Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe: A Festive and Delicious Holiday Dessert

Looking for the perfect holiday dessert that’s easy, delicious, and festive? This Christmas cranberry poke cake is exactly what you need. It’s colorful, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.

I made it for our Christmas dinner, and it was a showstopper. The tangy cranberry topping combined with the moist cake? A match made in dessert heaven.

It’s perfect for Christmas, family gatherings, or any festive occasion. Plus, it’s simple to make and guaranteed to impress your guests.

Let’s get baking! This cranberry poke cake will add the perfect touch of holiday cheer to your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake has become a holiday classic in many households, bringing joy with each bite. “Absolutely delicious and festive!” one reader raved.
• Festively Bright: The cranberry layer adds a vibrant pop of color and tartness, perfectly balancing the sweet, moist cake.
• Quick to Make: A simple cake mix, cranberry sauce, and whipped topping come together effortlessly for a holiday dessert that’ll impress everyone.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare this cake the night before your holiday gathering for easy stress-free entertaining.
• Perfect for Gatherings: It serves 12, making it ideal for family dinners or holiday parties.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes (not including cooling)

Servings:

• This recipe yields 12 servings, enough for a family dinner or small holiday gathering.

Difficulty:

• Super easy! Perfect for beginner bakers, but sure to delight even the most experienced cooks.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before getting started, make sure you have the following:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Large mixing bowls
• Poking utensil (like a fork or skewer)
• Hand mixer (for topping)
• Spatula for spreading the whipped topping

Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

This holiday dessert is simple yet full of flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cake:

For the Cake:

• 1 box of white cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

For the Cranberry Layer:

• 1 can of cranberry sauce (14 oz)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Topping:

• 1 container (8 oz) of whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnishing:

• Red and green sprinkles (optional, for a festive touch)

Variations for Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

• Cranberry Sauce Swap: If you prefer a different berry, use raspberry or strawberry jam for a unique twist.
• Cream Cheese Topping: Mix in softened cream cheese with the whipped topping for a richer, tangier finish.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert accessible for everyone.
• Add Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top can add a delightful crunch.
• Layered Flavors: For an added burst of flavor, consider layering some orange zest into the cranberry sauce.

How to Make Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bake the Cake

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Whisk until smooth and no lumps remain.
• Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
• Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.

2. Prepare the Cranberry Layer

• While the cake is cooling, mix the cranberry sauce with water and sugar in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the cranberry sauce is smooth.
• Once the mixture is ready, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the cooled cake, making sure to go deep enough to allow the cranberry sauce to seep in.

3. Add the Cranberry Sauce

• Pour the warm cranberry sauce evenly over the cake, allowing it to settle into the holes. Use a spatula to spread the sauce across the surface if necessary.

4. Prepare the Topping

• Whipped Topping: In a large bowl, beat the whipped topping with vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. This step adds a creamy, light texture that will complement the tart cranberry layer.
• Spread the Topping: Once the cranberry layer has settled into the cake, spread the whipped topping evenly across the surface. Use a spatula to smooth it out, covering the entire cake.

5. Garnish and Chill

• Garnish: To make your Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake even more festive, sprinkle red and green sprinkles on top. This adds a bright, holiday touch that makes the cake look as good as it tastes.
• Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to firm up. This step ensures the cranberry layer fully soaks in and the topping sets nicely.

How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

This cake is perfect for any holiday celebration, whether it’s Christmas dinner, a New Year’s Eve party, or a festive family gathering. Here are a few ideas for serving:

• As a Dessert: Serve chilled with a dollop of extra whipped cream on top for added indulgence.
• With Coffee: Pair a slice with a hot cup of coffee or a warm holiday beverage like hot chocolate for the ultimate holiday treat.
• On the Buffet: This cake can be served in large squares, making it perfect for a buffet-style dessert table at any holiday party.

Storing Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

• Refrigeration: Keep any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. The cranberry layer will continue to soak into the cake, making it even more flavorful as it sits.
• Freezing: If you want to make this cake ahead of time for a special occasion, you can freeze it. First, ensure the cake is fully cooled and the whipped topping has set. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It will last up to 1 month. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overbake the Cake: Keep a close eye on the cake while baking. If you overbake it, it might become dry, and the cranberry sauce won’t soak in as well. The cake should be moist and fluffy.
• Use Fresh Cranberries for Extra Flavor: If you want to make the cranberry layer from scratch, you can simmer fresh cranberries with sugar and water to create a more homemade touch.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the sugar in the cranberry layer or opt for a sugar-free cake mix.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	Calories	Total Fat	Saturated Fat	Cholesterol	Sodium	Total Carbohydrates	Dietary Fiber	Sugars	Protein
1 slice (1/12 of cake)	250-300 kcal	12-15g	4-5g	30-35mg	150-200mg	35-40g	1-2g	25-30g	2-3g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake FAQs

Can I use a different cake flavor?
Yes! While white cake works wonderfully with cranberry, you can also try vanilla or even a spice cake for a cozy twist.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned sauce?
Absolutely! Just simmer fresh cranberries with sugar and water until the berries pop and the mixture thickens.

How far in advance can I make this cake?
This cake can be made 1-2 days in advance. In fact, letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to develop even more.

Conclusion

Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is the perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a vibrant cranberry layer and fluffy, moist cake beneath. It’s a festive, easy-to-make dessert that will brighten up any holiday table. Serve it with a warm cup of tea or coffee, and you’ll have the perfect holiday treat that everyone will love. Whether for a big family gathering or a smaller get-together, this cake will steal the spotlight.