Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

This dessert brings pure holiday cheer right to your table. The velvet texture of the cake melts beautifully with the sweet, creamy soak. Honestly, making this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake feels like tucking your favorite people into a warm, festive blanket. It truly captures that cozy feeling we crave all year.

I often make this cake when I need something impressive but simple. It holds up beautifully in the fridge, which is a huge win for busy schedules. Plus, everyone always asks for the recipe!

Why I Love This Recipe

Honestly, this cake wins every time. It is the definition of ‘effortless elegance’ for the holidays. Furthermore, the flavor profile is simply unbeatable.

• Speedy Prep: I can have this assembled fast.
• Incredible Moisture: That milk soak keeps it tender for days.
• Guest Favorite: Everyone raves about the decadent cream cheese topping.

It’s perfect for those packed December evenings. You get maximum wow factor with minimal fuss.

Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Ingredients

Gathering these ingredients feels like opening a treasure chest of holiday flavors. The combination of deep cocoa, rich cream cheese, and sweet milk is pure magic. This cake delivers that iconic red velvet taste so easily.

• Red Velvet Cake Mix: This is our dependable base for that beautiful color and texture. It cuts down on a ton of fuss.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Crucial for that super sweet, thick layer that seeps into the cake.
• Milk and Vanilla Extract: These thin out the condensed milk slightly. They help it penetrate every little hole perfectly.
• Cream Cheese and Butter: These form the rich foundation of our luscious cream cheese frosting. Make sure both are truly softened!
• Powdered Sugar: This ensures the frosting stays smooth and wonderfully sweet, not gritty.
• Christmas Sprinkles: These add the essential festive sparkle we need for the holidays.

Substitutions and Tips

Sometimes pantry staples need a little swap. Feel free to explore these options, friends. Using whole milk results in a richer soak, though 2% works fine too. If you lack butter, surprisingly, vegetable shortening works in the frosting. However, the flavor profile changes slightly. For a serious flavor boost, try adding just a drop of almond extract to your cream cheese frosting. It complements red velvet beautifully. Remember to let your cake cool completely; this prevents the dreaded tearing!

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13 inch baking pan: A sturdy pan is key here.
• Large mixing bowls: You need space for the cake and the frosting.
• Electric mixer: Handheld or stand mixer helps the frosting succeed.
• Wooden spoon handle or large straw: Essential for poking the cake perfectly.
• Wire cooling rack: This allows air circulation for even cooling.

How to Make Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

Now comes the truly fun part of making our lovely poke cake. We move from preparation to pure assembly magic. Follow these steps closely for the best results. We are aiming for maximum moisture and fantastic flavor here. This process makes the Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake shine.

Preparing the Cake Base

First, get your oven ready. Preheat it to the temperature required by your cake mix box. Next, you need to grease and flour your 9×13 inch pan well. Mix your red velvet cake batter just as the box directs. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake the cake according to the package time. When it comes out, let it cool completely on a rack first. Patience here prevents messy tearing later on.

Creating the Sweet Soak

While the cake cools down, mix the soak ingredients. Grab a medium bowl for this task. Whisk together the sweetened condensed milk smoothly. Then, add the regular milk amount. Finally, stir in that rich vanilla extract well. You want this milk mixture totally combined. This sweet layer is what makes a poke cake so moist.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

It is time to whip up some amazing topping. Use a large bowl for the creaming process. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together first. You want them light and very smooth. Slowly add your powdered sugar next, one cup at a time. Keep mixing until everything blends nicely. Now, add milk or cream pinch by pinch. Stop adding liquid when the frosting spreads perfectly. Sometimes I even add a tiny bit of red or green food coloring here for extra holiday fun.

Assembly and Decoration

Once the cake is cool, take a wooden spoon handle. Use the handle end to poke holes all over the top. Space those holes about an inch apart, maybe a little less. Do not push the handle clear through the bottom. Now, slowly pour your sweet soak over the entire top. Watch it sink into those little craters. Spread the cream cheese frosting on top evenly after that. Finish the masterpiece by scattering Christmas sprinkles everywhere. Remember to chill this beauty before cutting!

How to Store Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

Proper storage keeps this festive dessert perfect. Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Store leftovers in the refrigerator promptly. This moist cake stays fresh for about four days this way. For longer storage, freezing works wonders too. Wrap individual slices securely in plastic wrap first. Then, place them inside a freezer-safe bag. This keeps the Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake tasting great for almost two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Tips for Success

• Use room temperature dairy for the smoothest frosting possible.
• For deeper holes, use a large plastic straw instead of a wooden spoon handle.
• Chill the cake for the minimum two hours. This lets the soak settle nicely.
• Dust the top with powdered sugar before frosting if you want extra elegance.
• Don’t over-bake the cake base initially; it will absorb moisture later.
• Taste your frosting before adding all the liquid sweetener, adjusting as needed.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• A dollop of whipped cream adds extra lightness to each slice.
• Present slices on small festive plates with a sprig of mint.
• This rich red velvet cake pairs wonderfully with peppermint hot chocolate.
• For an easy wow factor, add a drizzle of chocolate syrup before serving.

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