The Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is an enchanting dessert that perfectly captures the festive spirit of the holiday season. This vibrant cake, with its deep red hue and creamy filling, not only looks delightful but brings an indulgent flavor that everyone will love. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or as a festive centerpiece, this cake is the ultimate treat that embodies joy, celebration, and comfort during the holidays.
Why We Love This Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe
This holiday-season dessert is adored for several reasons. Firstly, the combination of rich red velvet cake and luscious creamy filling creates a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist. The poke cake method allows the cake to soak up sweet and creamy goodness, making every bite moist and flavorful. Additionally, this recipe is incredibly simple to make, requiring common ingredients and minimal effort, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. It’s a stunning dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also adds a festive touch to your holiday table.
Ingredients for Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green sprinkles for decoration
How to Make Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Directions
Creating your own Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is straightforward and rewarding. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, you’ll need to prepare your 9×13-inch cake pan. Grease and flour the pan well to ensure your cake comes out easily once baked.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use a whisk or electric mixer to mix the ingredients together until the batter is smooth and even. Once ready, pour the batter into the greased cake pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes. You can check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
Once your cake has baked to perfection, allow it to cool completely in the pan. This may take around one hour. When the cake is cool, use a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the top of the cake. This step is critical as it allows the sweet mixture to seep in and flavor the cake.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and smooth. Pour this luscious mixture evenly over the cooled cake, ensuring it fills the holes you poked earlier. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for at least four hours, but for the best results, allowing it to chill overnight is ideal.
To serve, take your cake out of the refrigerator. Before serving, add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top and sprinkle with festive red and green sprinkles for that perfect holiday touch.
How to Serve Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake
When it comes to serving your Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake, presentation is key. Slice the cake into square pieces and plate it individually or serve it right from the pan. If you want to be a bit extra, consider layering your servings with additional whipped cream or fresh berries. The creamy filling pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream, enhancing both the flavor and visual appeal.
You can also consider serving the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. This addition is especially enjoyable if your cake has been chilled in the refrigerator, as the cold ice cream complements the moist cake wonderfully. With each serving, your guests will be tempted to go back for seconds.
Expert Tips: Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake
To ensure your Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is a masterpiece, keep a few expert tips in mind. Firstly, always follow the package instructions for the cake mix carefully, ensuring you are measuring your liquids precisely. Too much water or oil can affect the cake’s texture and rise.
When poking holes in the cake, make sure they are evenly spaced, about one inch apart. This helps the filling to distribute evenly and soak into the cake, ensuring every bite is delicious. If you want an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of peppermint extract to the filling for a refreshing holiday twist.
Make sure to let your cake cool completely before adding the sweet topping. If the cake is still warm, the filling may seep out too quickly, causing it to lose its intended texture. Lastly, for the ultimate festive look, feel free to get creative with your decorations. Use different shapes of sprinkles, or even consider adding small candy canes for a fun crunch.
How to Store Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake
Storing your Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake properly will help retain its moisture and flavor. To do this, keep the cake covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to five days. Due to its moist nature, this cake does not freeze well. It’s best enjoyed fresh after being assembled and chilled.
If you have to keep it longer than five days, cut the cake into individual portions and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This way, you can simply grab a piece whenever you crave something sweet, making it an easy dessert option during the busy holiday season.
Variations of Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake
While the classic Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is a showstopper on its own, you might want to try varying the ingredients or presentation. One fun variation includes using cream cheese frosting instead of whipped cream for a richer flavor profile that complements the red velvet perfectly. Simply whip together softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and heavy cream until you achieve a light, fluffy frosting.
For a fruity twist, consider adding fresh raspberries or strawberries on top before serving. The tartness of the fruit contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cake and adds a refreshing element. Another delightful variation is to incorporate crushed peppermint candy into the topping for that extra festive flair.
Lastly, consider making mini poke cakes in individual jars. This fun presentation allows for easy serving and adds a personal touch to each dessert. Layer the cake, filling, and topping in clear jars, making them perfect for parties or as gifts. Your friends and family will love the creativity behind these unique desserts.
FAQ Section
What makes Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake so special? The blend of rich red velvet flavor soaked in a creamy filling makes this cake particularly festive and delicious. It’s a delightful treat everyone enjoys during the holiday season.
How long should I chill the cake after assembly? It’s best to chill your cake for at least four hours after pouring the filling over it. However, refrigerating it overnight allows for maximum flavor infusion.
Can I use another cake mix if I can’t find red velvet? Absolutely! While the red velvet adds a unique touch, you can use chocolate or vanilla cake mix if preferred.
How can I make this cake more festive? You can decorate your cake with themed sprinkles, fresh fruits, or even mini holiday candies. Additionally, garnishing with peppermint or nuts brings an exciting twist to its appearance and taste.
Is the poke method necessary for this cake? Yes, the poke method is crucial as it allows the filling to seep into the cake, ensuring every bite is deliciously moist and flavorful.
By following these steps and tips, you can create a sensational Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake that shines on your holiday table. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat with your loved ones!
Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake
Ingredients
For the cake
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
For the filling
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For decoration
- to taste Red and green sprinkles
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch cake pan by greasing and flouring it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, checking with a toothpick to ensure it comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan for about one hour.
- Poke holes evenly across the top of the cake using a wooden spoon.
Filling
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the cooled cake, ensuring it fills the holes. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least four hours, preferably overnight.
Serving
- Take the cake out of the refrigerator and add a dollop of whipped cream on top before decorating with red and green sprinkles.
- Slice into squares and serve, optionally pairing with vanilla ice cream.
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