Red Velvet Poke Cake is an indulgent dessert that stands out for its striking color, delightful texture, and rich flavor. This cake combines the soft, moist consistency of traditional red velvet with a creamy, decadent topping. The poke cake method brings an exciting twist, allowing the sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate to soak into the cake, creating pockets of flavor throughout. You’ll find that each bite is an explosion of sweetness, and this visually stunning dessert will surely impress your family and friends at any gathering.
Why We Love This Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe
This Red Velvet Poke Cake recipe is not only easy to follow, but it also delivers impressive results. The vibrant hue combined with the creamy topping gives you a dessert that’s perfect for celebrations, holidays, or just a sweet treat at home. The poke cake concept means that every slice is packed with delightful sweetness, making it highly addictive. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s become a fan favorite among cake lovers. Plus, you can easily customize it to fit any occasion, making it a versatile addition to your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients about Red Velvet Poke Cake
To prepare your Red Velvet Poke Cake, you will need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
These ingredients come together to create a deliciously rich, moist cake that shines on any dessert table.
How to Make Red Velvet Poke Cake Directions
Making a Red Velvet Poke Cake at home is straightforward and fun. Here’s how you can create this sweet masterpiece step by step:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to the temperature specified in the cake mix box. This usually ranges between 325°F to 350°F.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and the 3 large eggs. Use a whisk or electric mixer to stir the mixture until it is smooth and free of lumps.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter into a greased baking dish. Be sure to spread it out evenly. Follow the baking instructions on the box. Usually, it takes about 25 to 30 minutes to bake.
- Poke the Cake: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, take a fork and poke holes all over the top of the cake. These holes will allow the sweetened condensed milk to soak in, making the cake extra moist.
- Prepare the White Chocolate Mixture: In a small saucepan, melt the 1 cup of white chocolate chips with the 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak the Cake: Pour the white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk mixture over the top of the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes you’ve created. This step makes a significant difference in flavor!
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before moving on to the frosting. This could take about 30 minutes to an hour.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the 3 cups of powdered sugar and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Continue to mix until fluffy—this will create a delightful frosting.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. You can either spread it evenly or create decorative swirls for an added touch.
- Serve: Cut into squares or slices to serve your delicious Red Velvet Poke Cake! Enjoy it while sharing with family and friends.
How to Serve Red Velvet Poke Cake
When it comes to serving your Red Velvet Poke Cake, there are some delightful options to consider. This cake is best served chilled, as the flavors meld and the frosting firms up slightly in the fridge. You can cut the cake into squares or wedges, and serve it on individual dessert plates for an elegant presentation.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an even sweeter experience. Garnishing with fresh berries or a sprinkle of grated chocolate on top can elevate your cake for special occasions. Since this cake is rich and flavorful, a glass of cold milk or a sweet beverage pairs wonderfully, making each bite even more delightful.
Expert Tips: Red Velvet Poke Cake
To ensure the best results while making your Red Velvet Poke Cake, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose Quality Ingredients: The success of your cake highly depends on the quality of your ingredients. Ensure your eggs are fresh, and use a high-quality red velvet cake mix for optimal flavor.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: While you want a smooth batter, overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix just until combined.
- Let It Cool Properly: Allowing your cake to cool completely is crucial before poking holes and adding the sweetened condensed milk mixture. This prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet frosting, feel free to reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese frosting to balance the flavors.
- Store Leftovers Gracefully: If you have leftover cake, store it covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps it moist and delicious.
How to Store Red Velvet Poke Cake
To keep your Red Velvet Poke Cake fresh, proper storage is essential. Once your cake has cooled and been frosted, place it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. It can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the unfrosted cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. This way, you can thaw and frost it when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Variation of Red Velvet Poke Cake
While the classic version of Red Velvet Poke Cake is already mouthwatering, there are several variations you can try:
- Chocolate Poke Cake: Swap the red velvet cake mix for a chocolate cake mix for a double chocolate delight. Use chocolate frosting instead of cream cheese frosting for a truly chocolatey experience.
- Raspberry Red Velvet Poke Cake: Add a layer of raspberry sauce between the cake and the frosting for a fruity twist. This brightens up the flavors and adds a beautiful color contrast.
- Nutty Poke Cake: Mix crushed nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the frosting or sprinkle them on top for a crunchy texture component.
- Layered Poke Cake: Instead of a single-layer cake, consider making a layered Red Velvet Poke Cake. Use two cake layers with frosting in between and soak both layers with the sweetened condensed milk mixture for added flavor.
FAQ
What is a Red Velvet Poke Cake?
A Red Velvet Poke Cake is a dessert that incorporates red velvet cake soaked with sweetened condensed milk and topped with cream cheese frosting. It’s a moist and flavorful cake that’s visually appealing.
How do you make Red Velvet Poke Cake more chocolatey?
To enhance the chocolate flavor in your Red Velvet Poke Cake, consider mixing cocoa powder into the batter or using a chocolate ganache as a topping instead of cream cheese frosting.
How long does Red Velvet Poke Cake last in the fridge?
Your Red Velvet Poke Cake can last for about 3 to 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! You can use a homemade red velvet cake recipe instead of a box mix. Just ensure that you still use the poke cake method to achieve that moist texture.
What should I serve with Red Velvet Poke Cake?
Red Velvet Poke Cake pairs well with cold milk, coffee, or even vanilla ice cream. Fresh fruit can also be a nice complement to the rich flavors of the cake.
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 Fresh eggs recommended
For the Soaking Mixture
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup white chocolate chips Melted with sweetened condensed milk
For the Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar Adjust to taste
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified in the cake mix box, typically between 325°F to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs. Mix until smooth and free of lumps.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake according to the instructions on the box, usually for 25 to 30 minutes.
Assembly
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes. Poke holes all over the top with a fork.
- In a small saucepan, melt the white chocolate chips with the sweetened condensed milk over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the white chocolate and condensed milk mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
- Cool the cake completely for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy.
- Frost the cooled cake generously with the cream cheese frosting.
- Serve the cake cut into squares or slices, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!