Festive Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe That Wows

Whipping up a magical christmas red velvet poke cake can transport you straight to festive wonderland.

Sweet memories flood back with each delectable slice of this dessert.

Crimson layers whisper holiday traditions and warmth.

Soft, moist textures invite gentle forks to dive deep into rich cocoa-infused goodness.

Creamy cream cheese frosting creates dreamy landscapes across vibrant red surfaces.

Unexpected pockets of sweet surprises wait inside each carefully crafted piece.

You’ll want to share this spectacular treat that promises to become an instant classic at your celebration table.

Why Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Is A Showstopper

• Transform Holiday Desserts: Discover a showstopping Christmas red velvet poke cake that brings festive cheer to your gathering with its stunning appearance and incredible flavor.
• Simplify Baking Process: Create a stress-free dessert that requires basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Wow Guests with Unique Texture: Experience a moist, decadent cake that combines rich red velvet with creamy condensed milk and tangy cream cheese frosting for an unforgettable dessert experience.
• Versatile Festive Treat: Customize this cake for various holiday events, from family gatherings to office parties, with optional decorative sprinkles that add a playful touch.

Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the red velvet cake.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cake.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, tender texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cake texture.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps activate the baking soda.
• Red Food Coloring: Creates the signature vibrant red color of red velvet cake.
• Vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, sweet flavor to the cake.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk, Crushed Pineapple: Add moisture and create a rich, sweet layer inside the cake.
• Cream Cheese, Butter: Form the base of a creamy, tangy frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the frosting's flavor.
• Red and Green Sprinkles: Optional decorative element for a festive touch.

How To Make Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and coat it thoroughly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Sift together to remove any clumps and ensure smooth mixing.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Buttermilk
• Red food coloring
• Vinegar
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture becomes a vibrant, smooth red color.

Step 4: Combine Cake Batter

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring carefully to maintain a light, tender texture. Mix until just combined.

Step 5: Bake Cake Base

Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top to ensure uniform baking.

Step 6: Cook to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Create Poke Holes

Allow cake to cool for 10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon handle to create systematic holes across the entire cake surface.

Step 8: Add Moisture Layer

Pour sweetened condensed milk over the warm cake, ensuring it seeps into every hole.

Step 9: Add Fruity Touch

Drain crushed pineapple and sprinkle evenly over the milk-soaked cake.

Step 10: Chill First Stage

Refrigerate cake for 1 hour to allow complete absorption and cooling.

Step 11: Prepare Creamy Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

Step 12: Finish Frosting

Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.

Step 13: Frost and Decorate

Spread frosting generously over the chilled cake, covering the entire surface.

Step 14: Add Holiday Flair

Sprinkle red and green decorative sprinkles for a festive holiday look.

Step 15: Final Chill

Refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes to set the frosting before serving.

Tips For Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Success

• Prevent Lumpy Batter: Sift dry ingredients carefully to eliminate clumps and ensure a smooth, even cake texture that bakes perfectly.
• Control Color Intensity: Add food coloring gradually to achieve the desired vibrant red shade without overwhelming the cake's flavor.
• Master Hole Technique: Use a wooden spoon handle to create uniform, evenly spaced holes that allow condensed milk and pineapple to penetrate deeply.
• Frost with Finesse: Beat cream cheese and butter until ultra-creamy, ensuring a silky smooth frosting that spreads effortlessly across the cake.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the cake between stages to enhance moisture absorption and help frosting set beautifully.

Switch-Ups For Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

• Winter Holiday Edition: Add crushed peppermint candy canes on top of cream cheese frosting for a festive Christmas flavor profile.
• Chocolate Cherry Blast: Replace pineapple with cherry pie filling and sprinkle dark chocolate shavings across the frosted surface for rich winter taste.
• Nutty Christmas Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over frosting and add a light dusting of cinnamon for warmth and texture.
• Festive Berry Burst: Incorporate dried cranberries into cake batter and top with fresh raspberries for a bright, seasonal presentation.

What To Pair With Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

• Pair Festive Cream Cheese Delight with Warm Beverages
• Indulge in a steaming mug of spiced chai tea or rich hot chocolate to complement the cake's creamy texture and sweet flavor profile.
• Enhance Holiday Dessert with Complementary Spirits
• Sip a smooth bourbon or sweet dessert wine like port to balance the cake's richness and add depth to the holiday experience.
• Create Festive Flavor Contrast with Citrus Drinks
• Enjoy a crisp orange-infused sparkling water or tangy mandarin mimosa to cut through the cake's sweetness and refresh the palate.
• Elevate Dessert Experience with Seasonal Cocktails
• Mix a festive cranberry martini or gingerbread-inspired cocktail to mirror the cake's holiday spirit and create a memorable tasting adventure.

Saving Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake The Right Way

• Store the Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, allowing the cake to come to room temperature naturally.
• Keep cake covered at room temperature for no more than 2 hours, especially when serving during holiday gatherings. Ensure the cake is placed in a cool area away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Cut the cake into individual slices and store in separate sealed containers for easy grab-and-go treats.

FAQ For Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

• What makes this cake different from a traditional red velvet cake?

This version is a poke cake, which means holes are created in the cake and filled with sweetened condensed milk and pineapple, making it extra moist and flavorful compared to standard red velvet cakes.

• Can I use natural food coloring instead of artificial red food coloring?

Yes, you can use natural alternatives like beetroot powder or concentrated pomegranate juice, but the color intensity might be less vibrant than traditional artificial food coloring.

• Is buttermilk essential for this recipe?

Buttermilk is crucial as it adds tenderness and helps activate the baking soda, creating a softer cake texture. If unavailable, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 cup of milk.

Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas red velvet poke cake brings holiday cheer with its rich crimson layers and creamy white frosting. Sweet cream cheese topping and delicate cocoa notes make this dessert perfect for winter gatherings where friends savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Cake Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained

Frosting Ingredients:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: red and green sprinkles for decoration

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl to eliminate any lumps and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth and vibrant red.
4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to maintain a tender cake texture.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula and smoothing the top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Remove cake from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
8. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, create systematic holes across the entire cake surface.
9. Pour sweetened condensed milk over the warm cake, ensuring it seeps into every hole.
10. Drain crushed pineapple and sprinkle evenly over the milk-soaked cake.
11. Refrigerate cake for 1 hour to allow complete absorption and cooling.
12. Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.
13. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until frosting is light and fluffy.
14. Spread frosting generously over the chilled cake, covering entire surface.
15. Optionally, decorate with red and green sprinkles for festive holiday appearance.
16. Chill for an additional 30 minutes before serving to set frosting.

Notes

• Prep Ahead Brilliance: Mix dry and wet ingredients separately to prevent overmixing, which can lead to a tough cake texture.
• Temperature Trick: Allow ingredients like eggs and buttermilk to reach room temperature for smoother batter integration and more even baking.
• Color Control: Use gel food coloring for more vibrant red without altering cake consistency compared to liquid food coloring.
• Moisture Magic: Wooden spoon holes create delightful pockets for condensed milk and pineapple, ensuring each bite is supremely moist and flavorful.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg