This Christmas Poke Cake is sure to become a beloved holiday tradition. Imagine a moist, rich red velvet cake poked with holes and filled with a creamy white chocolate mixture—sounds amazing, right? It’s both fun to make and a joy to eat. Any gathering feels extra special with this dessert gracing the table. As you enjoy the season with family and friends, serving this cake will surely make you the star of the show. The vibrant colors of red and white will not only brighten up your holiday table but also spark joy in everyone’s hearts. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up, even if you’re not a cooking expert! Let’s jump right into the delicious world of baking this Christmas Poke Cake together.
Why This Recipe Works
This Christmas Poke Cake recipe is designed to deliver an unforgettable flavor experience by combining rich red velvet cake with a creamy white chocolate filling. The unique poking method ensures that every bite is infused with sweetness, making it an ideal dessert for holiday celebrations. A perfect balance of textures creates that melt-in-your-mouth feel alongside the delightful red velvet flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Poke Cake
This delightful dessert not only looks festive with its vibrant red and white layers but also boasts a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will leave your guests craving more. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe offers a stress-free way to impress your family and friends during the holiday season. When you slice into this cake, you’ll reveal the surprise of creamy filling hidden beneath the surface, making it a show-stopper dessert that sparks smiles.
Ingredients
- 1 box Red Velvet Cake mix
- 1 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (melted)
- 1 serving cream cheese icing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup Christmas sprinkles
- 2 tablespoons white chocolate curls
Preparing the Red Velvet Cake
Mix and Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Red Velvet Cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat until well blended, which takes about 2 minutes.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
Create the Sweetened Condensed Milk Filling
- Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted.
- After melting, stir in the sweetened condensed milk until smooth and fully combined. The mixture should be creamy and luxurious.
Poke Holes and Fill the Cake
- Once the cake has cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the surface, about 1 inch apart.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk mixture over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes. Gently press down to help the filling absorb into the cake.
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors meld together beautifully.
Frost and Decorate
- After chilling, it’s time to spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top of the cake. The combination of flavors is delightful.
- For the finishing touch, sprinkle the top with Christmas sprinkles and place white chocolate curls on top, giving it a festive flair that looks as good as it tastes.
Serving Suggestions
Consider pairing slices of the Christmas Poke Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that indulgent touch. Whether you serve it as a delightful dessert after a holiday meal or as a sweet snack, it complements a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa beautifully.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your cake cools completely before poking holes; this will help retain moisture, making every bite more enjoyable.
- For an even richer flavor, you can use homemade cream cheese frosting instead of store-bought.
- Make sure to let the sweetened condensed milk filling sit in the refrigerator long enough to set properly for optimal taste.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can substitute the red velvet cake with chocolate or vanilla cake for different flavors that can delight your taste buds. Additionally, consider adding crushed candies or chocolate chips into the cream cheese frosting for a little extra crunch. You might also incorporate seasonal spices like nutmeg or cinnamon into the batter, adding a warm, spiced touch that’s perfect for holiday celebrations.
Storage Tips
To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to prepare ahead, you can bake the cake and poke holes a day in advance. Just remember to add the filling, frosting, and decorations on the day you plan to serve.
Pairing Ideas
This Christmas Poke Cake pairs wonderfully with festive cocktails like eggnog or holiday punch. The flavors complement each other beautifully, making it a perfect addition to your holiday table. You’ll create a wonderful festive atmosphere that everyone will enjoy!
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake a day in advance?
Yes, you can bake and prepare the cake a day ahead. Just add the icing and toppings on the day of serving for the best presentation.
2. Is it okay to use a different cake flavor?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with chocolate or vanilla if you prefer, keeping the cake fun and exciting.
3. How long does this cake last in the fridge?
Stored properly, this cake will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. Can I freeze this Christmas Poke Cake?
While it’s delicious fresh, you can freeze the naked cake for up to a month. Just remember to defrost before dressing it up with the filling and frosting.
5. What can I use instead of white chocolate?
You may substitute with different flavored chips such as milk chocolate or even butterscotch for a unique twist.
This Christmas Poke Cake not only serves as a centerpiece for your holiday table but also brings warmth and delight with every bite. Enjoy the festive spirit and create sweet memories this holiday season!
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Christmas Poke Cake
This vibrant Christmas Poke Cake combines rich red velvet with creamy white chocolate filling, making it an unforgettable dessert for holiday celebrations. It’s easy to prepare and delights with every bite, ensuring that your gatherings feel extra special.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 box Red Velvet Cake mix
- 1 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (melted)
- 1 serving cream cheese icing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup Christmas sprinkles
- 2 tablespoons white chocolate curls
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Mix cake ingredients and beat until blended, then pour into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Cool the cake completely, poke holes in it, and pour over the sweetened condensed milk mixture.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Spread cream cheese icing on top, then decorate with sprinkles and white chocolate curls.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure the cake cools completely before poking holes for moisture retention.
Using homemade cream cheese frosting can enhance the flavor.
Let the sweetened condensed milk filling set properly in the refrigerator for optimal taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 70
