The Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is your ticket to holiday bliss. Picture this: a moist, fluffy cake soaked in a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, topped with whipped cream and festive sprinkles. delicious cranberry mojito It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds, perfect for the sweetest season of all.
Growing up, my family would gather around the kitchen, laughter filling the air as we eagerly anticipated the first bite of this delightful dessert. Whether it was Christmas dinner or a casual holiday gathering, this cake always stole the show.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings. The flavor profile combines sweet and tart notes that will tantalize your taste buds. Visually stunning with its vibrant red cranberries and fluffy whipped topping, it’s sure to impress guests. Versatile enough for any holiday occasion, you can enjoy it at parties or cozy family dinners. [/info_box]
I once made this cake for a holiday potluck, and let me tell you—my friends devoured it faster than I could say “Christmas miracle.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
White Cake Mix: Use your favorite brand for a fluffy base that absorbs all those flavorful juices beautifully.
Cranberry Sauce: Opt for whole-berry cranberry sauce for added texture and vibrant color.
Water: Just plain old water is needed to prepare the cake mix; don’t worry, no fancy liquids required here.
Eggs: Fresh eggs help keep the cake moist and fluffy; they’re essential for that perfect rise.
Whipped Cream Topping: You can use store-bought or homemade; either way, it adds a creamy finish that balances the tartness.
Holiday Sprinkles: These are vital if you want to add some festive cheer on top of your cake!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. tasty apple cider donuts.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures an easy release after baking.
Mix the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine white cake mix, water, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth—about two minutes should do it! For more inspiration, check out this Pumpkin Soup with Smoked Paprika recipe.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. The delightful aroma will fill your kitchen!
Poke Holes in the Cake: Once baked and cooled slightly, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake. This allows all that delicious cranberry sauce to seep into every nook and cranny.
Add Cranberry Sauce: Pour warm cranberry sauce over the poked cake while it’s still warm—this step is crucial! Let it cool completely so those flavors can meld together perfectly.
Top with Whipped Cream and Sprinkles: Finally, spread whipped cream on top and sprinkle with festive holiday sprinkles! Serve chilled or at room temperature—this cake is irresistible either way! spiced pancakes with apple compote. For more inspiration, check out this Caramel Apple Puff Pastry recipe.
Now you’ve got yourself a stunning Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Enjoy sharing this delightful treat filled with memories and joy during this special season. Christmas Eve cinnamon treats.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This delightful Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is a festive crowd-pleaser that bursts with flavor. The contrasting textures of the moist cake and tart cranberry sauce create a perfect balance, making it an instant holiday favorite. Prepare to impress your guests and leave them craving more! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the cake until golden, then poke holes and pour in the cranberry sauce while still warm for maximum absorption.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the cranberry sauce for raspberry or cherry if you’re feeling adventurous. A sprinkle of crushed nuts or coconut can add a delightful crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds to enjoy it warm.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] To elevate your Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake, ensure you use fresh cranberries for a vibrant flavor. Avoid over-mixing the batter to keep it light and fluffy. Allow the cake to chill completely before serving; this enhances the flavors beautifully. [/info_box]
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my first attempt at making poke cake during a family holiday gathering. Watching everyone devour it with smiles on their faces was priceless!
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.
How long does the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake last?
The cake stays fresh in the refrigerator for about five days when stored properly.
Can I make this poke cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance for better flavor infusion and convenience.
Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive delight of Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake, a moist and fluffy cake soaked in sweet-tart cranberry sauce, topped with creamy whipped cream and vibrant sprinkles. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings, bringing joy and flavor to your celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can (14 oz) whole-berry cranberry sauce
- 2 cups whipped cream topping (store-bought or homemade)
- Holiday sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, and eggs. Mix with an electric mixer for about two minutes until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Once baked, let it cool slightly, then poke holes all over the cake using a wooden spoon handle.
- Pour warm cranberry sauce over the cake while it's still warm and let it cool completely.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with holiday sprinkles before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 125g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
