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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth and vibrant red.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to maintain a tender cake texture.
- Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula and smoothing the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove cake from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon, create systematic holes across the entire cake surface.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk over the warm cake, ensuring it seeps into every hole.
- Drain crushed pineapple and sprinkle evenly over the milk-soaked cake.
- Refrigerate cake for 1 hour to allow complete absorption and cooling.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until frosting is light and fluffy.
- Spread frosting generously over the chilled cake, covering entire surface.
- Optionally, decorate with red and green sprinkles for festive holiday appearance.
- 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