A delightful blend of moist cake and tart cranberry topping that captures the spirit of Christmas, perfect for holiday celebrations.

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Be warned, this Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is dangerously delicious. One moment you’re slicing it up, and the next, it’s gone in the blink of an eye. The sweet aroma of the cake baking fills your home like a warm hug, sugar wafts through the air, and you know you’re about to create something special. Imagine the tender cake, the tart cranberry pouring into every nook and cranny, and the fluffy topping that just begs to be enjoyed. Grab your favorite apron; it’s time to dive into a baking adventure that’s bound to spark joy and sweet memories.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake isn’t just any dessert; it’s a delightful blend of flavors that capture the spirit of the season. Each bite is like a warm embrace, mixing the sweetness of the cake with the refreshing tartness of cranberries. If you’re wondering what makes this poke cake a holiday favorite, let me share a little story:

Many years ago, at one of our family holiday gatherings, I stumbled upon this recipe. My aunt Lucy had brought it, and it stole the show. The cake was moist, the cranberry topping vibrant, and the whipped cream layer took it over the top. Everyone around the table nodded in approval, and we all agreed that it wouldn’t be Christmas without it.

This poke cake is a family tradition now, and it might just become yours too. It’s perfect for holiday celebrations, cozy get-togethers, or even as a sweet treat while snuggling on the couch with a good movie. The blend of colors and textures not only makes it visually appealing but also irresistible. You’ll find everyone reaching for just one more slice. Trust me it’s festive, fun, and oh-so-delicious!

How to Make Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

“If your kitchen smells like butter and brown sugar, you’re doing it right.”

Now that we’ve set the festive mood, let’s talk about how this delightful dessert comes together. The process is straightforward and involves simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. From the moment you mix the batter to the delightful final sprinkle of festive colors, you’ll find joy in each step. So let’s dive in and get our hands a little floury!

The Sweet Line-Up

To make this scrumptious Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 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

Use real butter or high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Don’t forget the pinch of salt to elevate the sweetness. This cake is all about bringing joy and comfort, and having quality ingredients will help it shine.

Step-by-Step Directions

Let’s break down the steps into friendly bites that are easy to follow. You’ll be on your way to a delightful Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake in no time.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish. This is where the magic will happen!
2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Mix according to package instructions until well combined. Don’t overmix we want tender crumbs, not tough dough.
3. 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. The golden edges and the sweet smell will drive you wild!
4. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This is when you resist the urge to dive right in!
5. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, 1/2 cup water, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is well blended and the sugar has dissolved. It should smell fruity and comforting.
6. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
7. 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. This is where the cranberry goodness will soak in.
8. Pour the warm cranberry mixture evenly over the poked cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Your kitchen will be buzzing with festive scents!
9. Let the cake cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. The longer you wait, the more delicious it becomes.
10. In a medium bowl, mix the whipped topping with the vanilla extract until well combined. Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cooled cake. Look at that creaminess!
11. Decorate the top of the cake with red and green sprinkles for a festive touch.
12. Slice the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the refreshing cranberry flavor and moist cake. Each bite will make you smile!

Each step is like stitching together sweet moments. So don your apron and get ready for some fun in the kitchen!

Serving Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake With Love

Now for the fun part: serving this delightful cake! Imagine, you’ve spent the time creating this beautiful dessert, and it’s finally time to enjoy it. The Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake shines when shared with loved ones.

Serve it at family dinners, holiday parties, or cozy gatherings. It’s always a showstopper, and you’ll find people lining up for a slice, each one eagerly anticipating that burst of cranberry flavor. Try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. It’s a refreshing dessert that complements the richness of holiday feasts perfectly.

Trust me when I say, it won’t be long before it’s just a memory on the plate. You’ll hear delighted comments and laughter around the table, creating that warm, fuzzy feeling that makes the holidays special.

How to Store and Enjoy Later

After the celebration winds down, you may wonder how to keep the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake fresh. Fear not, my friend, for this cake can be stored both conveniently and deliciously.

To store, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to five days. Within that time, it retains its moistness and flavor. When you’re ready for that next bite, simply slice it cold from the fridge.

If you plan to enjoy it later and want to freeze some, you can freeze the uniced cake. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then foil and pop it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and add the cranberry mixture and topping just before serving.

Remember that this cake gets better with time as the flavors meld, so don’t fret if you have leftovers. It will still be a hit the next day!

Tips, Tricks, and Sweet Secrets

Baking is all about discovering what works best for you. Let me share some fun tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the years:

• Nuts are your friends: Consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the cake batter for added crunch and flavor. They create a delightful contrast with the moistness of the cake.
• A drizzle of glaze: If you want to add even more decadence, whip up a quick glaze with powdered sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle it on top of the whipped cream layer for an extra sweet kick.
• Turn leftovers into bliss: Have some leftover cake? Crumble it up and layer it with yogurt and fruit for a trifle. Or blend it into a milkshake for a deliciously unique treat.
• Customize with seasonal spices: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mix for that extra holiday warmth. It makes the kitchen smell divine too!
• Get creative with toppings: Instead of sprinkles, try crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist. Or use seasonal fruits as toppings when they are ripe for a fresh burst of flavor.

These little tricks can take your cake from delightful to breathtaking. Baking is an adventure, so have fun with it!

Delicious Variations

The Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is versatile. You can modify it for various seasons or occasions. Here are some fun twists:

• Spring Flavor: Try using strawberry or raspberry puree instead of cranberries, making it bright and fresh for spring celebrations.
• Fall Spice Cake: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the batter for a hint of autumn warmth, creating a cozy fall-themed dessert.
• Nutty Delight: Swap out water for coconut milk and add shredded coconut for a tropical twist. This will create a moist, flavorful cake that’s out of this world.
• Chocolate Lovers: How about chocolate cake mix instead of white? Slather it in chocolate whipped cream and top it with crushed cherries for a decadent dessert.
• Festive Glaze: For a festive touch, glaze the cake with a mix of powdered sugar and citrus juice before adding the whipped topping for a touch of zing.

Each variation will bring out a different personality of this sweet poke cake, making it the perfect recipe to keep handy for any occasion!

Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

A delightful blend of moist cake and tart cranberry topping that captures the spirit of Christmas, perfect for holiday celebrations.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dessert, Holiday

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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For the Cake

• 1 box 15.25 oz white cake mix Use a high-quality mix.
• 3 large eggs Room temperature for better mixing.
• 1 cup water Check package instructions.
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil Can substitute with melted coconut oil.

For the Cranberry Topping

• 1 can 14 oz cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied) For a fresher taste, use homemade.
• 1/2 cup water To mix with cranberry sauce.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar To sweeten the cranberry sauce.

For the Topping

• 1 container 8 oz whipped topping (such as Cool Whip) Thawed.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For flavor enhancement.
• to taste red and green sprinkles For garnish.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Mix according to package instructions until well combined but do not overmix.
3. 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.
4. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.

Cranberry Mixture

1. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, 1/2 cup water, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat until blended and sugar is dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Once the cake has cooled, poke holes all over the surface of the cake, about 1 inch apart.
4. Pour the warm cranberry mixture evenly over the poked cake.

Topping and Serving

1. Let the cake cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the whipped topping with the vanilla extract and spread it over the cooled cake.
3. Decorate the top of the cake with red and green sprinkles.
4. Slice the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake into squares and serve chilled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 180mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15g

Notes

Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. This cake can also be frozen for up to three months without the topping. Add toppings just before serving.

Tried this recipe?

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FAQs About Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

Q: Can I use homemade cranberry sauce for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce will add a fresh touch and elevates the dessert even more. Just ensure it’s not too runny so it seeps well into the cake.

Q: What if I don’t have vegetable oil?
A: You can use melted coconut oil or butter as a substitute. But we recommend sticking to oil for a lighter texture.

Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can! Just substitute the white cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and adjust the baking instructions as needed.

Q: How can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can bake the cake, poke it, and pour the cranberry mixture a day in advance. Just add the whipped topping on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture.

Q: What if I want a smaller cake?
A: You can easily halve the recipe and bake it in an 8×8-inch dish if you’re looking for a smaller version.

A Final Bite

There you have it! The cheerful and delicious Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is ready to bring joy into your kitchen. As you whip, mix, and pour, remember that every step is a chance to create memories.

Bake this once, and you’ll find yourself roped into bringing it to every family gathering. With its tender cake, zesty cranberry topping, and fluffy cream layer, you’ll soon find that it’s not just dessert it’s a tradition waiting to happen. So get baking, share the love, and most importantly, enjoy every scrumptious bite!