Imagine a cake so festive that it practically sings Christmas carols! The Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is a delightful medley of tart cranberries and fluffy cake, creating a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds. turkey sliders with cranberry aioli Picture biting into a slice and experiencing the sweet-tart goodness of cranberries paired with a moist, tender crumb—it’s like Christmas cheer on a plate. festive cheese ball.
Now, close your eyes and envision the scent wafting through your kitchen as this cake bakes. It’s the kind of aroma that makes you want to don a Santa hat and start singing holiday tunes while twirling around the kitchen. Trust me; this cake is not just for dessert; it’s an experience to share with family and friends during those cozy holiday gatherings. For more inspiration, check out this Cozy Pumpkin Soup recipe.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is incredibly easy to make, perfect for holiday baking novices. Its vibrant cranberry topping adds visual delight to your festive table. You can easily adapt the recipe by substituting fruits according to your preferences. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. [/info_box]
Everyone loved it when I brought this to our annual holiday gathering; it quickly disappeared, leaving only crumbs behind.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides a light texture; opt for a high-quality brand for best results.
Cranberry Sauce: Use either homemade or canned; just ensure it’s smooth and rich in flavor. homemade cranberry sauce.
Eggs: Fresh large eggs work best to give the cake structure and moisture.
Vegetable Oil: This keeps the cake moist; feel free to substitute with melted butter for added richness.
Water: Simple tap water will do; it helps combine all ingredients effectively.
Whipped Cream Topping: A light, airy topping that balances the tartness of the cranberries perfectly.
Fresh Cranberries: Optional garnish; they add a pop of color and extra tartness if desired.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter for easy removal later.
Create Your Cake Batter: In a large bowl, mix yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until combined; you want it smooth but not over-mixed.
Bake the Cake: Pour batter into your prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool slightly after baking.
Poke Holes in the Cake: Once cooled for about 10 minutes, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface of the cake—this is where all that delicious cranberry sauce will soak in!
Add Cranberry Sauce: Spread cranberry sauce evenly over the top of the warm cake, allowing it to seep into all those delightful holes for maximum flavor impact. cranberry-orange muffins.
Top It Off!: After letting the cake cool completely, spread whipped cream topping across the surface. Garnish with fresh cranberries if you’re feeling fancy!
Serve this festive delight at your next gathering, and watch as everyone rushes back for more! The combination of sweet whipped cream and tangy cranberries will have taste buds singing carols in no time!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Mastering the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake means balancing sweetness with tartness. Use fresh cranberries for an extra pop of flavor, and don’t skimp on the whipped cream—it adds a delightful creaminess that ties everything together. The aroma while baking will fill your home with holiday cheer! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the cake until golden brown, then let it cool slightly before poking holes. Mix cranberry sauce and juice, pour over the cake, and chill for optimal flavor absorption.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon to enhance flavor. You can swap cranberries with blueberries or strawberries for a different twist on this festive treat.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For serving, enjoy chilled directly from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] To achieve the perfect poke cake texture, let it cool completely after baking. Make sure to use a fork or skewer to poke deep holes for maximum sauce absorption. Also, serve it cold—this enhances its refreshing taste, especially during festive gatherings. [/info_box]
Baking this Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake became a delicious annual tradition in my family. One year, my cousin accidentally dropped half the cake while trying to impress us with his fancy serving skills! It turned into an impromptu dessert scramble, which somehow made it even more memorable. For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Caramel Apple Puff Pastry recipe.
FAQ
What is a poke cake?
A poke cake is a dessert where holes are poked into a baked cake and filled with liquid.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well but thaw them first to avoid excess moisture.
How long does this cake last in the fridge?
The Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake stays fresh in the fridge for up to five days.
Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with our Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake! This easy-to-make dessert features a moist yellow cake soaked with tart cranberry sauce and topped with a luscious whipped cream layer, creating a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this cake will have your guests singing carols as they savor each bite.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup whipped cream topping
- Fresh cranberries (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water; mix until smooth.
- Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes all over the cake using the end of a wooden spoon.
- Spread cranberry sauce over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in.
- Once completely cooled, top with whipped cream and garnish with fresh cranberries if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (95g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
