Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe & Tips for Festive Joy

Name: Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz); 1 cup whole milk; 3 large eggs; 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought); 8 oz whipped topping; 1 cup fresh cranberries (for garnish); 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for garnish)

Posted on December 1, 2025

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The holiday season is upon us, and nothing screams festive cheer quite like a Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe. Imagine layers of fluffy cake infused with tangy cranberry goodness, topped with a luscious whipped cream that dances on your taste buds. delightful cherry cheesecake fluff It’s like a winter wonderland party in your mouth!

Now, picture this: your family gathered around the table, laughter echoing as they dive into this delightful dessert. The vibrant red cranberries glistening like ornaments on the cake create an inviting scene that’s hard to resist. layered zucchini ricotta melts This is not just any cake; it’s the centerpiece of your holiday festivities that brings everyone together and fills their hearts with joy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules
The flavor combination of sweet and tart will have everyone coming back for seconds
Its stunning red and white presentation adds a festive touch to your holiday table
Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy year-round, not just during the holidays

One Christmas, I made this poke cake for our family gathering, and you could hear gasps of delight as everyone took their first bite. It was a hit! For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Cheesecake Squares recipe.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

Boxed Vanilla Cake Mix: A classic base that simplifies preparation while still delivering amazing flavor and texture.
Cranberry Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought; both options provide that essential tartness to balance the sweetness. homemade Samoas cookies.
Whipped Topping: Opt for a tub of whipped topping for easy spreading and a light finish on the cake.
Fresh Cranberries: These beautiful berries add visual appeal and extra bursts of tartness when bitten into.
Powdered Sugar: A sprinkle on top elevates presentation and sweetness without overwhelming the flavors.
Milk: Use whole milk for added richness in the cake batter.
Eggs: They help bind everything together and give the cake its fluffy texture.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, milk, eggs, and mix until smooth.

Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. no bake carrot cake bites.

Poke Holes in the Cake: Once baked, let it cool slightly before using a fork to poke holes all over the top—this will allow the cranberry sauce to soak in!

Add Cranberry Sauce: Spread cranberry sauce evenly over the top of the warm cake, ensuring it seeps into all those holes for maximum flavor absorption.

Chill Your Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely before topping with whipped cream; refrigerate for about an hour so it sets perfectly.

Finish with Whipped Topping & Garnish: Spread whipped topping over cooled cranberry-infused cake. Sprinkle fresh cranberries and powdered sugar on top before serving for extra flair.

Now you have a stunning Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake that will leave everyone begging for your secret recipe!

You Must Know

This delightful Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is not just festive; it’s a flavor bomb that brings joy to your holiday table
With its vibrant colors and irresistible taste, it’s sure to be the star of any gathering
The moist cake layered with tart cranberry goodness makes every bite feel like a celebration

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, bake the cake first, then poke holes for the cranberry sauce while it cools. This ensures even absorption and maximum flavor.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cranberries for pomegranate or add white chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Customize your cake to match your holiday spirit!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat slices in the microwave for a cozy treat.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To keep your cranberry sauce from being too tart, adjust sugar levels to your preference
Use fresh cranberries for a burst of flavor, or opt for canned ones if you’re short on time
Make sure to let the cake cool completely before adding sauce, ensuring perfect layering

It was Christmas Eve when my aunt surprised us with this poke cake. Everyone’s eyes lit up as they took their first bite—instant smiles all around!

FAQs

FAQ

What can I use instead of cranberries?

You can substitute cranberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different fruity flavor.

How long does this cake last?

The Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake lasts about five days when stored properly in the fridge.

Can I freeze this poke cake?

Yes, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months.