Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe for Holiday Magic

Crafting a delightful Christmas cranberry poke cake brings festive cheer to any holiday gathering.

Sweet layers promise pure delight with each delectable bite.

Festive cranberry goodness creates a magical dessert experience that sparkles with seasonal charm.

Moist cake meets tart cranberry sauce in a harmonious dance of flavors.

Delicate crumbs absorb vibrant red sauce, creating irresistible texture and visual appeal.

Winter celebrations deserve something special that makes everyone smile and savor the moment.

Tempt your guests with this simple yet stunning dessert that transforms ordinary into extraordinary.

Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Holiday Treat Features

• Festive Flavor Explosion: Dive into a holiday dessert that bursts with tangy cranberry goodness and creamy sweetness, making every bite a celebration of seasonal cheer.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Whip up this showstopping cake using convenient box mix and minimal ingredients, perfect for busy home bakers who want maximum impact with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Dessert: Delight family and friends with a stunning cake that looks impressive, tastes amazing, and captures the spirit of Christmas in one delicious treat.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this cake in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and reducing last-minute holiday kitchen stress.

Ingredients for a Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

• White Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides a light and fluffy foundation for the festive dessert.
• Eggs: Bind the cake ingredients together and add structure.
• Water: Helps create the cake batter's smooth consistency.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and tender.

• Cranberry Sauce: Adds a tart and sweet holiday flavor to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of the cranberry sauce and enhances sweetness.
• Water: Helps create a smooth cranberry mixture.

• Whipped Topping, Cool Whip: Provides a light and creamy finish to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the whipped topping.
• Red and Green Sprinkles: Creates a festive Christmas appearance and adds a decorative touch.

Baking and Assembling Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray or butter coating.

Follow the cake mix instructions, blending together the mix, eggs, water, and oil.

Pop the cake into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Once done, let it rest and cool down for 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Create Festive Cranberry Sauce

• Cranberry sauce
• Water
• Sugar

Heat the mixture, stirring until everything blends smoothly.

Allow the sauce to cool slightly.

Step 3: Transform the Cake Surface

Take a wooden spoon handle or a straw and playfully poke holes across the cake’s surface.

Space the holes about an inch apart, creating little channels for the cranberry goodness.

Step 4: Infuse with Cranberry Magic

Gently pour the warm cranberry mixture over the cake, watching it seep into each carefully crafted hole.

Let the cake cool completely, then tuck it into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Step 5: Add Creamy Topping

Mix whipped topping with a splash of vanilla extract.

Spread this cloud-like mixture evenly across the chilled cake.

Step 6: Decorate with Holiday Cheer

Sprinkle red and green festive sprinkles over the top, adding a burst of holiday color.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Slice the cake into beautiful squares and serve chilled.

Enjoy the burst of cranberry and sweet memories!

Handy Tips for Colorful and Moist Poke Cake Results

• Use a 9×13-inch glass or ceramic dish for even baking and easy serving, which helps the cake cool uniformly.
• Poke holes gently and consistently across the cake using a wooden spoon handle or straw, ensuring even cranberry sauce distribution throughout the dessert.
• Let the cranberry mixture cool slightly before pouring to prevent cake from becoming soggy while allowing smooth liquid absorption.
• Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to let flavors meld and create a refreshing, moist dessert that's perfect for holiday gatherings.
• Use red and green sprinkles strategically to add a cheerful holiday touch that makes the cake visually appealing and seasonally festive.

Fun Ideas for Poke Cake Flavor Swaps

• Gluten-Free Holiday Cake: Swap regular cake mix with a gluten-free alternative, ensuring celiac-friendly enjoyment without compromising taste.
• Vegan Winter Celebration Cake: Replace eggs with applesauce or flax eggs, use plant-based whipped topping, and select dairy-free cranberry sauce for a compassionate dessert.
• Low-Sugar Berry Cake: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free cranberry sauce, and opt for a light whipped topping to reduce overall sugar content.
• Nutty Festive Version: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the whipped topping, adding crunch and complementing the cranberry's tartness.

Ways to Serve Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake to Guests

• Festive Family Feast: Serve this vibrant cranberry poke cake as a show-stopping holiday dessert that brings everyone together.
• Holiday Potluck Star: Bring this cake to Christmas gatherings and watch it become the most requested sweet treat among friends and relatives.
• Cozy Comfort Companion: Pair each slice with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a delightful seasonal indulgence that warms the heart.
• Decorative Dessert Display: Arrange cake squares on a festive platter with fresh cranberries and mint leaves for an elegant, Instagram-worthy presentation.

Storing Cranberry Poke Cake for the Holidays

• Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Not recommended due to whipped topping and cranberry mixture. Keep chilled to maintain texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Best served cold. If desired, let cake sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade cranberry sauce instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade cranberry sauce works perfectly and can add a more authentic flavor to the cake.

• Is this cake suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The recipe uses a standard cake mix, so it may not be gluten-free or suitable for those with specific dietary needs without modifications.

• How far in advance can I make this cake?

You can prepare this cake up to 2 days before serving, keeping it refrigerated until ready to enjoy.

• What type of sprinkles work best for garnishing?

Red and green holiday sprinkles are ideal, but you can also use festive sugar crystals or holiday-themed decorative sprinkles.

Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake weaves holiday magic through layers of moist vanilla cake and tart cranberry glaze. Sweet cream cheese frosting crowns this seasonal dessert, inviting you to savor Christmas cheer with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) white cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) vegetable oil

Cranberry Layer:

• 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) water
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Topping:

• 1 container (8 ounces / 226 grams) whipped topping
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Red and green sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cake foundation by following box mix instructions, combining ingredients thoroughly. Bake in a greased 9×13-inch pan at 350F (175C) for 25-30 minutes until golden. Allow cake to rest and cool for 10-15 minutes.
2. Create a vibrant cranberry glaze by simmering cranberry sauce with water and sugar in a saucepan. Blend ingredients until smooth and let cool slightly.
3. Transform the cake’s surface by puncturing uniform holes across the entire cake using a wooden spoon handle or straw, ensuring approximately 1-inch spacing between perforations.
4. Gently cascade the warm cranberry mixture over the cake, enabling the liquid to penetrate deeply into the created holes. This process infuses the dessert with rich, tangy flavor.
5. Refrigerate the cake for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the cranberry mixture to set and flavors to meld completely.
6. Whip the topping with a hint of vanilla extract, then spread evenly across the chilled cake surface, creating a smooth, creamy layer.
7. Enhance the visual appeal by sprinkling red and green decorative sprinkles across the cake’s surface for a festive touch.
8. Slice into individual servings and present the chilled cake, ready to delight holiday guests.

Notes

• Enhance cake mix flavor by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the batter for deeper, richer taste.
• For gluten-free option, substitute regular cake mix with a gluten-free box mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Create uniform holes by using the back of a wooden spoon handle or a chilled drinking straw to prevent cake from crumbling.
• Reduce sugar content by using sugar-free cranberry sauce or replacing some sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia for a lighter dessert.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 257 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 243 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg