Here’s a festive, moist, show-stopping Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake that’s super easy and perfect for holiday gatherings! 🎄❤️
🎄 Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: usually eggs, oil, and water)
—or use your favorite homemade red velvet cake recipe
For the Filling
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for a lighter soak)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermints (optional)
⭐ Instructions
1. Bake the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare red velvet cake mix according to the package instructions and bake until a toothpick comes out clean (usually 28–32 minutes).
- Cool for 10 minutes.
2. Poke & Fill
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
- In a bowl, whisk together:
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Heavy cream (optional)
- Vanilla
- Slowly pour the mixture over the warm cake, letting it soak into the holes.
- Chill for at least 1 hour, or until fully cooled.
3. Make the Frosting
- Beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks.
- Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to create a light, fluffy frosting.
4. Frost & Decorate
- Spread frosting evenly over the chilled cake.
- Add Christmas sprinkles, crushed peppermints, or white chocolate shavings.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
🎁 Tips + Variations
- Peppermint twist: Add ¼ tsp peppermint extract to the filling or frosting.
- White chocolate drizzle: Melt white chocolate chips and drizzle over top.
- Green swirl: Add a little green food coloring to part of the frosting and swirl across the top for a festive look.
- Make ahead: This cake stays moist and delicious for 2–3 days in the fridge.
If you want, I can make this into a printable recipe card, a step-by-step with photos, or give you a version using homemade red velvet cake!
