Christmas isn’t just a holiday; it’s a culinary adventure filled with rich scents, delightful flavors, and a sprinkle of magic. Imagine pulling a festive cranberry poke cake from the oven, its red and white layers sparkling like holiday lights, beckoning everyone to gather around the table. Feta Cranberry Rigatoni Salad The sweet-tartness of cranberries mixed with fluffy cake and creamy frosting creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds, making every bite a celebration.
This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience steeped in warm memories shared with loved ones. Picture this: the laughter of family echoing in the background while you serve slices of this holiday delight. Gooey Butter Cookies It’s perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights by the fire, where each forkful promises to whisk you away into a world of cheer and jubilation. Christmas Cherry Bars.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is super simple to whip up, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules. The flavor combination is festive yet comforting, ideal for any occasion. Its vibrant colors will brighten your dessert table and impress your guests. This cake is versatile enough to serve at parties or enjoy as a cozy after-dinner treat. [/info_box]
I remember the first time I made this cake; my family’s faces lit up as they took their first bites. Their smiles were priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: A must-have in every kitchen; it provides the perfect base for our cake.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the deal; don’t skimp here unless you want a “not-so-sweet” surprise!
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Baking Powder: This little miracle worker helps our cake rise beautifully.
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Salt: A pinch elevates flavors, so don’t leave it out!
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Eggs: They bind everything together and add moisture—always go for large eggs!
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Milk: Whole milk adds richness; your tastebuds will thank you.
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Vegetable Oil: Keeps our cake moist and tender; nobody likes dry cake!
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Cranberry Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade; both will add that tart sweetness we crave during holidays.
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Whipped Cream Topping: Light and fluffy, it perfectly complements our poke cake.
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Fresh Cranberries (for garnish): Optional but highly recommended for that festive flair!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl until evenly combined.
In another bowl, beat together eggs, milk, and vegetable oil until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix or your cake may turn out dense.
Transfer the batter into your prepared baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The aroma will make you feel like you’re walking through a winter wonderland!
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before poking holes all over with a fork—this is where the magic happens! Pour cranberry sauce over the warm cake so it seeps into those holes.
After letting it chill in the fridge for about an hour (or longer if you can resist), spread whipped cream topping generously over the top. For extra holiday cheer, toss some fresh cranberries on top as garnish.
Slice yourself a piece (or two) and savor every delightful bite! Each forkful combines sweet fluffiness with tart cranberry goodness—a true holiday treat that keeps on giving!
Enjoy sharing your Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake with family and friends! Trust me when I say that this will quickly become your go-to holiday recipe! Cranberry Orange Muffins.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is the ultimate holiday dessert, bursting with festive flavors and moistness. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet cake creates a delightful balance that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for your holiday gatherings. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the cake according to package instructions, then poke holes while it’s still warm to absorb the cranberry sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries with pomegranate seeds for a twist or add nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Avoid overmixing your cake batter to ensure it stays light and fluffy. Use fresh cranberries for a pop of color and flavor. Allow the cake to cool completely before adding toppings for best results. [/info_box]
Sharing this recipe at last year’s Christmas party brought smiles all around; everyone loved it! My aunt even asked for the recipe, which made my day.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries for the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake?
For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Chicken Parm Soup recipe.
Yes, frozen cranberries work well; just thaw and drain excess moisture before using.
How long can I keep the poke cake in the fridge?
The Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake stays fresh in the fridge for about four days.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious alternative.
Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is a festive delight that combines the tartness of cranberries with a fluffy cake and creamy topping. This show-stopping dessert not only brightens your holiday table but also evokes warm memories shared with loved ones. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights, each bite promises a burst of flavor that’s sure to become a cherished tradition.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup whipped cream topping
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, milk, and vegetable oil until smooth. Pour into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool slightly, then poke holes all over the cake with a fork. Pour cranberry sauce over the warm cake so it seeps in.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before spreading whipped cream topping generously on top. Garnish with fresh cranberries if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
