Irresistible Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe

The Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is like a holiday miracle on your dessert table, bursting with vibrant flavors that dance on your palate. Imagine the sweet aroma of vanilla cake mingling with tart cranberries, creating a festive symphony that will have your taste buds jingling with joy. red velvet cinnamon rolls for brunch This delightful treat isn’t just a feast for the mouth; it’s a visual masterpiece that makes you feel like you’ve just stepped into a winter wonderland.

Picture this: it’s Christmas Eve, and the whole family gathers around the table, laughter echoing through the air. As you serve this show-stopping cake, everyone’s eyes widen in delight. Memories of past holidays flood back as you slice into the fluffy layers, revealing bright red cranberry goodness waiting to be devoured. Trust me, this cake promises an unforgettable flavor experience that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds… and thirds!

Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

salted caramel icebox cake variation.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• 1 Box Vanilla Cake Mix: Choose your favorite brand or go homemade if you’re feeling adventurous; either way works wonders.
• 3 Large Eggs: Fresh eggs give the cake its rich texture; make sure they’re at room temperature for best results.
• 1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil: This keeps the cake moist and tender no one wants a dry holiday treat!
• 1 Cup Water: Use lukewarm water to help bring out those flavors as you mix everything together.
• 1 Can Whole Cranberry Sauce: The star of our show! It adds both sweetness and tartness perfectly festive.
• 1 Package Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This enhances moisture and provides an extra layer of creaminess to each bite.
• 2 Cups Whipped Topping: Light and fluffy, this topping takes our poke cake from good to absolutely divine.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

For more inspiration, check out this Easter shortbread cookies recipe.

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper because nothing says “I love you” like an easy cleanup!

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat until smooth and well combined your arm might get tired; consider this your holiday workout!

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will smell so good that you’ll forget all about waiting!

Step 4: Create Holes for Cranberry Goodness

Once cooled slightly (but not too much), use the end of a wooden spoon or fork to poke holes all over the surface of your cake. Make sure to create enough holes so each piece gets its fair share of flavor.

Step 5: Add Cranberry Sauce

Spread the whole cranberry sauce evenly over the top of the poke cake, ensuring it seeps into those holes like it’s filling up on holiday cheer.

Step 6: Top with Whipped Topping

Finally, spread the whipped topping over the cranberry-covered cake like fluffy snowfall on a winter morning. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before slicing if you can wait that long!

Transfer to plates and serve this scrumptious creation to your eager guests it’s guaranteed to be gone faster than you can say “Merry Christmas!”

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by baking the cake according to package instructions. While the cake cools, prepare the cranberry sauce. Once cooled, poke holes in the cake and pour the sauce over it, allowing it to soak in for maximum flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cranberries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries. Experiment with flavored gelatin or add a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist. Top with whipped cream or even a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to reheat slices, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds until they’re warm.

It reminds me of last Christmas when I brought this cake to my family gathering. My uncle, who usually sticks to pie, couldn’t stop raving about it—proof that even the most stubborn dessert lovers can be swayed!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake?

To make a delightful Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake, gather the following ingredients: a box of white cake mix, eggs, water, and oil for the cake base. For the cranberry topping, you will need cranberry sauce, sugar, and whipped cream for a rich frosting. chocolate pecan cookies for dessert You can also add crushed nuts or coconut for extra texture. These simple ingredients combine to create a festive dessert that is perfect for holiday gatherings.

How long does it take to prepare Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake?

Preparing the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake typically takes about 30 minutes. This includes mixing the cake batter and baking it. Once baked, allow the cake to cool before poking holes and adding the cranberry filling. The chilling time is around 2 hours to let the flavors meld together fully. Overall, you can expect a total time of approximately 2.5 hours from start to finish before serving this delicious dessert.

Can I use fresh cranberries in my poke cake?

While traditional recipes often call for canned cranberry sauce, you can certainly use fresh cranberries for a more natural flavor in your Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake. Be sure to cook them down with some sugar until they burst and create a sauce-like consistency. This will ensure that your cake remains moist and flavorful while still capturing that vibrant cranberry taste that complements the sweetness of the cake.

How can I store leftovers of Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake?

If you have leftover Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to five days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Conclusion for Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake:

In summary, the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is an easy yet impressive dessert perfect for holiday celebrations. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can create a festive treat that showcases the tartness of cranberries against a sweet cake backdrop. mini pumpkin cheesecake for the holidays By following this recipe closely and using fresh or canned cranberries as desired, you’ll impress your guests with this delightful addition to your holiday menu!