The Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is a vibrant, flavorful holiday dessert that brings together the sweetness of a moist white cake with the tartness of cranberry sauce, topped with a sweet glaze. It’s simple to prepare and sure to add a festive touch to your holiday table.

Ingredients

1 box white cake mix
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Prepare the white cake mix according to package instructions by mixing the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
In a small saucepan, heat the cranberry sauce over low heat until it is warmed through.
Pour the warm cranberry sauce over the cake, ensuring it fills all the holes for maximum flavor.
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth glaze.
Drizzle the glaze evenly over the top of the cake.
Allow the cake to cool completely before serving, allowing the flavors to meld.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

Fruit Additions: For an extra burst of fruit flavor, you can add fresh cranberries to the glaze or sprinkle them over the cake before serving.
Cake Flavor: You can swap out the white cake mix for a yellow or vanilla cake mix to change the flavor profile.
Glaze Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange zest or a splash of orange juice to the glaze for a citrusy twist that complements the cranberry flavor.
Toppings: Garnish the cake with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent touch.
Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free cake mix, replace eggs with flaxseed meal or an egg replacer, and use almond milk to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To enjoy the cake warm, you can microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds or serve it chilled.

10 FAQs

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce instead of canned? Yes, homemade cranberry sauce works well in this recipe. Just ensure it is a bit thick so it doesn’t soak too much into the cake.
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cake a day ahead. Just store it covered in the fridge and drizzle the glaze on top before serving.
Can I use a different type of cake mix? Absolutely! You can use a yellow, vanilla, or even spice cake mix if you prefer a different flavor base.
Do I need to let the cake cool before poking holes? It’s best to poke the holes while the cake is still warm so that the cranberry sauce can seep into the cake.
Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake before adding the glaze. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and drizzle the glaze before serving.
Is this cake gluten-free? You can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix. Be sure to check the ingredients of your cranberry sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.
What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch dish? If you don’t have a 9×13 inch baking dish, you can use an 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch dish, but the cake may need a little extra time to bake.
Can I add more cranberry sauce? Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of cranberry sauce if you want a more intense cranberry flavor. Just be mindful that too much liquid might make the cake too soggy.
Can I top this cake with frosting instead of glaze? You can top the cake with frosting, but the glaze gives it a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. A cream cheese frosting could also be a great option.
Can I add nuts or coconut on top? Absolutely! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even shredded coconut, would make a great addition to this cake for extra texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is a perfect addition to your holiday dessert spread. The sweet and tart cranberry sauce blends wonderfully with the moist cake, while the glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or bringing a dish to a party, this cake will bring festive cheer and delicious flavor to the table!