Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

Christmas is a magical time of year, filled with traditions, family gatherings, and of course, delicious desserts. One treat that never fails to bring people together is a festive cake. The Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors that perfectly embodies the spirit of the season. It’s light, moist, and topped with a fluffy whipped layer, making it a beautiful centerpiece for holiday feasts. Having made this cake for my family gatherings, I can vouch for its ability to wow both kids and adults alike with its refreshing taste and cheerful presentation.

Why Make This Recipe

This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is a must-try for various reasons. First, its flavor is uniquely festive. The combination of cranberry and whipped topping creates a delightful balance that makes each bite feel like a celebration. Secondly, it’s super simple to make, allowing you to whip it up even on busy holiday mornings. Perfect for family gatherings, office potlucks, or just a special night at home, this cake delivers joy without demanding hours in the kitchen.

"This cake disappeared in minutes at our family gathering, definitely a keeper," says a happy home baker.

How to Make Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

Creating this cake is an enjoyable process that even novice bakers can appreciate. Start by mixing a simple cake batter with ingredients that you probably have on hand. After baking, the magic happens as you poke holes in the warm cake before pouring a sweet cranberry sauce over it. This allows the flavors to seep in, creating a moist and flavorful dessert. Once it cools, top it with whipped cream and festive sprinkles for that eye-catching finish. This cake fosters the spirit of togetherness and celebration with every slice.

Ingredients

What you’ll need for the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake:

1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
3 large eggs
1 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 can (14 oz) cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red and green sprinkles, for garnish

Feel free to customize the whipped topping or the sprinkles to match your personal taste or holiday décor.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Mix according to package instructions until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.

In a small saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, water, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is well blended and the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Once the cake has cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw to poke holes all over the surface of the cake, about 1 inch apart.

Pour the warm cranberry mixture evenly over the poked cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Let the cake cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. In a medium bowl, mix the whipped topping with the vanilla extract until well combined. Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cooled cake. Decorate the top of the cake with red and green sprinkles for a festive touch. Slice the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the refreshing cranberry flavor and moist cake!

How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

Enjoy this cake chilled, as it presents beautifully and is refreshing after any holiday main course. Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of extra whipped cream for those who crave a little more decadence. It’s also a delightful addition to a brunch table, paired beautifully with coffee or hot chocolate. Freeze-dried cranberries can be sprinkled on top for an extra pop of cranberry flavor and texture.

How to Store

To keep your Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake fresh, store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for about four to five days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to maintain its moisture. If you’d like to make this cake ahead of time, you can freeze it without the whipped topping. Thaw in the refrigerator the day before serving, then top it with whipped cream and sprinkles before presenting it.

Tips to Make

One of the best tips for this recipe is to ensure that your cake cools completely before adding the cranberry sauce. This allows the flavors to meld more effectively. For an added twist, consider using different flavors of cake mix, like lemon or coconut, to complement the tartness of the cranberry. If you enjoy a bit more crunch, tossing in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the whipped topping creates a delightful texture contrast.

Variations

There are many fun ways to put a twist on this Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake. Consider substituting the whipped topping with cream cheese frosting for a richer flavor. You can also experiment with different fruit sauces, such as raspberry or cherry, for a unique take. For a lighter version, use low-fat whipped topping and a sugar substitute in the sauce. Each variation opens up new possibilities, making this cake a versatile holiday favorite.

FAQs

What is a poke cake?
A poke cake is a cake baked in a pan with holes poked into it, allowing a liquid to seep into the holes for added flavor and moisture.

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce adds a personal touch and can enhance the flavors even more.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the white cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and follow the instructions as usual.

Can I prepare this cake in advance?
Yes! It is ideal to prepare the cake a day before you plan to serve it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in the fridge.

For More Recipe Inspiration

If you enjoyed this Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake, you might also love our adorable Mini Bento Cake Recipe. For something a little more savory, check out our Cottage Cheese Quiche.