Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe

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Get ready to make this Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake, a vibrant and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for your holiday celebrations. This cake combines the tartness of cranberries with a creamy topping, making it a refreshing treat amidst the rich flavors of traditional holiday sweets. Easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, this poke cake will surely become a crowd favorite at your Christmas feast.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 box of white cake mix (or use a homemade white cake recipe)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cranberry Sauce:

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional for extra citrus flavor)

For the Topping:

  • 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Fresh cranberries (for garnish)
  • Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cake

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to make sure your cake doesn’t stick after baking.
  2. Mix the Cake Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine white cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the batter is smooth and well combined.
  3. Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter into your greased pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the cake during the last few minutes of baking.
  4. Cool the Cake: Once the cake is done, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer the cake to a wire rack and let it cool completely.

Making the Cranberry Sauce

  1. Cook the Cranberries: While the cake is baking, prepare the cranberry sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, granulated sugar, water, and orange zest (if using). Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to help the cranberries break down.
  2. Simmer the Sauce: Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn’t burn.
  3. Cool the Sauce: After the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool completely. The cranberry sauce will thicken further as it cools.

Assembling the Poke Cake

  1. Poke Holes in the Cake: Once your cake has completely cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw to poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Be sure to poke deep enough to allow the sauce to seep into the cake, but not all the way through to the bottom.
  2. Pour the Cranberry Sauce: Take your cooled cranberry sauce and pour it evenly over the top of the cake, making sure it fills all the holes. You may need to use a spatula to gently spread it over the surface.

Preparing the Topping

  1. Make the Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Allow the pudding to sit for about 5 minutes to thicken up.
  2. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. This will create a light, fluffy topping.
  3. Combine the Topping: Gently fold the whipped cream into the thickened pudding, mixing them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates a creamy, decadent layer for your poke cake.
  4. Spread the Topping: Spread the pudding and whipped cream mixture evenly over the top of the cake, covering the cranberry sauce completely. Be sure to spread it gently to avoid disturbing the cranberry sauce layer underneath.

Garnishing and Serving

  1. Add Fresh Cranberries: For a festive touch, garnish your cake with fresh cranberries scattered across the top. They add both flavor and a beautiful pop of color.
  2. Add Fresh Mint: To complete the holiday look, place a few mint leaves around the cranberries. The green mint leaves provide a vibrant contrast to the red cranberries and the creamy topping.
  3. Chill the Cake: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the cake to set, and the flavors to meld together.
  4. Slice and Serve: Once chilled, slice the cake into squares and serve. The combination of tart cranberry sauce and creamy pudding topping will delight your taste buds and leave your guests asking for the recipe.

Tips for the Best Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

  • Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best texture and flavor for the cranberry sauce. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, you can use frozen cranberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before use.
  • Add a Citrus Kick: Enhance the flavor of your cranberry sauce with a splash of fresh orange juice. This will give the sauce a zesty kick and complement the cranberries nicely.
  • Make Ahead: This cake can be made a day or two ahead of time. Simply prepare the cake, poke the holes, add the cranberry sauce, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, add the pudding topping and garnish just before serving for a fresh presentation.
  • Customize the Topping: If you want to switch things up, feel free to add toppings like crushed graham crackers or white chocolate chips for extra texture. You can also drizzle some caramel sauce on top for a rich and indulgent twist.
  • Store Leftovers: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cake will still be delicious, and the cranberry sauce will keep its flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 30g
  • Protein: 3g

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is the perfect holiday dessert, offering a unique blend of flavors that are both sweet and tart. The cranberry sauce seeps into the cake, making every bite moist and flavorful, while the creamy pudding topping adds a delightful contrast. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a festive party, or just need a treat to bring to a gathering, this cake is sure to impress.

Its vibrant colors and festive flavors are sure to make it a hit at any holiday celebration. The combination of tart cranberries, creamy pudding, and whipped topping creates a dessert that’s light yet indulgent, and the cranberry sauce layer ensures each bite is bursting with flavor.

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