Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s both delicious and festive, look no further than this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake. The combination of moist red velvet cake, luscious cream cheese frosting, and a cloud of chocolate whipped cream, all topped with cheerful sprinkles, makes this cake a holiday favorite in our house. Each bite is a celebration of flavor and texture, and the colorful presentation is guaranteed to wow your guests. Whether you’re hosting a big Christmas gathering or just want to treat your family to something special, this cake brings instant holiday magic to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake relies on a handful of simple, accessible ingredients, each one bringing its own festive flair. The mix of boxed cake, creamy fillings, and playful toppings creates a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is beautiful to serve.
- Red velvet cake mix: The shortcut to a perfectly moist and vibrant base that’s full of classic cocoa flavor.
- Eggs, oil, and water: Essential for bringing your cake mix to life; follow the box instructions for best results.
- Cream cheese: Softened to creamy perfection, this adds tangy richness to the frosting layer.
- Unsalted butter: Blends with the cream cheese for a smooth, spreadable frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting, giving it that dreamy, cloud-like texture.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor of the frosting with warm, comforting notes.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Soaks into the cake, adding moisture and a caramel-like sweetness that makes every bite irresistible.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped into soft peaks for a light and airy chocolate topping.
- Cocoa powder: Infuses the whipped cream with a rich, chocolaty finish.
- Red and green sprinkles: The festive finishing touch that makes the cake pop with Christmas spirit!
How to Make Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake
Step 1: Bake the Red Velvet Cake
Get started by preheating your oven according to the instructions on your red velvet cake mix box. Prepare the cake batter by combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water as directed, then pour it into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—your kitchen will smell incredible! Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, just enough so it’s warm but not hot.
Step 2: Poke and Soak
Once the cake has cooled a bit, grab the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about an inch apart. These little pockets are the secret to a super moist Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake! Pour the sweetened condensed milk slowly and evenly over the surface, allowing it to seep into the holes and infuse every bite with creamy sweetness.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat again until everything is well combined and creamy. This dreamy frosting will be the first luscious layer on top of your cake, so spread it evenly to cover every inch.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Whipped Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the cocoa powder until stiff peaks form. This step only takes a few minutes but truly elevates the cake, adding a light and airy chocolate layer that complements the richness underneath. Gently spread the chocolate whipped cream over the cream cheese frosting, creating a beautiful and decadent top.
Step 5: Decorate and Chill
Sprinkle red and green sprinkles generously over the cake for that unmistakable Christmas vibe. If you’re feeling extra festive, you can also add some crushed candy canes or mini chocolate chips on top. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least one hour—this helps all the flavors meld together and makes slicing a breeze.
How to Serve Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake
Garnishes
To really make your Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake sparkle, don’t skimp on the garnishes! A generous shower of red and green sprinkles instantly makes it celebration-ready. For a little crunch and extra holiday flair, try adding crushed candy canes or a handful of mini chocolate chips right before serving. The pops of color and texture not only look stunning but make each bite even more delightful.
Side Dishes
Since this cake is rich and decadent, it pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Consider serving it with a fresh fruit salad—think juicy berries or citrus segments—for a refreshing contrast. If you’re hosting a party, a mug of hot cocoa, coffee, or even a glass of milk makes the perfect companion to a slice of Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake, balancing out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is key during the holidays! You can cut the cake into neat squares and arrange them on a festive platter, or use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for kids. Want to get fancy? Layer individual portions in clear glasses as mini trifles, showing off those gorgeous red and white layers. However you serve it, this cake is bound to be the centerpiece of your dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake (which is rare in our house!), simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and moist for up to four days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers an extra-special treat.
Freezing
This cake freezes surprisingly well! For best results, slice the cake and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for a ready-made dessert that tastes just as good as fresh.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this cake; it’s best enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge. If you prefer a softer texture, let a slice sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving. Just remember to keep the cake refrigerated whenever you’re not enjoying it, as the cream cheese and whipped cream layers are perishable.
FAQs
Can I make Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake a day ahead?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld and the cake to become even more decadent. Just keep it chilled in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
What can I use if I don’t have red velvet cake mix?
You can substitute with a homemade red velvet cake recipe or even a chocolate cake mix for a twist, but the signature color and subtle cocoa flavor of red velvet really make this dessert shine for the holidays.
Do I have to use sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is what gives poke cakes their signature moistness and rich flavor, but if you prefer, you could try using a combination of evaporated milk and a bit of sugar, though the texture will be slightly different.
Can I decorate the cake differently?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative—crushed peppermint, white chocolate shavings, candied cherries, or even edible glitter can add extra pizzazz to your Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake.
How do I prevent the cake from getting soggy?
Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before pouring on the condensed milk, and don’t overdo the soaking. Storing it in the fridge and serving within a couple of days keeps the cake perfectly moist without becoming mushy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring a little extra cheer to your holiday festivities, this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is the way to go. It’s simple, stunning, and sure to become a new family tradition. Gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and savor every festive bite—you’ll be making sweet memories with every slice.
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Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the holidays with this festive Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake. This layered dessert features a moist red velvet cake infused with sweetened condensed milk, topped with creamy cream cheese frosting and a rich chocolate whipped cream layer. Garnished with red and green sprinkles, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings and easy to prepare ahead of time.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box: eggs, oil, water)
Frosting
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- Red and green sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat and bake cake: Preheat your oven according to the red velvet cake mix instructions. Prepare the cake batter as directed and pour into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, then allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Poke holes in cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly all over the warm cake to allow the condensed milk to soak in thoroughly.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk: Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes to keep the cake moist and flavorful.
- Prepare cream cheese frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost the cake: Evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the soaked cake, covering it completely.
- Make chocolate whipped cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with cocoa powder until stiff peaks form, creating a light and chocolatey topping.
- Top the cake: Spread the chocolate whipped cream over the cream cheese layer as a second layer.
- Decorate and chill: Sprinkle festive red and green sprinkles on top for a holiday touch. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set before serving.
Notes
- For extra festivity, top with crushed candy canes or mini chocolate chips.
- This cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.
- Serve chilled for the best texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
