Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday season, the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe is the answer. This vibrant and flavorful cake combines the lightness of white cake with the tart, sweet burst of cranberry sauce, all topped with fluffy whipped cream and festive sprinkles. It’s a joyful treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, guaranteed to become a beloved favorite at every Christmas gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing an essential role in creating a festive and delicious dessert. From the moist, tender cake base to the bright cranberry layer and the creamy topping, every component is designed to complement one another beautifully.

• White cake mix: Provides the fluffy and soft foundation for this poke cake, ensuring a light texture.
• Eggs: Bind the cake ingredients together and add richness.
• Water: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Vegetable oil: Adds moistness without overpowering flavor.
• Cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied): Offers a tangy, sweet burst of holiday flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances the tart cranberries perfectly.
• Whipped topping (such as Cool Whip): Creates a light and creamy layer on top for smoothness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness with warm, aromatic notes.
• Red and green sprinkles: Adds visual festivity and crunch to decorate the cake.

How to Make Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish with greasing and flouring. In a large bowl, stir together the white cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil until your batter is smooth and fully combined. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let your cake cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes before moving on.

Step 2: Prepare the Cranberry Layer

While the cake is cooling, whisk together the cranberry sauce, 1/2 cup water, and granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Warm this mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and everything blends smoothly together. Allow the cranberry mixture to cool just a bit—warm enough to soak into the cake but not hot enough to melt the cake’s crumb.

Step 3: Poke the Cake

Once your cake has cooled slightly, grab the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw and poke holes all over the top at about one-inch intervals. This step is what makes the poke cake so spectacular, as those holes will hold all the flavorful cranberry goodness.

Step 4: Add the Cranberry Layer

Pour the warm cranberry sauce evenly over the poked cake, making sure it seeps down into every hole. This juicy infusion will make every bite tangy and moist. Afterward, let the cake cool completely, then refrigerate it for at least two hours to let the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Prepare the Whipped Topping

In a bowl, gently mix the whipped topping with vanilla extract until everything is well combined and creamy. This will add a luscious, smooth layer on top of your cranberry poke cake.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake, then sprinkle red and green sprinkles to add that extra festive flair. Slice into generous squares and serve your Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe with pride!

How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like crushed peppermint candies, extra fresh cranberries, or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate this dessert’s festive appearance and add exciting texture contrasts. The red and green sprinkles already bring a celebratory vibe, making it perfect for holiday tables.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with rich hot beverages, such as spiced apple cider, hot chocolate, or a warm cup of coffee. If you want to complete a holiday dessert buffet, serving alongside gingerbread cookies or a platter of assorted nuts works beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress your guests even more, consider serving individual slices in clear glass dessert dishes layered with extra cranberry sauce or whipped cream. You could also transform this poke cake into a trifle, layering cake cubes with cranberry sauce and whipped topping in a large bowl for a stunning centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It should remain fresh and moist for about 3 to 4 days, making it a convenient treat to enjoy even after your holiday feast.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, you can freeze this cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic and foil to avoid freezer burn. For best results, freeze the cake before adding the whipped topping, then add it fresh after thawing. Properly stored, it can keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Since this cake is best served chilled, reheating is not recommended. Simply allow frozen slices to thaw fully in the refrigerator and add fresh whipped topping if needed before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake instead of cake mix?

Absolutely! While the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe calls for a cake mix for convenience, you can certainly use your favorite homemade white cake recipe. Just make sure it has a similar texture to hold the cranberry sauce well.

What type of cranberry sauce works best?

Both whole berry and jellied cranberry sauces work wonderfully. Whole berry adds a bit more texture and tartness, while jellied cranberry sauce creates a smoother finish. Choose based on your preference or what you have on hand.

Can I substitute the whipped topping with fresh whipped cream?

Yes! Freshly whipped cream with a bit of vanilla extract makes a fantastic, fluffy topping that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries, adding a lovely homemade touch.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the cake after adding the cranberry sauce?

Yes, refrigerating allows the cranberry mixture to soak fully into the cake and helps set the flavors. It also keeps the whipped topping fresh and the overall cake moist and delicious.

How far in advance can I make this poke cake?

This cake can be made a day ahead, refrigerated overnight for the best flavor development. Just be sure to keep it covered tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe is truly a showstopper that balances festive colors, textures, and flavors in one gorgeous dessert. It’s easy to make, fun to poke, and a joyful centerpiece to your holiday celebrations. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be a beloved tradition you’ll want to share year after year. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get poking!

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