Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a dessert that will be the talk of every holiday party, look no further than this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake. Moist, vibrant, and brimming with festive flavor, it’s a sweet showstopper that brings together luscious red velvet, creamy pudding, and cheerful toppings in every bite. Simple enough for a laid-back family get-together yet delightful enough for the fanciest Christmas table, this cake will quickly become your new seasonal tradition.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this cake is that you only need a small handful of core ingredients—each one playing a starring role. From the classic red velvet base to velvety pudding and cloud-like whipped topping, these essentials create that perfect balance of juicy, creamy, and colorful goodness.

• Red velvet cake mix: This shortcuts the rich flavor and iconic color, making prep quick and easy for any occasion.
• Eggs, oil, and water (as per box instructions): These add structure, moisture, and ensure a perfectly fluffy cake—don’t skip or skimp!
• Sweetened condensed milk: Pouring this into warm cake holes makes every slice ultra-moist, creamy, and decadent.
• Instant white chocolate or cheesecake pudding mix: Adds a dreamy, silky layer that seeps into every bite—either flavor works for a subtle, sweet tang.
• Cold milk: Needed to whip up the pudding mixture; make sure it’s truly cold so your pudding sets quickly.
• Whipped topping (like Cool Whip): A soft, snowy blanket that’s super easy to spread and holds up beautifully in the fridge.
• Red and green sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies: For a merry, vibrant finish—choose your favorite, or use both for extra pizzazz!

How to Make Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Red Velvet Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving your 9×13-inch baking dish a good grease. Mix up the red velvet cake batter according to the instructions on the box, combining the eggs, oil, and water until smooth. Pour it into your prepared dish and bake until the cake springs back when lightly touched. This is where the tantalizing aroma of Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake begins to fill your kitchen!

Step 2: Poke and Soak

Once your cake is out of the oven, let it cool just 10 minutes. While it’s still warm (but not scorching), use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface, spacing them about 1 inch apart. This is the real secret—those pockets will soak up every drop of sweetened condensed milk for unbelievable moistness.

Step 3: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk

Slowly pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, making sure it drizzles right into each hole. You’ll see it begin to seep into the cake, creating that signature poke cake texture you’ll crave again and again.

Step 4: Whip Up and Spread the Pudding

In a mixing bowl, whisk together your instant pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes, until luxuriously thick. Gently dollop and spread the pudding over your cake, using a spatula to press it into the holes. This double infusion of creamy goodness guarantees every forkful is extra special.

Step 5: Chill the Cake

Cover the cake and slide it into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. As it chills, the flavors meld, and the pudding and condensed milk work their magic, transforming this into the most irresistible Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake you can imagine. Don’t rush this step—patience truly pays off here!

Step 6: Top and Decorate

Once your cake is chilled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the surface, completely blanketing the cake in fluffy, snowy goodness. For the finishing touch, scatter a generous helping of red and green sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies over the top. Suddenly, your dessert looks as joyful and festive as Christmas morning.

How to Serve Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

Garnishes

The finishing touches make all the difference! Sprinkle red and green sprinkles liberally for that unmistakable holiday cheer, or go with crushed peppermint candies for a frosty twist. If you want to really wow your guests, add a drizzle of melted white chocolate just before serving—pure decadence!

Side Dishes

This cake is a star on its own but pairs delightfully with a cup of peppermint hot cocoa, a tall glass of cold milk, or even a light fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. If you’re hosting a holiday dessert buffet, it nestles perfectly alongside Christmas cookies or chocolate truffles.

Creative Ways to Present

You can cut the Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake into neat squares and serve them in cupcake liners for a grab-and-go treat. For a fancier take, layer slices with extra whipped cream and sprinkles in clear glasses for a festive trifle. Or, use mini cookie cutters to make fun shapes—like stars or trees—that look magical on a dessert platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake stays dreamy when covered well and chilled in the refrigerator—it’ll actually get moister and tastier as the flavors meld. Just use plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid, and your Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake will taste fantastic for up to 4 days.

Freezing

To freeze, slice the cake and wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Pop them into a freezer-safe container and store for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture—and feel free to add fresh toppings before serving.

Reheating

This dessert is meant to be enjoyed cold, so no reheating is required! If you’ve frozen your cake, simply let the pieces thaw in the fridge until fully chilled before serving. The whipped topping will regain its fluffiness, and the cake will stay perfectly moist.

FAQs

Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of boxed mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite red velvet cake recipe, feel free to bake it from scratch. Just make sure it’s baked in a 9×13-inch dish and cooled slightly before poking and adding the layers.

What’s the best way to poke holes in the cake?

The handle of a wooden spoon is perfect—it creates holes that are just the right size to catch all the delicious fillings. If you don’t have one, the end of a spatula or a thick chopstick can do the trick, too.

Can I make the Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake a day ahead?

Making it ahead is actually ideal! The flavors deepen as the cake sits in the fridge, so feel free to prepare the entire dessert (minus toppings) the night before and garnish just before serving.

Is there a way to reduce the sweetness?

If you prefer desserts a little less sweet, opt for unsweetened whipped cream instead of Cool Whip and use cheesecake pudding mix, which is slightly less sugary than the white chocolate version. You can also balance flavors with a dash of sea salt over the topping.

Can I use different pudding flavors?

Absolutely! White chocolate and cheesecake are most popular for their gentle sweetness, but feel free to try vanilla or even chocolate pudding for a fun twist on your Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a dessert that looks as festive as it tastes, and this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake delivers every time. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just to treat yourself, give it a try—you’ll be spreading joy, one scrumptious slice at a time!

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