Festive Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe for Holiday Joy

Sinking your fork into a luscious Christmas red velvet poke cake that sparkles with festive charm.

Holiday desserts can truly capture magical moments of celebration.

Sweet layers of crimson cake drizzled with creamy filling create an irresistible centerpiece for any gathering.

Rich cocoa notes blend seamlessly with smooth cream cheese hints, promising delectable indulgence.

Seasonal baking becomes an art form when you craft this stunning dessert.

Delightful textures and vibrant colors make this treat a guaranteed conversation starter at winter parties.

One slice promises to become your new favorite seasonal tradition.

How To Bake Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake With Ease

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a generous spray of cooking oil. Pour your red velvet cake mix into the pan and follow the package directions. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 2: Create Magical Holes

Once the cake looks perfectly golden, grab a wooden spoon handle. Gently poke holes all over the warm cake surface. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced, about an inch apart. This is where the deliciousness will seep in!

Step 3: Drench With Sweet Milk

Open a can of sweetened condensed milk. Slowly pour the creamy liquid over the cake, making sure it fills every single hole. Watch how the milk cascades into the cake’s beautiful craters.

Step 4: Whip Up Dreamy Frosting

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy whipping cream

Mix until the frosting forms fluffy, stiff peaks that look like winter clouds.

Step 5: Decorate With Holiday Cheer

Spread the cloud-like frosting across the entire cake. Sprinkle festive red and green decorations over the top. Make it look like a winter wonderland!

Step 6: Chill And Delight

Pop the cake into the refrigerator for at least two hours. This helps all the flavors mingle and get to know each other. When ready, slice and serve your Christmas masterpiece!

Best Tips For Moist Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

• Make Cake Moisture Perfection: Poke holes carefully and evenly to ensure sweetened condensed milk distributes thoroughly, creating a rich, moist texture throughout the cake.
• Whip Cream Cheese Like a Pro: Beat cream cheese at room temperature for smoother mixing, preventing lumps and achieving a silky, creamy topping consistency.
• Festive Decoration Hack: Use holiday-themed sprinkles or crushed candy canes to add a cheerful Christmas touch that makes the dessert visually stunning and seasonally appealing.
• Temperature Control Matters: Allow cake to cool completely before adding toppings, preventing cream cheese frosting from melting and maintaining a perfect, stable presentation.
• Dietary Modification Option: Substitute low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free condensed milk for a lighter version that accommodates health-conscious guests without compromising delicious flavor.

How To Store And Slice Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Transfer any remaining cake to an airtight container, ensuring it's tightly sealed to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze Wisely: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake can last up to 2 months without losing its delicious texture and flavor.
• Reheat Gently: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator overnight. For a slightly warm slice, microwave individual pieces for 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat and dry out the cake.
• Serve Chilled: Red velvet poke cake tastes best when served cold, so enjoy straight from the refrigerator for the most delightful creamy and moist experience.

Perfect Pairings For Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

• Sip Festive Cranberry Cocktail: Pair this red velvet cake with a cranberry martini or cranberry mimosa to complement the cake's red color and add holiday cheer.
• Match Creamy Vanilla Latte: The rich cream cheese topping pairs wonderfully with a warm vanilla latte, balancing the cake's sweetness and providing a cozy winter drink experience.
• Enhance with Peppermint Hot Chocolate: A classic peppermint hot chocolate creates a delightful contrast to the cake's creamy texture, bringing out the festive Christmas spirit.
• Blend Sparkling White Wine: A chilled glass of prosecco or champagne cuts through the cake's richness and adds an elegant touch to your holiday dessert celebration.

Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Variations To Try

• Chocolate Mint Festive Remix: Swap out the vanilla extract for peppermint extract in the cream cheese topping and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a wintery chocolate-mint version.
• Cream Cheese Berry Blast: Add fresh raspberries or strawberries between the cake layers and incorporate some berry puree into the condensed milk for a fruity seasonal spin.
• Nutty Holiday Edition: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the cream cheese topping and sprinkle toasted nuts across the cake surface for extra crunch and warmth.
• White Chocolate Snowflake Style: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cream cheese topping and use white-colored sprinkles to create a snowy, elegant presentation.

Common Questions About Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

• What makes this red velvet poke cake special for Christmas?

This cake combines the classic red velvet flavor with a festive twist by using holiday-themed sprinkles and a rich cream cheese topping that makes it perfect for Christmas gatherings and celebrations.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better when prepared in advance. You can make it a day before your event, which helps the flavors blend and makes holiday prep easier.

• Is this recipe difficult for beginner bakers?

Not at all! This is a super simple recipe that uses a cake mix as its base, making it very beginner-friendly. The poke cake technique is easy to master, and the cream cheese topping is straightforward to prepare.

• How do I know when to stop poking holes in the cake?

Create holes about 1 inch apart across the entire surface of the cake. Don’t worry about being perfectly precise – the goal is to have enough holes for the condensed milk to seep in and create a moist, delicious texture.

Why Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Feels Extra Festive

• Create Festive Holiday Magic: Transform an ordinary red velvet cake into a showstopping Christmas dessert that captures the season's spirit with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
• Indulge in Luxurious Texture Layers: Experience the delightful combination of moist red velvet cake, creamy sweetened condensed milk soaking, and light, fluffy cream cheese topping that melts in your mouth with each heavenly bite.
• Simplify Dessert Preparation: Leverage a convenient boxed cake mix and easy assembly technique to craft an impressive holiday treat that looks professionally made but requires minimal baking skills and time in the kitchen.
• Delight Family and Guests: Wow your loved ones with a visually stunning dessert that blends traditional red velvet flavors with festive decorations, making it perfect for Christmas gatherings, potlucks, and special celebrations.

Ingredients Needed For Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

• Red Velvet Cake Mix: Classic holiday cake base with rich red color and tender crumb. Choose a high-quality mix for best results.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps bind the cake ingredients. Any neutral-flavored oil works well.
• Eggs: Provides structure and helps cake rise. Fresh large eggs are recommended.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a rich, sweet layer that soaks into cake holes. Full-fat version ensures maximum flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Provides tangy base for creamy topping. Use full-fat, room temperature cream cheese for smooth texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes frosting. Sift to prevent lumps.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to frosting. Pure vanilla gives best flavor.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates light, fluffy texture in frosting. Cold cream whips best.

• Green and Red Sprinkles: Adds festive holiday touch. Choose mix with various shapes and sizes for visual interest.

Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Red Velvet Poke Cake brings holiday magic to dessert tables with rich crimson layers and creamy white frosting. Sweet Southern charm meets festive cheer in this irresistible Christmas treat you’ll want to share with loved ones.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box red velvet cake mix
• 1 14-ounces (396 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 8-ounces (226 grams) block cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

Binding/Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Decorative Ingredients:

• Green and red sprinkles or holiday-themed decorations

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cake foundation by preheating the oven and selecting a suitable baking vessel. Mix the red velvet cake batter carefully, following package guidelines, and transfer to the prepared dish. Bake until perfectly risen and a toothpick emerges clean.
2. After removing from the oven, allow the cake to rest and slightly cool. Create a network of evenly spaced perforations across the surface using a wooden spoon handle, ensuring consistent depth and spacing.
3. Gently drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the perforated surface, watching it cascade into the carefully crafted holes. Permit the cake to absorb the liquid completely, transforming its texture and enhancing moisture.
4. Craft the luxurious topping by whipping cream cheese until silky smooth. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla, creating a velvety base. Introduce heavy whipping cream, beating until the mixture forms elegant, sturdy peaks.
5. Lavishly spread the cream cheese mixture across the cake’s surface, ensuring complete and even coverage. Embellish with festive green and red sprinkles, adding a playful Christmas-inspired visual appeal.
6. Refrigerate the assembled dessert, allowing flavors to harmonize and the topping to set. Chill for a minimum of two hours to achieve optimal taste and presentation. Slice and serve chilled, revealing the cake’s beautiful layers and festive spirit.

Notes

• Swap regular food coloring with natural alternatives like beetroot powder for a healthier red velvet cake version that maintains vibrant color.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free condensed milk to create a lighter, more diet-friendly dessert without compromising taste.
• Make the cake gluten-free by substituting the cake mix with a gluten-free red velvet mix or homemade gluten-free cake batter for those with dietary restrictions.
• Enhance moisture by adding an extra tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the cake batter, ensuring a tender and rich texture that doesn’t dry out during baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg