The holiday season is upon us, and nothing screams festive cheer quite like the vibrant colors and delightful flavors of a Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake. Imagine a moist, fluffy cake soaked in sweet and tart cranberry goodness, topped with a cloud of whipped cream that dances on your taste buds. chai cake with cream cheese frosting It’s like a warm hug from your grandma mixed with the excitement of ripping open presents under the tree.
As you gather around the table with loved ones, this cake becomes more than just dessert; it’s a centerpiece of joy, laughter, and those sweet moments we cherish. The anticipation builds as you cut into it, revealing its ruby-red interior that glistens with flavor. delicious s’mores cookies festive pumpkin chocolate chip cookies Trust me; this Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe & Tips will become a holiday staple that brings everyone together!
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This easy-to-make poke cake is bursting with festive flavors that will impress your guests. Its stunning visual appeal makes it perfect for holiday gatherings. You can easily adapt it using different fruits or toppings to suit your tastes. Plus, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that guarantees smiles all around! [/info_box]
I remember the first time I made this cake for my family during the holidays; their faces lit up like Christmas lights when they took their first bites.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
White Cake Mix: Choose a quality mix for a light and airy texture that serves as the perfect base.
Cranberry Sauce: Use homemade or canned sauce to ensure that tartness shines through in every bite.
Eggs: Fresh eggs help bind everything together and provide moisture to the cake.
Water: Simple water enhances the cake mix’s flavors without overwhelming them.
Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form for an indulgent topping that’s light and fluffy. chicken stuffing casserole.
Cranberries (Fresh or Frozen): Use whole cranberries to add bursts of flavor and color throughout the cake.
Sugar: A little sugar in the whipped cream helps balance out the tartness of the cranberries beautifully.
Powdered Sugar (Optional): Dust over the top for extra sweetness and a decorative touch before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on the counter so you’re ready to go. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish for perfect baking results.
Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, and water according to package instructions. Beat until smooth—about two minutes—and enjoy watching those bubbles form as you create magic.
Bake It Up!: Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen faster than you can say “holiday cheer.”
Poke It Good!: Once cooled slightly, take a fork and poke holes all over the cake—this part is super satisfying! Drizzle warm cranberry sauce over these holes so each slice will be bursting with flavor.
Create Your Topping: While your cake absorbs all that deliciousness, whip heavy cream in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form. Add sugar gradually as you whip for just enough sweetness to pair beautifully with tart cranberries.
Assemble & Serve!: Spread whipped cream over the top of your poked cake generously. Garnish with fresh or frozen cranberries (if using), then slice into pieces of holiday happiness. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to wow your guests!
This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe & Tips will have everyone coming back for seconds—or thirds—so be prepared to share! For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Chicken Parm Soup recipe.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe is a festive delight that brings sweet and tart flavors together. The vibrant red cranberries and fluffy cake create an inviting centerpiece for any holiday gathering. The aroma alone will have your guests lining up for seconds. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the perfect Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake, bake the cake first, then poke holes and pour the cranberry sauce while it’s still warm to absorb all those delicious flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries with other berries or add nuts for crunch. A dollop of whipped cream on top can elevate the dessert into a truly indulgent treat.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To enjoy warm, simply heat individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Ensure your cake is completely cooled before poking holes; otherwise, you’ll create a soggy situation! Use fresh cranberries for a brighter flavor; frozen ones tend to lose their shape. For added moisture, consider brushing the cake with a cranberry syrup after pouring in the sauce. [/info_box]
Sharing this recipe always reminds me of my aunt’s holiday parties where everyone eagerly awaited dessert. One year, my cousin snuck a piece before dinner!
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe?
Yes, but fresh cranberries provide better texture and flavor.
How long does this cake stay fresh?
The Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake remains fresh for up to five days when refrigerated.
What can I use instead of cranberries?
You can substitute cranberries with raspberries or strawberries for different flavors.
Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with a festive Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake. This moist and fluffy cake is infused with tangy cranberry sauce and topped with a light whipped cream, creating a delicious dessert that will be the star of your holiday gatherings. Each slice reveals a vibrant ruby-red interior, making it not just a treat but also a centerpiece of joy and celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup heavy cream (for topping)
- 1/4 cup sugar (for whipped cream)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (for garnish)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and water. Beat until smooth, about two minutes.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Once cooled slightly, poke holes in the cake using a fork and drizzle warm cranberry sauce over it.
- In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar while whipping.
- Spread whipped cream over the top of the cake and garnish with cranberries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
