Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake – Festive, Fruity, and Full of Holiday Cheer! 

Instructions for Making Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Bake the cake: Start by baking the white cake according to the instructions on the box, or follow your homemade white cake recipe if you prefer. Bake it in a 9×13-inch baking pan for the perfect portion size.
2. Cool the cake: Once the cake is done, allow it to cool completely in the pan. This is important because you don’t want to poke holes in a hot cake, which could cause it to fall apart.

Step 2: Make the Cranberry Filling

1. Prepare the cranberry sauce: If you’re using canned cranberry sauce, simply open the can and stir the sauce in a bowl to loosen it up. If you like it sweeter, mix in an extra tablespoon or two of sugar. For a homemade cranberry sauce, simply simmer fresh cranberries with sugar and water until the berries burst and the sauce thickens.
2. Warm the sauce: For an extra smooth filling, you can slightly heat the cranberry sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s pourable, or you can leave it at room temperature if you prefer.

Step 3: Poke the Cake

1. Poke the cake: Once the cake has cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw to poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart. Be sure to go deep enough to allow the cranberry sauce to seep down into the cake, but avoid poking all the way through.
2. Pour the cranberry sauce: Gently pour the cranberry sauce over the cake, making sure the sauce fills all the holes. You can use a spoon to spread the sauce evenly, or just let it naturally soak into the cake. Allow the cake to sit for 10-15 minutes so the cranberry sauce can absorb into the cake.

Step 4: Make the Whipped Topping

1. Prepare the whipped topping mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix with the milk. Stir until the pudding thickens slightly, then fold in the whipped topping (like Cool Whip). This creates a creamy, fluffy topping that will spread beautifully over the cake.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

1. Spread the topping: Once the cranberry sauce has soaked in, spread the whipped topping mixture evenly over the top of the cake. Use a spatula to smooth it out, ensuring the entire surface is covered.

Step 6: Decorate and Serve

1. Garnish: For a festive touch, garnish the top of the cake with fresh cranberries, sprigs of mint or rosemary, a dusting of powdered sugar, or colorful holiday sprinkles. This adds both visual appeal and a touch of extra holiday cheer.
2. Chill: Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the topping to firm up, making the cake easier to slice.
3. Serve: Once chilled and decorated, slice and serve! Each bite will be a combination of moist cake, tart cranberry, and a creamy topping—pure holiday bliss.

Tips for the Perfect Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

• Use homemade cranberry sauce: If you have time, homemade cranberry sauce adds a personal touch and extra flavor to the cake. You can make it a few days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble.
• Make it a day ahead: The beauty of this cake is that it gets better with time! The cranberry sauce has more time to soak into the cake, and the flavors really come together if you prepare it a day in advance.
• Customize the filling: If you’re not a fan of cranberry sauce, you can swap it out for other fruit fillings like raspberry, strawberry, or even a combination of berries. Just make sure the filling is thick enough to stay in the holes.
• Whipped cream option: If you don’t have or prefer not to use Cool Whip, you can make your own whipped cream topping by whipping heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Just be sure it holds stiff peaks before spreading it over the cake.
• Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Variations on Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

• Cranberry Orange Poke Cake: Add some citrus zest to the whipped topping or mix orange juice into the cranberry sauce for a refreshing cranberry-orange flavor.
• Chocolate Cranberry Poke Cake: For a chocolate twist, use a chocolate cake mix instead of white cake, and top it with chocolate chips, shavings, or ganache for a richer dessert.
• Almond Cranberry Poke Cake: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the whipped topping or the cake mix for a delightful nutty flavor that complements the cranberry perfectly.

Conclusion

This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is everything you want in a holiday dessert: it’s festive, full of flavor, and incredibly easy to make. The tart cranberry sauce paired with the moist, soft cake and creamy topping creates a well-balanced treat that’s perfect for any Christmas gathering. Plus, its vibrant red and white color makes it a showstopper on the dessert table, adding a touch of holiday magic to your celebrations.

Whether you’re looking for a simple yet impressive dessert to serve at a holiday party, a make-ahead treat for a busy Christmas season, or a sweet gift for friends and family, this poke cake will hit all the right notes. With just a few easy steps, you can bring joy, flavor, and holiday cheer to your table with this Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake!