Jolly Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe for Sweet Celebrations

Sweet magic happens when classic christmas red velvet poke cake meets festive holiday cheer.

Every slice tells a delightful story of rich cocoa and vibrant crimson charm.

Creamy layers whisper temptation from beneath a blanket of smooth cream cheese frosting.

Unexpected holes filled with decadent goodness create surprise in each perfect bite.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen dance through this simple yet luxurious dessert.

Weekend baking sessions transform into joyful celebrations with this irresistible treat.

You’ll want to savor every mouthwatering moment of this delectable christmas classic.

Tasty Variations for Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

• Gluten-Free Holiday Cake: Replace regular cake mix with a gluten-free red velvet cake mix for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Deconstructed Treat: Swap cream cheese frosting with coconut whipped cream and use dairy-free condensed milk alternative for lactose-intolerant guests.
• Low-Sugar Christmas Version: Use sugar-free cake mix, sugar-free condensed milk, and stevia-sweetened whipped topping to create a diabetes-friendly dessert.
• Vegan Winter Celebration Cake: Prepare using plant-based cake mix, coconut condensed milk, and cashew cream frosting to accommodate vegan dietary needs.

Why Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Always Stands Out

• Leverage a boxed cake mix and simple ingredients to create an impressive dessert in under an hour of active cooking time.
• Combine the rich flavors of red velvet, creamy condensed milk, and fluffy cream cheese topping that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Prepare this cake in advance and refrigerate, allowing the flavors to develop and making party planning a breeze.

Ingredients You Need for Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

• Red Velvet Cake Mix: Convenient base for the Christmas-themed cake, provides rich red color and classic flavor. Select a high-quality mix for best results.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds moisture and sweet richness, helping the cake become creamy and decadent.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates light and fluffy topping with perfect texture. Fresh cream ensures best whipping results.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, sweet notes.

• Cream Cheese: Provides tangy base for frosting, creating smooth and creamy texture. Room temperature cream cheese blends easier.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the cream cheese topping, creating perfect consistency.

• Green Sprinkles, Red Sprinkles: Adds festive Christmas color and visual appeal. Optional but recommended for holiday presentation.

How to Put Together Red Velvet Poke Cake for Christmas

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Warm the oven to 350F (175C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Mix and Bake Cake

• Red velvet cake mix
• Water
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil

Combine cake mix ingredients according to package directions. Pour batter into prepared dish and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 3: Create Cake Holes

Allow cake to cool for 10-15 minutes. Use wooden spoon handle to poke evenly spaced holes across cake surface.

Step 4: Soak Cake

Pour sweetened condensed milk over cake, ensuring liquid fills each hole completely. Let cake absorb milk and cool entirely.

Step 5: Whip Cream Cheese Topping

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy whipping cream

Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla, mixing thoroughly. Gradually incorporate whipping cream, beating until peaks form.

Step 6: Cover and Decorate Cake

Spread cream cheese topping evenly across cake surface. Sprinkle festive red and green decorations on top.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate cake for minimum 2 hours. Slice and enjoy this delightful holiday dessert!

Tips for Making the Best Red Velvet Poke Cake

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for cake mix and ingredients to ensure the perfect red velvet texture and flavor.
• Prevent Dry Cake: Avoid overbaking by checking the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time and using a toothpick test.
• Maximize Moisture: Poke holes generously and slowly pour condensed milk to help the cake absorb liquid evenly throughout.
• Whip Cream Strategically: Chill mixing bowl and beaters beforehand for faster and fluffier cream cheese topping.
• Customize Creatively: Swap sprinkles with crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings for a personalized holiday touch.

Keeping and Reheating Red Velvet Poke Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months for best quality.
• Transfer frozen cake to the refrigerator overnight. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to soften.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness and enhance flavor.

Sweet Pairings for Red Velvet Poke Cake

• Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Pairings
• Serve a rich espresso or cappuccino alongside the cake to balance its sweetness, cutting through the decadent cream cheese topping with bold coffee notes.
• Pair with a chilled glass of champagne or prosecco, enhancing the festive mood and complementing the cake's luxurious texture with elegant bubbles.
• Match with a warm mug of mulled wine or spiced apple cider, introducing cozy holiday flavors that echo the cake's festive red color and seasonal spirit.
• Add a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream as a side, creating a delightful temperature and texture contrast with the cool, creamy cake.

Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive holiday magic sparkles in this Red Velvet Poke Cake, blending rich chocolate and creamy cream cheese frosting into a delightful dessert. Guests will swoon over each moist, tender slice that promises sweet Christmas cheer and joyful celebration.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box red velvet cake mix
• 1 can (14 ounces/397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 block (8 ounces/226 grams) cream cheese, softened

Cream Topping:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Decorations:

• Green and red sprinkles or holiday-themed decorations

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven according to package instructions for red velvet cake, preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light grease coating.
2. Mix the red velvet cake batter meticulously, following package guidelines, and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
3. Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, then remove from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
4. Gently perforate the warm cake’s surface using a wooden spoon handle, creating evenly spaced holes approximately one inch apart.
5. Slowly drizzle sweetened condensed milk across the cake, ensuring the liquid penetrates each carefully crafted hole.
6. Allow the cake to cool completely, permitting the milk to absorb thoroughly into the cake’s interior.
7. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until silky and smooth using an electric mixer.
8. Incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the cream cheese, blending until achieving a uniform consistency.
9. Gradually introduce heavy whipping cream, continuing to beat until the mixture forms elegant, sturdy peaks.
10. Carefully spread the cream cheese topping across the cake’s entire surface, creating an even, luxurious layer.
11. Embellish the cake with festive green and red sprinkles, adding a cheerful holiday touch.
12. Refrigerate the decorated cake for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing flavors to harmonize and texture to set.
13. Slice and serve chilled, presenting a delightful Christmas dessert.

Notes

• Swap cake mix for gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Create a lighter version by using low-fat cream cheese and reduced-sugar condensed milk.
• Enhance moisture by adding a splash of buttermilk to the cake batter for extra richness.
• Experiment with flavor variations by incorporating peppermint extract or crushed candy canes for a festive twist.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg