mix blend smoothly.
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: This is what makes our poke cake so deliciously creamy. It’s a game-changer!
- 1 cup heavy cream: We’ll whip this up to create a luscious topping that’s light and fluffy.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: This sweetens the whipped cream and helps it hold its shape. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking!
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds depth of flavor to the whipped cream.
- Red and green sprinkles for garnish: These festive sprinkles are the perfect finishing touch to make your cake extra special for the holidays!
How to Prepare Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this stunning Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake! It’s really all about the layers of flavor and texture, so follow along with me!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial to get that cake baking perfectly.
- Next, prepare the red velvet cake mix according to the package directions. You’ll usually need to mix the cake mix with the eggs, vegetable oil, and water until everything is well combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Oh, that smell will have you drooling!
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This is a great time to tidy up your kitchen or sip on some hot cocoa!
- Now comes the fun part! Use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Don’t be shy—this is how the creamy filling will seep in.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, making sure it fills those holes beautifully. Let it soak in for a few minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This will be your fluffy topping, so whip it good!
- Spread that luscious whipped cream over the cake, smoothing it out to cover every inch.
- Finally, sprinkle on those festive red and green sprinkles for that holiday cheer. It’s almost too pretty to eat!
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving. This cooling time allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully.
And there you have it! A deliciously festive cake ready to impress your family and friends. Can’t wait for you to dig in!
Tips for Success
To make your Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure your oven is fully preheated. This helps the cake rise evenly and stay moist. Also, don’t rush the cooling process; letting it cool for a good 10 minutes before poking holes is key—this prevents it from falling apart. When you poke those holes, use a fork or a toothpick for more precise placement. Trust me, it helps the sweetened condensed milk soak in better! And don’t skimp on the refrigeration time—two hours might feel like forever, but it allows the flavors to mingle beautifully. Lastly, feel free to adjust the sweetness of the whipped cream to your taste; it’s all about what you love!
Variations on Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize your Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake! For a twist on the classic flavor, you can add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cake mix for a deeper chocolatey taste. How about a peppermint version? Just stir in some crushed peppermint candies into the whipped cream for that festive minty kick! You could even swap out the heavy cream for a flavored whipped topping, like cream cheese frosting, for a decadent twist.
If you’re looking to make it extra fruity, try adding a layer of raspberry or strawberry sauce between the cake layers before adding the whipped cream. And don’t forget—the toppings are endless! You can use crushed cookies, chocolate shavings, or even drizzle some caramel sauce on top. The possibilities are just as vibrant as the cake itself!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so these are just estimates. But here’s what you can expect per serving of this delightful Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake:
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Enjoy this festive treat knowing it’s as delicious as it is delightful!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake, I love to keep it simple yet festive! You can serve it with a dollop of extra whipped cream on the side for those who want a little more creaminess. Fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries, add a beautiful pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich cake. A sprinkle of cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate the presentation, making it look even more enticing. For a fun twist, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—trust me, the combination of warm cake and cold ice cream is heavenly!
FAQ Section
Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of a mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade red velvet cake recipe, feel free to use it instead of the box mix. Just make sure it’s baked in the same way to ensure it holds up for the poke cake method!
What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can try using a mixture of evaporated milk and sugar. Just mix 1 cup of evaporated milk with about 2/3 cup of sugar, and you’ll get a similar creamy consistency!
How long does the cake last in the fridge?
Your Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-5 days. Just make sure it’s covered well to keep it moist and delicious!
Can I freeze this poke cake?
Yes! You can freeze the cake, but I recommend doing so before adding the whipped cream topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before serving and then add your whipped cream!
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftovers are delicious served chilled straight from the fridge! You could also warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer a cozy, warm dessert experience. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Appearance: With its vibrant red color and fluffy white whipped cream, this cake is a showstopper that adds holiday cheer to any table!
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of rich red velvet and creamy filling is simply irresistible, making every bite a delightful experience.
- Easy to Make: Using a box mix simplifies the process, so even if you’re not a baking pro, you can still impress your guests!
- Make-Ahead Option: This cake can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe with different flavors, toppings, or mix-ins to suit your taste and make it your own!
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a guaranteed hit at any gathering, so you can be sure everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake: 5 Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive red velvet cake soaked with creamy filling, perfect for Christmas.
Ingredients
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Red and green sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the red velvet cake mix according to package directions.
- Bake in a 9×13 inch pan for 30-35 minutes.
- Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes in the cake using a fork.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk over the cake, filling the holes.
- In a bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the cake.
- Garnish with red and green sprinkles.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cake mix.
- Use a toothpick to poke holes for more precise placement.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: christmas red velvet poke cake
