Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe

Jolly Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe for Holiday Magic

Sweet memories swirl around this delightful christmas red velvet poke cake that brings festive cheer to any gathering.

Layers of crimson cake promise a delectable experience for everyone at the table.

Velvety textures peek through holes filled with creamy goodness, creating a dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes.

Soft cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch to each decadent slice.

Holiday magic comes alive with this simple yet impressive treat that sparks joy and conversation.

Guests will beg you to share the secret behind this showstopping dessert.

You cannot resist diving into this merry confection that celebrates the season’s warmth and sweetness.

Ingredients For Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

Cake Base:
  • Red Velvet Cake Mix: A convenient and classic base that provides the signature red color and rich flavor for this festive dessert.
Moisture and Filling:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: A rich, sweet liquid that fills the poked holes, adding extra moisture and creamy sweetness to the cake.
Topping and Decoration:
  • Marshmallow Creme, Whipped Topping: A fluffy and light combination that creates a smooth, creamy layer on top of the cake.
  • Red and Green Sprinkles: Festive decorative elements that add holiday cheer and color to the dessert.

How To Make Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

Step 1: Whip Up the Festive Base

Grab your red velvet cake mix and follow the package directions. Bake the cake in a 9×13 inch pan, creating a vibrant holiday canvas that’ll make everyone’s eyes sparkle.

Step 2: Create Delightful Cake Holes

Take a wooden spoon handle and playfully poke holes all across the warm cake. These little tunnels will be magical pathways for delicious flavors.

Step 3: Drench in Sweet Milk Magic

Gently pour sweetened condensed milk over the cake. Watch as the liquid seeps into every hole, transforming the cake into a decadent treat.

Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Mingle

Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature. This resting period lets all the yummy ingredients get to know each other.

Step 5: Spread Marshmallow Cloud Layer

Carefully spread a luxurious layer of marshmallow creme across the cake. Create a smooth, fluffy blanket that adds dreamy sweetness.

Step 6: Crown with Festive Topping

Cover the marshmallow layer with whipped topping. Sprinkle red and green festive sprinkles, turning your cake into a holiday masterpiece.

Step 7: Refrigerate for Ultimate Deliciousness

Tuck the cake into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time lets all the flavors harmonize and the texture become perfectly divine.

Helpful Tips For Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

  • Poke holes generously and evenly across the cake to ensure each bite gets delicious sweetened condensed milk.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother cake batter and more consistent texture.
  • Chill the cake for at least 2 hours to let flavors blend and create a delightful, moist dessert.
  • Decorate with festive red and green sprinkles just before serving to maintain their crisp, vibrant color.
  • For a lighter version, substitute low-fat sweetened condensed milk and light whipped topping without compromising taste.

Fun Flavors For Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

  • Candy Cane Crush: Crush peppermint candy canes and sprinkle over the whipped topping for a minty holiday crunch.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Drizzle melted chocolate ganache between the condensed milk and marshmallow creme layers for extra richness.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting Finale: Replace whipped topping with homemade cream cheese frosting for a tangy, classic red velvet finish.
  • Nutty Holiday Garnish: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or almonds on top for added texture and warm winter flavor.

Perfect Pairings For Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

  • Pair Creamy Eggnog with Cake Indulgence: Rich, velvety eggnog complements the cake's sweet layers, enhancing the Christmas dessert experience with its classic holiday flavor profile.
  • Serve Red Wine Hot Chocolate: Warm red wine hot chocolate adds a sophisticated twist, providing a decadent adult beverage that matches the cake's luxurious texture and festive color.
  • Create Mint Candy Cane Cocktail: A refreshing mint candy cane cocktail balances the cake's sweetness, offering a cool, crisp contrast while maintaining the holiday spirit with its bright, festive notes.
  • Select Vanilla Bean Latte: A smooth vanilla bean latte cuts through the cake's richness, delivering a complementary warmth and subtle sweetness that elevates the entire dessert moment.

How To Store Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

  • Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut cake into portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for easy single-serving access.
  • Warm individual slices briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore optimal texture and flavor.

Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake FAQs

  • What makes this cake different from a regular cake?

This poke cake technique allows sweetened condensed milk to seep into the cake, creating extra moisture and rich flavor throughout every slice.

  • Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake actually tastes better when prepared a day in advance, as it gives time for the flavors to blend and the cake to absorb the condensed milk completely.

  • Is this recipe good for holiday gatherings?

Absolutely! The red and green sprinkles make it perfect for Christmas parties, and it’s an easy dessert that serves a crowd with minimal effort.

  • Do I need any special baking skills to make this cake?

No, this recipe is beginner-friendly. It uses a cake mix as the base and requires simple steps like poking holes and adding toppings, making it perfect for novice bakers.

Why You’ll Love Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

  • Create Festive Dessert: Transform an ordinary cake into a showstopping holiday treat that screams Christmas cheer with minimal effort.
  • Simplify Holiday Baking: Use convenient boxed cake mix and ready-made ingredients to craft an impressive dessert without complex cooking skills.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Texture: Enjoy a moist, creamy cake with layers of sweetness from condensed milk and marshmallow creme that melts in your mouth.
  • Spread Holiday Joy: Decorate with red and green sprinkles for an instant festive look that will delight family and friends at gatherings.
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Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe

Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes – 2 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Red Velvet Christmas Poke Cake delivers festive cheer with its rich crimson layers and creamy white frosting. Indulgent holiday dessert promises merry bites of classic southern charm that sparkle with seasonal spirit.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 1 box red velvet cake mix

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) sweetened condensed milk

Topping and Garnish:

  • 1 jar (7 ounces / 198 grams) marshmallow creme
  • 1 container (8 ounces / 226 grams) whipped topping
  • Red sprinkles
  • Green sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Craft the red velvet cake according to package guidelines, utilizing a 9×13 inch baking vessel and adhering to precise baking temperatures.
  2. Once the cake emerges from the oven, meticulously puncture uniform holes across the entire surface using a wooden spoon handle.
  3. Gently cascade sweetened condensed milk over the cake, ensuring each strategically created hole becomes saturated with creamy liquid.
  4. Allow the cake to descend to room temperature, permitting complete absorption of the milk into the delicate crumb.
  5. Apply a luxurious, smooth layer of marshmallow creme, spreading evenly to create a pillowy foundation.
  6. Crown the cake with billowy whipped topping, creating elegant peaks and valleys across the surface.
  7. Artfully scatter vibrant red and green festive sprinkles, transforming the dessert into a holiday masterpiece.
  8. Nestle the cake into the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours, allowing flavors to harmonize and texture to solidify into a decadent treat.

Notes

  • Enhance cake moisture by slowly pouring condensed milk, allowing it to seep deeply into each hole for maximum flavor absorption.
  • Prevent dense texture by gently folding cake mix ingredients and avoiding overmixing, which can create tough cake layers.
  • Create gluten-free version by substituting regular cake mix with certified gluten-free red velvet mix and checking ingredient compatibility.
  • Elevate presentation by using festive holiday-themed sprinkles or edible metallic decorations for extra visual appeal and seasonal charm.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 280 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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