If you’re looking to bring a show-stopping dessert to your holiday gathering, this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe is your sweet answer. Imagine a moist, rich red velvet cake generously soaked with a luscious blend of sweetened condensed milk and melted white chocolate, crowned with a dreamy cream cheese whipped topping that is fluffy and velvety. It’s festive, stunning, and truly a crowd-pleaser that combines classic holiday flavors with an irresistibly moist texture, making every bite feel like a celebration. Trust me, once you try this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe, it will become an annual tradition that everyone looks forward to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and festive color. From the rich red velvet cake base to the creamy frosting, these essentials come together flawlessly.
- Red velvet cake mix: The base of the cake, giving it that vibrant red hue and tender crumb that’s essential for the holiday vibe.
- Eggs, oil, and water: These classic cake mix add-ins keep the batter moist and help it rise perfectly.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Provides a luscious, creamy sweetness that seeps into every crumb for extra moisture.
- White chocolate chips, melted: Adds a smooth, buttery richness that pairs beautifully with the tangy red velvet flavor.
- Cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient in the frosting, adding a tangy creaminess that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness.
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed: Lightens the cream cheese mixture, making the frosting fluffy and easy to spread.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor depth of the frosting with its warm, aromatic touch.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting for a silky finish.
- Festive sprinkles or holiday decorations (optional): Adds a playful, colorful flair perfect for Christmas celebrations.
How to Make Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Begin by heating your oven according to the red velvet cake mix box directions. Mix together the cake batter using the red velvet mix along with eggs, oil, and water as instructed. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake as directed. Once it’s baked, let it cool for about 10 minutes so it’s warm, not hot, to prepare for the next step.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
Here’s where the magic begins. Take the handle of a wooden spoon and poke evenly spaced holes all over the surface of the warm cake. These holes will allow the sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate mixture to seep deeply into every bite, making the cake irresistibly moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and White Chocolate
In a small bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk and melted white chocolate until smooth and creamy. Pour this decadent mixture slowly over the entire cake, making sure it fills all the holes you’ve poked. Let the cake absorb this luscious soak for at least 30 minutes, then allow it to cool completely so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
While the cake cools, whip up the frosting by beating softened cream cheese until silky smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well until creamy. Then gently fold in the thawed whipped topping to create a light, fluffy frosting that’s creamy with just the right amount of tang.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled, soaked cake. Aim for a thick, smooth layer that feels like a dreamy cloud topping this festive dessert. The frosting will complement the rich cake perfectly.
Step 6: Decorate
Finally, bring on the holiday cheer by sprinkling festive sprinkles or holiday-themed decorations on top. Red and green sprinkles, edible glitter, or little candy shapes make this cake visually stunning and totally Christmas-ready. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe is so much fun and adds that irresistible finishing touch. Freshly shaved white chocolate, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scattering of crushed peppermint can add additional texture, flavor, and festive flair to each slice.
Side Dishes
This luscious cake pairs wonderfully with simple accompaniments. Try serving it alongside a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the rich sweetness. If you want a seasonal twist, a cup of mulled wine or spiced hot cocoa will pair beautifully for a cozy holiday treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful presentation, serve the cake in a clear glass trifle dish layered with extra cream cheese topping and fresh berries for contrast. You can also cut the cake into bite-sized squares and place them on festive plates with a drizzle of raspberry sauce. Wrapping individual slices in parchment paper and tying them with twine makes for cute party favors too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe leftovers keep really well. Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This helps the flavors meld even more, making the cake even tastier the next day.
Freezing
If you want to make this cake ahead for the holidays, it freezes beautifully too. Wrap the frosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture and freshness.
Reheating
This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary and may alter the texture. If you prefer a slightly warmed slice, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes after removing from the fridge, allowing the flavors to shine.
FAQs
Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Using your favorite homemade red velvet recipe will work wonderfully for this poke cake. Just make sure it yields the right cake texture that’s moist but sturdy enough to hold the soak.
What can I substitute for the whipped topping?
You can use homemade whipped cream or even mascarpone cheese for a richer topping, but the key is keeping it light and fluffy to balance the dense cake layers.
How long should I let the cake soak?
At least 30 minutes is ideal for the cake to absorb the sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate mixture deeply. If you have more time, letting it soak longer enhances the moistness and flavor even more.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
To make this dairy-free, look for dairy-free cake mixes, substitute sweetened condensed coconut milk or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free whipped topping alternative. The texture might vary, but the spirit of the Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe remains joyful.
What festive decorations work best on top?
Think classic red and green sprinkles, crushed candy canes, edible glitter, or small sugar holly leaves. These add sparkle and color that make the cake look as joyful as it tastes.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe is truly a heartwarming dessert that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holidays. Its luscious texture, festive colors, and dreamy toppings all come together to create a treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly winter day. I can’t recommend it enough – trust me, once you make it, it will be a cherished favorite in your holiday dessert lineup for years to come!
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Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 29 minutes
- Total Time: 49 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring a classic red velvet cake infused with a sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate glaze. It’s then topped with a light and creamy cream cheese and whipped topping frosting, finished with cheerful holiday sprinkles for a perfect Christmas treat.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)
Filling
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted
Frosting
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decoration
- Festive sprinkles or holiday-themed decorations (optional)
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the red velvet cake mix box. Prepare the cake batter by mixing the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water as directed on the package. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake according to the package instructions. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke the Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly all over the warm cake. This allows the filling to seep in and infuse the cake with flavor and moisture.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and White Chocolate: In a small bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk with the melted white chocolate. Stir until smooth and pour this mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it fills the holes deeply. Allow the cake to absorb the mixture for at least 30 minutes, then let it cool completely to room temperature.
- Prepare the Topping: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat again until well combined and smooth. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the mixture is light, fluffy, and fully incorporated.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese and whipped topping mixture evenly over the cooled cake, creating a thick and smooth layer of frosting that covers the entire surface.
- Decorate: Sprinkle festive holiday-themed decorations or sprinkles over the frosting as desired. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.
Notes
- Be sure the cake is warm but not hot when poking holes to prevent it from crumbling.
- Allow enough time for the infused mixture to soak well for maximum flavor and moisture.
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute cream cheese and whipped topping with suitable vegan alternatives.
- Use festive sprinkles or edible glitter to enhance the Christmas theme.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
