Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe: A Festive and Delicious Holiday Dessert
Imagine a holiday dessert that’s as festive as it is delicious. A soft, moist cake, infused with a tangy cranberry layer and topped with creamy whipped goodness—what more could you want this holiday season?
This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake brings together the perfect blend of sweet and tart, making it the ideal treat for any holiday gathering. With simple ingredients and an easy step-by-step process, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
If you’re looking for a showstopper dessert that’s not only easy to make but also beautifully festive, this recipe is for you. The cranberry topping adds just the right amount of holiday flair, and the whipped cream finish takes it to the next level.
Ready to create a sweet and memorable dessert for your celebrations? Grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake
This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake combines a moist, tender white cake with a rich, tangy cranberry filling. The “poke” technique allows the cranberry sauce to infuse the cake with its sweet and tart flavor, creating a deliciously unique dessert. Topped with a light and fluffy whipped cream layer, this cake is as beautiful as it is flavorful.
With its festive red and green colors, this cake is ideal for holiday parties, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a hassle-free addition to your holiday menu.
Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake
Here’s a list of what you’ll need for this delightful holiday treat:
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz): A moist cake base.
- 3 large eggs: For structure and moisture.
- 1 cup water: To combine with the cake mix.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: For a soft, tender texture.
For the Cranberry Layer:
- 1 can cranberry sauce (14 oz): Choose either whole berry or jellied, depending on your texture preference.
- 1/2 cup water: To thin out the cranberry sauce slightly.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: To balance the tartness of the cranberry sauce.
For the Topping:
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip): For a light, airy topping.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: To enhance the flavor of the whipped topping.
For Garnishing:
- Red and green sprinkles: To add a festive touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Use an electric mixer to mix the ingredients until well combined, following the instructions on the cake mix box. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Cranberry Mixture
While the cake is cooling, make the cranberry layer. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, water, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Let the cranberry sauce cool for a few minutes before using.
Step 3: Poke the Cake
Once the cake has cooled slightly, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw to poke holes all over the cake. Space the holes about 1 inch apart to ensure the cranberry mixture will seep through the entire cake.
Step 4: Add the Cranberry Layer
Pour the cranberry mixture over the cooled cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight if possible) to let the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
Before serving, mix the whipped topping with vanilla extract. Spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake, covering the cranberry layer entirely.
Step 6: Decorate and Serve
Garnish with red and green sprinkles to add a festive touch. Slice the cake into squares and serve chilled.
Required Kitchen Tools
To make this recipe, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:
- 9×13-inch baking pan: For baking the cake.
- Electric mixer: To combine the cake mix and ingredients smoothly.
- Saucepan: To heat the cranberry sauce and make the mixture.
- Wooden spoon or straw: To poke holes in the cake.
- Spatula: To spread the whipped topping evenly.
- Refrigerator: For chilling the cake after it’s topped.
Serving and Decoration
Once your cake is topped with whipped cream and garnished with sprinkles, it’s ready to be served! The cake is best enjoyed chilled, which allows the cranberry flavor to sink into the cake and enhances its sweetness. For a more elegant presentation, serve it on a large platter or individual dessert plates. If you’d like to elevate the decoration further, you can:
- Add fresh cranberries on top for a pop of color.
- Sprinkle some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
- Drizzle white chocolate over the whipped topping for a festive flair.
Nutrition
While delicious, this Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is a treat to enjoy in moderation. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (based on 12 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 39g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 25g |
| Protein | 2g |
These values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
How to Store Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake
To store any leftovers, follow these guidelines:
- Refrigeration: Keep the cake covered in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While freezing is not ideal for the whipped topping, you can freeze the cake before adding the topping. After baking and poking the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge and top with whipped cream and sprinkles just before serving.
Conclusion
Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is the perfect dessert for the holiday season. The combination of sweet white cake and tangy cranberry sauce is a festive treat that everyone will love. Easy to make, visually stunning, and incredibly delicious, this cake is sure to become a favorite at your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re making it for a party or enjoying it with your family, it’s a simple yet impressive way to spread holiday cheer!
By following this detailed recipe, you’re sure to create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. Enjoy baking, decorating, and sharing this holiday classic with your loved ones.
