Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

Christmas is the perfect time to indulge in festive desserts, and the Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is an easy, delicious treat that will wow your guests. The rich red velvet flavor paired with a creamy, sweet filling makes this cake the star of any holiday spread. The poke cake method is both simple and effective, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor and moisture. The sweetened condensed milk soaks into the cake, creating a luscious texture, while the marshmallow creme and whipped topping add layers of sweetness and smoothness. Topped with colorful red and green sprinkles, this cake is a true holiday showstopper that combines fun, flavor, and festive cheer. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner or attending a holiday potluck, this Red Velvet Poke Cake is bound to bring smiles and compliments. It’s also a great make-ahead option, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without being stuck in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Festive and Fun

The vibrant red color and festive sprinkles make this cake a visual delight, perfect for holiday gatherings.

2. Moist and Flavorful

The poke cake method ensures that every bite is infused with sweetened condensed milk, creating a rich, moist texture that melts in your mouth.

3. Quick and Easy

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a show-stopping dessert in under an hour, making it ideal for busy holiday schedules.

4. Customizable Toppings

You can easily adjust the toppings, adding your favorite holiday treats or switching up the sprinkles to suit your style.

5. Make-Ahead Dessert

This cake needs time to chill, so it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert. Simply prepare it in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• Red velvet cake mix
• Milk
• Sweetened condensed milk

For the Toppings:

• Marshmallow creme
• Whipped topping
• Red and green sprinkles (for garnish)

Variations

• Flavor Twist: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of red velvet for a chocolate poke cake.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of marshmallow creme, top the cake with a tangy cream cheese frosting for a different flavor profile.
• Fruit Toppings: Add a layer of fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, for a fruity twist and added color.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the whipped topping for an extra indulgent touch.
• Nuts: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the whipped topping for some added crunch.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Start by preparing the red velvet cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and bake for the recommended time, usually around 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 2: Poke Holes in the Cake

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork, poke holes all over the cake, making sure they are evenly spaced and deep enough to allow the filling to soak in.

Step 3: Pour the Sweetened Condensed Milk

Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, making sure it fills all the holes and soaks into the cake. This will make the cake extra moist and delicious.

Step 4: Cool the Cake

Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature. This will ensure that the filling sets properly and the cake doesn’t become too mushy.

Step 5: Add the Marshmallow Creme

Once the cake is cooled, spread a layer of marshmallow creme evenly over the entire surface of the cake.

Step 6: Top with Whipped Topping

Spread the whipped topping over the marshmallow creme layer, smoothing it out to cover the entire cake.

Step 7: Garnish and Chill

Sprinkle red and green sprinkles on top for a festive touch. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the cake to fully chill.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the milk, whipped topping, and marshmallow creme are at room temperature for easier spreading.
• Don’t Overmix the Cake Batter: Follow the instructions on the cake mix box for best results. Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake.
• Poke the Holes Deep Enough: The holes should be deep enough for the sweetened condensed milk to soak in, but not too deep that they cause the cake to crumble.
• Chill Before Serving: The cake tastes best when it’s chilled for at least 2 hours, but you can make it a day ahead for even better flavor.
• Use a Toothpick for Precise Poking: If you don’t have a wooden spoon handle, use a toothpick or skewer to poke holes without damaging the cake.

How to Serve

This cake is perfect for any holiday celebration and can be served as a dessert after a festive meal. Pair it with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee, and enjoy it as part of your Christmas dinner or holiday party spread. It’s best served chilled, so keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

While freezing this cake is not ideal due to the whipped topping and marshmallow creme, you can freeze the cake itself without the toppings. Simply freeze the cooled cake in an airtight container for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw the cake and add the marshmallow creme and whipped topping before garnishing with sprinkles.

Reheating

This cake is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. Simply take it out of the fridge and serve chilled for the perfect texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a homemade red velvet cake recipe instead of a box mix?

Yes, you can use a homemade red velvet cake recipe if preferred. Just be sure to adjust the baking time according to your recipe.

2. Can I substitute the sweetened condensed milk?

You can substitute sweetened condensed milk with evaporated milk and sugar, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

3. Can I add more toppings to the cake?

Yes, feel free to add other toppings such as crushed candy canes, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

4. How long should I chill the cake?

It’s recommended to chill the cake for at least 2 hours, but you can refrigerate it overnight for even better flavor.

5. Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Absolutely! You can use any flavor of cake mix, though red velvet gives it the perfect festive touch.

6. Can I use regular whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes, regular whipped cream can be used instead of whipped topping, though it might not hold its shape as well.

7. How can I make this cake more decadent?

For an extra indulgent version, you can drizzle chocolate sauce over the whipped topping or add a layer of chocolate ganache.

8. Can I use a 9-inch round cake pan instead of a 9×13-inch pan?

You can use a round cake pan, but the texture and presentation will be different. You may need to adjust the baking time as well.

9. How do I make this cake gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for a gluten-free version.

10. Can I freeze the whole cake with the toppings?

While the cake freezes well without the toppings, the marshmallow creme and whipped topping do not freeze well. Add these toppings after thawing the cake.

Conclusion

The Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is the ultimate holiday dessert that combines festive flavors, vibrant colors, and an easy-to-make process. With a rich, moist cake soaked in sweetened condensed milk, topped with fluffy marshmallow creme and whipped topping, it’s a treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a Christmas dinner, holiday party, or just because, this cake is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, so you can focus on enjoying the holidays instead of spending all your time in the kitchen.

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