Festive Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe

Festive Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe: A Christmas Delight!

Rich, decadent layers of red velvet cake dripping with creamy filling spark holiday magic.

This classic christmas red velvet poke cake recipe brings festive cheer to any dessert table.

Velvety smooth textures blend perfectly with sweet cream cheese hints.

Crimson cake layers peek through white frosting like delicate winter snowflakes.

Each bite delivers a luxurious blend of cocoa and cream cheese flavors.

Guests will swoon over this stunning dessert that combines traditional holiday warmth with elegant sweetness.

Dive into this irresistible treat that promises to become your new seasonal celebration centerpiece.

Bake Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake In Easy Steps

  • Christmas Magic

A festive dessert that brings holiday cheer and delights everyone at the gathering. This red velvet cake transforms a simple boxed mix into a spectacular centerpiece.

  • Cake Foundation

Warm up the oven and prepare a baking dish. Craft the red velvet cake following package directions, allowing it to cool slightly after baking.

  • Flavor Infusion

Gently poke holes across the cake’s surface using a wooden spoon handle. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk, letting it seep deep into the cake’s tender crumb.

  • Creamy Cloud Topping

Whip cream cheese until silky smooth. Blend in powdered sugar and vanilla, then fold in whipped cream until light and fluffy.

  • Festive Finale

Spread the luxurious cream cheese topping generously over the cake. Sprinkle with holiday-themed decorations that sparkle and shine.

  • Chill and Celebrate

Refrigerate the cake to let flavors mingle and develop. When ready, slice and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure joy.

Tips To Make Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Better

  • Festive Frosting Finesse: Whip cream cheese topping until it reaches cloud-like peaks for an ultra-luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this cake a day in advance to let flavors develop and save precious holiday prep time – the longer it chills, the more delicious it becomes.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap standard red velvet cake mix with a gluten-free version and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Dairy-Free Twist: Replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use coconut whipped cream to create a delectable lactose-free version that everyone can enjoy.
  • Seasonal Decoration Hack: Use crushed candy canes, white chocolate shavings, or festive holiday sprinkles to transform this cake into a show-stopping Christmas centerpiece that delights guests of all ages.

Serving Up Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake With Style

  • Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Create a stunning holiday dessert table with this red velvet cake as the star attraction, surrounded by candy canes, miniature Christmas ornaments, and twinkling lights.
  • Cozy Christmas Pairing: Serve generous slices alongside hot cocoa, peppermint coffee, or a warm spiced apple cider for a delightful seasonal dessert experience that warms the heart.
  • Gifting Delight: Package individual cake slices in clear holiday-themed boxes with red and green ribbons, making perfect edible gifts for neighbors, teachers, or holiday party hosts.
  • Presentation Magic: Dust the cake with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar resembling fresh snow, and garnish with fresh mint leaves or crushed peppermint candies for an extra festive touch.

Keep Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Fresh And Ready

  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the cream cheese topping fresh and preventing moisture loss.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire cake 1-2 days before serving, allowing flavors to develop and reducing day-of preparation stress.
  • Freezing Friendly: Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Portion Protection: Cut the cake into serving portions before refrigerating, making it easier to grab a quick slice and maintaining the cake's structural integrity.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredients That Make Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake A Hit

For Cake Base:
  • Red Velvet Cake Mix: Provides rich, festive red color and classic cake texture; choose a high-quality mix for best results; look for mixes with vibrant color depth.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds structure; select fresh, room-temperature eggs for smoother batter.
  • Oil: Ensures moistness and tender crumb; use neutral vegetable or canola oil.
For Moisture and Filling:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates luscious, creamy interior; select full-fat version for maximum indulgence; helps infuse cake with rich sweetness.
For Creamy Topping:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers tangy, luxurious flavor; choose full-fat, room-temperature block for smooth blending; ensures decadent frosting texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and stabilizes frosting; sift to prevent lumps for silky finish.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity; opt for pure extract for authentic taste.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates light, fluffy texture; select high-fat content cream for stable peaks.
For Decoration:
  • Green and Red Sprinkles: Adds festive holiday visual appeal; choose assorted sizes for texture variation.

Kitchen Tools For Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Perfection

  • Baking Dish: 9×13-inch pan for perfect cake size and even baking.
  • Wooden Spoon Handle: Essential for creating uniform holes in the cake.
  • Electric Mixer: Crucial for beating cream cheese and whipping cream to smooth, stiff consistency.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for preparing cream cheese topping.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
  • Spatula: Helps spread topping evenly across cake surface.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Festive Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe

Festive Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Festive christmas red velvet poke cake emerges as a delightful dessert perfect for holiday gatherings. Cream cheese frosting and rich cocoa notes create a memorable sweet treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box red velvet cake mix
  • 1 14 oz (396 g) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 8 oz (226 g) block cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Green and red sprinkles or holiday-themed decorations

Instructions

  1. Cake Preparation: Preheat oven to specified temperature. Craft red velvet cake batter according to package instructions, transferring mixture into a prepared baking dish. Bake until a clean toothpick test confirms doneness.
  2. Surface Perforation: Once baked, cool cake momentarily. Puncture uniform holes across the entire surface using a wooden spoon handle, ensuring consistent depth and spacing.
  3. Moisture Infusion: Generously cascade sweetened condensed milk over the perforated landscape, allowing liquid to penetrate deeply and transform cake’s internal composition.
  4. Frosting Creation: Whip cream cheese until luxuriously smooth. Integrate powdered sugar and vanilla, then fold in heavy whipping cream until peaks form perfectly and texture becomes ethereal.
  5. Decorative Finishing: Lavish cream cheese frosting across cake’s surface with sweeping motions. Scatter festive green and red sprinkles strategically, creating a visually enchanting holiday presentation.
  6. Final Refinement: Refrigerate the completed dessert for minimum two hours, enabling flavors to meld and frosting to stabilize. Slice and serve chilled, revealing intricate layers and festive essence.

Notes

  • Precise Perforation Technique: Create uniform holes by using a wooden spoon handle consistently, keeping distances equal and depth steady for even milk absorption throughout the cake.
  • Moisture Maximization: Drizzle condensed milk slowly and patiently, allowing complete cake saturation without overwhelming the base, which ensures rich, tender texture without soggy results.
  • Temperature Control: Allow cake to cool slightly before adding milk and topping, preventing cream cheese mixture from melting and maintaining structural integrity of the dessert.
  • Whipping Wisdom: Beat cream cheese mixture gradually and carefully, avoiding over-mixing to maintain smooth, stable peaks that will create a luxurious, elegant topping without becoming runny.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star