Jolly Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe That Wows Guests

Festive desserts bring joy to holiday gatherings, and this decadent Christmas cranberry poke cake recipe delivers pure deliciousness.

Sweet layers of moist cake intertwine with tart cranberry flavors for an irresistible treat.

Bursting with seasonal charm, the cake promises a delightful balance of textures and tastes.

Each slice reveals a stunning marbled pattern that captures the spirit of winter celebrations.

Creamy frosting adds a luxurious touch to this show-stopping dessert.

Rich, vibrant, and wonderfully simple to prepare, this cake will become your new holiday tradition.

Gather around the table and savor every delectable bite of this festive masterpiece.

Why Cranberry Poke Cake Is a Festive Favorite

• No advanced baking skills needed, with simple steps anyone can follow and create a stunning holiday dessert.
• Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delightful treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Vibrant red cranberry sauce and cheerful sprinkles transform an ordinary cake into a spectacular Christmas centerpiece that will impress family and friends.
• Can be prepared in advance and chilled, reducing last-minute stress during holiday gatherings and allowing flavors to develop beautifully.

What Goes in a Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

• Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides the foundation for this festive dessert.
• Eggs: Help bind the cake ingredients and create a tender texture.
• Water: Helps mix the cake batter and create the right consistency.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a soft cake crumb.

• Cranberry Sauce: Provides a tart and sweet flavor profile for the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the cranberry sauce.
• Water: Helps thin and blend the cranberry sauce.

• Whipped Topping, Cool Whip: Creates a light and creamy top layer for the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the whipped topping.
• Red and Green Sprinkles: Provides a festive holiday decoration for the cake.

Steps to Bake a Cranberry Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare The Cake Base

Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and coat it with a light layer of grease.

In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix with eggs, water, and oil.

Whisk until the batter looks smooth and creamy.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Let the cake rest and cool down for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Craft The Cranberry Sauce

While the cake cools, create a delightful cranberry sauce.

• Cranberry sauce
• Water
• Sugar

Heat the mixture over medium temperature, stirring continuously until everything blends perfectly.

Allow the sauce to cool slightly – warm but not scalding hot.

Step 3: Create Magical Holes

Grab a wooden spoon handle or a straw.

Poke holes across the cake surface, spacing them about an inch apart.

Aim for generous holes that will allow the sauce to penetrate deeply.

Step 4: Drench In Cranberry Goodness

Gently pour the warm cranberry sauce over the cake.

Watch as it seeps into the holes, creating beautiful pockets of flavor.

Let the cake cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors mingle and develop.

Step 5: Crown With Whipped Topping

Mix whipped topping with a splash of vanilla extract.

Spread the mixture smoothly across the chilled cake.

Pro trick: Dip your spatula in hot water for an ultra-smooth finish.

Step 6: Add Festive Flair

Sprinkle red and green decorative sprinkles over the top.

This adds a cheerful holiday touch that makes the cake look as amazing as it tastes.

Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Pro Tips for Cranberry Cake Success

• Poke larger holes in the cake to allow more cranberry sauce absorption, creating a more flavorful and moist dessert.
• Blend cranberry sauce briefly to eliminate lumps, ensuring a silky, even distribution throughout the cake.
• Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to let the cranberry sauce and cake layers fully blend and develop a richer taste profile.
• Dip your spatula in hot water before spreading whipped topping to achieve a clean, professional-looking finish.
• Sprinkle red and green holiday sprinkles to instantly transform the cake into a eye-catching Christmas dessert that's sure to impress guests.

Storing and Reheating Your Poke Cake

• Transfer leftover cake to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep refrigerated for up to 4-5 days, ensuring the cake stays fresh and moist.
• Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Remove frozen cake slices from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid countertop thawing to prevent potential bacterial growth.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power. Check temperature and add a few more seconds if needed, being careful not to dry out the cake.

Pairing Tips for Cranberry Cake

• Festive Flavor Companions: Enhance Your Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake
• Sparkling Champagne Pairing: Select a crisp, slightly sweet champagne that complements the cake's cranberry tartness. The bubbles will cut through the rich whipped topping and refresh your palate between bites.
• Holiday Spiced Tea Match: Brew a warm cinnamon or vanilla-infused black tea that echoes the cake's festive notes. The spices will harmonize beautifully with the cranberry's bright flavor profile, creating a cozy winter dessert experience.
• Creamy Eggnog Sidekick: Pour a chilled glass of traditional eggnog alongside the cake. Its creamy, nutmeg-kissed richness will balance the cake's tangy cranberry sauce and provide a luxurious holiday indulgence.
• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Companion: Serve a small scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream next to each cake slice. The cold, smooth texture and pure vanilla essence will perfectly contrast the cake's warm, fruity undertones.

Ways to Add Flair to Cranberry Poke Cake

• Gluten-Free Holiday Cake: Replace standard cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Winter Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based oil, and choose a vegan cake mix. Substitute dairy whipped topping with coconut whipped cream for a completely plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Christmas Option: Use sugar-free cranberry sauce, replace sugar with stevia, and select a sugar-free cake mix. Top with sugar-free whipped cream to reduce overall sugar content.
• Dairy-Free Festive Cake: Utilize dairy-free margarine for greasing, select a dairy-free cake mix, and use coconut whipped topping instead of traditional whipped cream for those with lactose intolerance.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients needed for this Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake?

The key ingredients include a boxed cake mix, eggs, water, oil, cranberry sauce, sugar, whipped topping, vanilla extract, and festive sprinkles. You’ll want to have these on hand before starting the recipe.

• How do I ensure the cranberry sauce soaks into the cake properly?

Poke large holes throughout the cake using a wooden spoon handle or straw, spacing them about an inch apart. Make sure the holes are big enough to allow the warm cranberry sauce to seep deep into the cake, creating those delicious flavor pockets.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better when prepared in advance. After adding the cranberry sauce, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors blend. You can even make it a day before your event, which makes party prep much easier.

• Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes, this recipe is very beginner-friendly. It uses a boxed cake mix and simple techniques like poking holes and spreading sauce. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you can create a delicious and impressive holiday dessert with just a few easy steps.

Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake merges holiday cheer with sweet indulgence, blending tart cranberry glaze and creamy white cake. Delightful dessert promises to enchant guests with its merry flavors and festive spirit.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) white cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) vegetable oil

Cranberry Layer:

• 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) water
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Topping:

• 1 container (8 ounces / 227 grams) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Red and green sprinkles, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9×13-inch pan with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine cake mix, eggs, water, and oil in a mixing bowl. Blend until the batter becomes smooth and uniform.
3. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.
4. Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes, ensuring it’s not too hot for the next step.
5. Create the cranberry sauce by combining cranberry sauce, water, and sugar in a saucepan. Heat over medium temperature, stirring until ingredients blend completely.
6. Use a wooden spoon handle or straw to create generous holes across the cake surface, spacing them approximately one inch apart.
7. Carefully pour the warm cranberry mixture over the cake, ensuring it penetrates the holes thoroughly. Some sauce may remain on top, which adds to the cake’s visual appeal.
8. Refrigerate the cake for minimum 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and set completely.
9. Prepare the whipped topping by mixing with vanilla extract until well combined.
10. Spread the whipped topping evenly across the chilled cake, using a hot water-dipped spatula for a smooth finish.
11. Decorate with red and green sprinkles for a festive presentation.
12. Slice into squares and serve chilled, enjoying the vibrant holiday dessert.

Notes

• Cooling is crucial for even sauce absorption, preventing runny mess and ensuring the cake soaks up the delicious cranberry mixture.
• Create larger holes using a wooden spoon handle or straw to maximize flavor penetration and achieve a more moist, flavorful dessert.
• Blend cranberry sauce beforehand for a smoother, more uniform texture that spreads evenly across the cake’s surface.
• Chill the cake thoroughly to allow flavors to meld and develop a richer, more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 232
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 240 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 38 mg