Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that truly captures the festive spirit with a perfect balance of tart and sweet, then you have to try this Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe. It’s a showstopper that’s moist, vibrantly flavored, and dressed up just right for holiday celebrations. With tender white cake, a luscious cranberry sauce poked right into the soft layers, and a fluffy whipped topping crowned with colorful sprinkles, this dessert feels like Christmas on your plate. It’s simple enough to whip up yet impressive enough to earn all the compliments at your holiday table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe lies partly in its straightforward ingredients list. Each component plays an essential role, from the fluffy white cake base to the bright cranberry sauce that soaks into every bite, and the cool whipped topping that finishes it off with creamy delight.

• White cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The foundation for a soft, tender cake that bakes up perfectly every time.
• Eggs (3 large): Gives structure and richness, helping the cake rise beautifully.
• Water (1 cup): Adds moisture to ensure the cake is fluffy and light.
• Vegetable oil (1/4 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering flavors.
• Cranberry sauce (1 can, 14 oz): The star ingredient providing that signature tart, fruity punch—choose whole berry or jellied based on your texture preference.
• Water (1/2 cup): Used in the cranberry sauce to achieve the perfect consistency for pouring.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the cranberry layer just right, balancing the natural tartness.
• Whipped topping (1 container, 8 oz): Adds light, creamy richness for the perfect finishing touch.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the whipped topping with a warm, inviting flavor.
• Red and green sprinkles: Festive decoration that brings your Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe to life.

How to Make Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Mix well according to package directions until the batter is smooth and uniform. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes before moving on.

Step 2: Prepare the Cranberry Layer

While the cake is cooling, it’s time to bring the cranberry layer to life. In a small saucepan, mix cranberry sauce, water, and granulated sugar. Heat everything gently over medium heat until the sugar has melted completely and the mixture is smooth and well combined. Taking it off the heat, allow it to cool slightly. This warm, tangy sauce is what will infuse each bite with that unforgettable holiday flavor.

Step 3: Poke the Cake

Once the cake has cooled slightly but is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a sturdy straw to poke holes across the entire surface of the cake at roughly 1-inch intervals. These holes will be the perfect little pockets to soak up the cranberry sauce, making this Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe so moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Add the Cranberry Layer

Carefully pour the warm cranberry sauce evenly over the poked cake, making sure it seeps into all those holes you made. This step is where the magic happens: the sauce sinks deep, infusing the cake with juicy bursts of tartness. After this, let the cake cool completely at room temperature, then pop it into the refrigerator for at least two hours. This resting time lets all those holiday flavors mingle and settle beautifully.

Step 5: Prepare the Whipped Topping

When your cake has chilled, take your whipped topping and mix it with a teaspoon of vanilla extract in a medium bowl until everything is nicely blended. This simple addition of vanilla boosts the flavor and makes the topping silky smooth. Spread the whipped topping evenly over the surface of the cooled cake for that creamy, heavenly finish.

Step 6: Garnish

To make this Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe truly festive, sprinkle red and green decorations generously on top. These sprinkles don’t just look charming; they add a subtle crunch and burst of color that is perfect for holiday cheer.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake into squares and serve it chilled. Each forkful is an exciting blend of moist cake, luscious cranberry bursts, and fluffy whipped topping. It’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles and makes lasting holiday memories.

How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Red and green sprinkles are classic, but don’t hesitate to get creative. Fresh cranberries or small mint leaves also make beautiful, edible accents that add brightness and extra festivity. Even a light dusting of powdered sugar can mimic a snowy holiday scene.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with light sides like a simple cup of hot cocoa, spiced tea, or a glass of sparkling cider. If you want to balance the sweetness, consider serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a tangy citrus sorbet to refresh the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, cut the cake into bite-sized squares and serve on festive cocktail napkins or toothpick skewers adorned with mini ornaments. Or layer pieces of the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe inside a clear trifle dish with extra whipped topping and fresh cranberries for a stunning holiday centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

If you want to save this festive treat longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving and reapply sprinkles or fresh topping as needed.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled, but if you prefer a slight warmth, let individual slices sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture of the whipped topping and cranberry sauce.

FAQs

Can I make the cake from scratch instead of using a mix?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for a white cake mix for convenience and consistency, a scratch-made white cake with your favorite recipe will work just as well and add a personal touch.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook fresh cranberries with sugar and water until they break down into a sauce. This can give your Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe a fresher taste, but canned sauce speeds up the process and is perfectly delicious.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing and thawing? Will the texture change?

The cake freezes nicely, but the texture of the whipped topping might soften slightly after thawing. Rewhipping or adding fresh topping before serving helps keep it looking and tasting great.

What can I use instead of whipped topping?

You can substitute homemade whipped cream or a stabilized whipped cream to keep the topping fresh longer. Both options bring a lovely creamy element to the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free white cake mix and ensure the other ingredients are gluten-free as well. It’s a great way to share this festive treat with those who have dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe is an absolute winner for any holiday occasion. Its combination of moist cake, tangy cranberry sauce, and fluffy topping is a delight every time. It’s easy enough for a weekday project and elegant enough for your next family gathering. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a new holiday tradition that brings warmth and joy to your celebrations.

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