Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

 

Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is a festive and indulgent dessert perfect for holiday gatherings. This rich red velvet cake is infused with a sweet and creamy filling, topped with fluffy cream cheese frosting, and decorated with holiday sprinkles for a beautiful and delicious Christmas treat. Easy to make and full of flavor, this poke cake will be the highlight of your dessert table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Festive & Beautiful – The vibrant red cake and white frosting make it perfect for Christmas celebrations.
  • Easy to Make – Uses a simple cake mix base and a few extra ingredients to enhance the flavor.
  • Super Moist & Creamy – The poke method ensures every bite is filled with rich, sweet goodness.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert – A great choice for holiday parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
  • Customizable – Add different fillings, toppings, or decorations to make it your own.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

  • Red velvet cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as needed)

For the Filling:

  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • White chocolate pudding mix
  • Milk

For the Frosting:

  • Cream cheese, softened
  • Butter, softened
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Heavy cream or milk

For Decoration:

  • Holiday sprinkles
  • Crushed candy canes (optional)
  • White chocolate shavings (optional)

Directions

  1. Bake the Cake – Prepare the red velvet cake according to the package instructions in a 9×13-inch pan. Let it cool slightly.
  2. Poke Holes – Using the back of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake.
  3. Make the Filling – Whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate pudding mix, and milk until smooth.
  4. Pour Over the Cake – Evenly pour the pudding mixture over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Prepare the Frosting – Beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy. Add heavy cream to adjust consistency if needed.
  6. Frost the Cake – Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the chilled cake.
  7. Decorate – Add Christmas sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or white chocolate shavings for a festive touch.
  8. Chill & Serve – Refrigerate for another 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 12-15
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Chill Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

  • Chocolate Lovers: Add a drizzle of chocolate ganache before frosting.
  • Peppermint Twist: Mix peppermint extract into the frosting for a holiday-inspired flavor.
  • Extra Moist Cake: Replace water with buttermilk in the cake mix for a richer taste.
  • Different Toppings: Swap sprinkles for crushed Oreos, red and green M&Ms, or coconut flakes.
  • Nut-Free Version: Skip the white chocolate and use a vanilla pudding mix instead.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store the cake covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Serving Tip: Let the cake sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

What is a poke cake?

A poke cake is a cake with holes poked into it after baking, allowing a filling to soak in for extra moisture and flavor.

Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of a cake mix?

Yes! Any homemade red velvet cake recipe will work as long as it’s baked in a 9×13-inch pan.

How do I keep the frosting from being too thick?

Add a little heavy cream or milk to adjust the consistency of the frosting.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the filling has more time to soak into the cake.

What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?

You can use whipped topping, vanilla buttercream, or a white chocolate ganache for a different twist.

Can I use a different type of pudding mix?

Yes, vanilla pudding mix works well if you don’t have white chocolate pudding.

How do I prevent the cake from becoming too soggy?

Let the cake cool slightly before adding the filling, and don’t overfill the holes.

What’s the best way to slice a poke cake?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices.

Can I use food coloring to make it even more vibrant?

Yes, adding a little extra red food coloring can enhance the festive look.

Can I use a different filling?

Absolutely! Try using chocolate pudding, caramel sauce, or even a peppermint-flavored filling for a unique twist.

Conclusion

Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is a festive, creamy, and decadent dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. Whether you’re making it for a Christmas party, a family gathering, or just because, this cake is sure to be a hit. Try different toppings and variations to make it your own, and enjoy every delicious bite of this holiday treat!

Print
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Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

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  • Author: Mariem
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: Yield:
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A festive red velvet cake soaked in a sweet cream filling and topped with fluffy cream cheese frosting.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (melted)

For the Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whipped topping

For the Garnish:

  • Red and white sprinkles or sugar pearls

Instructions

  • Bake the Cake: Prepare and bake the red velvet cake as directed in a 9×13-inch pan.
  • Poke Holes & Fill: While warm, poke holes and pour melted white chocolate mixed with condensed milk over the cake.
  • Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  • Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.
  • Decorate & Serve: Spread frosting over the cake and top with festive sprinkles.

Notes

  • Can be made a day ahead for richer flavor.
  • Add crushed peppermint for a holiday twist.

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