If you want to create a holiday dessert that’s equal parts show-stopping and impossibly simple, this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is about to become your new favorite. Radiant with vibrant red, snow-white toppings, and flecks of sprinkle sparkle, every slice looks like a celebration—while the pudding-infused layers make the cake melt-in-your-mouth moist. Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner or heading to a festive potluck, this cake is pure joy in baking dish form. Not only is it a proven crowd-pleaser, but assembling it is so easy, you might just find yourself making it long after the last carol has been sung.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of everyday ingredients, the magic of this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake comes together faster than you’d expect—all while delivering bold color, luscious texture, and kid-at-heart excitement. Each element plays a special role in making the cake as festive as it is delicious.
- Red velvet cake mix: The shortcut to a vibrant, velvety base, giving you classic cocoa flavor and festive color with minimal effort.
- Eggs, oil, and water: Essentials from your pantry, they bring the boxed mix to life for a moist, perfectly tender crumb.
- Instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix: Creates a creamy layer that seeps into the cake, amping up flavor and keeping every bite ultra-moist.
- Cold milk: Helps the pudding set just right, so it thickens and nestles into the holes perfectly.
- Whipped topping (thawed): A pillowy crown for your cake, making every forkful light and airy.
- White chocolate chips (melted): Adds a delicate, sweet drizzle that feels fancy and festive with almost no effort.
- Red and green sprinkles: Instantly create that classic Christmas look and a little crunch in every bite.
- Crushed peppermint or mini candy canes (optional): For an extra-festive zing and a merry pop of color (great if you’re feeling playful!).
How to Make Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Start by preparing the red velvet cake in a 9×13-inch baking dish, following the instructions on the box. This is your blank holiday canvas, so mix up the batter and bake until your kitchen smells absolutely irresistible. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes—just enough time for the steam to settle but while the cake remains soft for poking!
Step 2: Poke the Holes
Take the end of a wooden spoon (or anything of similar size) and gently poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart. This step is all about inviting the creamy pudding to seep inside. Try not to poke all the way through to the bottom—just most of the way down so every bite gets a little filling.
Step 3: Mix the Pudding
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk. It should come together in about 2 minutes, turning silky and thick. This luscious mixture is the secret to ultra-moist cake that keeps everyone guessing how you made something out-of-this-world from a humble cake mix.
Step 4: Pour and Chill
Pour the pudding mixture slowly and evenly over the cake, using a spatula to gently coax it into the poked holes. You’ll see the pudding settle into the valleys, creating little pockets of creamy delight. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until everything is beautifully set and chilled.
Step 5: Decorate the Cake
Once chilled, it’s time for the grand finale. Spread the whipped topping over the top, like a snowy winter blanket. Next, drizzle melted white chocolate in any pattern you love—zigzags, swirls, or as a lacy network across the whipped layer. Finish with a confetti-like shower of red and green sprinkles, and, if you like, a dusting of crushed peppermint or candy canes for extra holiday sparkle. Keep the finished cake refrigerated until ready to serve.
How to Serve Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake
Garnishes
Top each generously frosted slice of Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake with an extra pinch of festive sprinkles, a sprinkle of crushed peppermint, or even a little white chocolate curl. It turns every serving into a holly jolly dessert, and the touch of crunch from candy canes or additional sprinkles adds a pop of texture that no one can resist.
Side Dishes
Pair your holiday cake with a hot mug of cocoa, coffee, or spiced tea. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream alongside the cake elevates the indulgence and contrasts beautifully with its softness. For a truly festive dessert table, surround your poke cake with a selection of fresh berries, chocolate-dipped pretzels, or a platter of Christmas cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Dress up your Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake on a sparkling platter and sprinkle crushed peppermint around the edges for a winter wonderland effect. For parties, cut the cake into cubes and serve in cupcake liners or mini trifle cups for easy, grab-and-go servings. If you love a personal touch, top each piece with a tiny candy cane or a sugared cranberry for a photo-worthy treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and wonderfully moist for up to 4 days. In fact, the flavors continue to mingle and meld, so many find the cake is even better the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze the cake for longer storage—just hold off on adding the whipped topping and decorations until after thawing for best texture. Wrap pieces or the whole cake securely in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.
Reheating
Poke cake is meant to be served chilled, but if you prefer, you can let slices sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying. If you want a cozier dessert, microwave a serving (without the whipped topping) for 10-15 seconds. Then, add the toppings for a delightful warm-and-cold bite.
FAQs
Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! While a box mix keeps things fast and foolproof, your favorite homemade red velvet cake recipe will work beautifully as the base for Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake. Just bake it in a 9×13-inch pan and let it cool before poking the holes and continuing with the recipe.
What type Dessert
Either instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix will give you a creamy layer that perfectly complements the red velvet flavor. Cheesecake pudding is slightly tangier, which pairs wonderfully with the cocoa notes of the cake, while vanilla is more traditional and kid-friendly.
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, one of the best things about Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is how well it can be made in advance! You can assemble the cake (including poking and pouring), chill overnight, and just add toppings and decorations a few hours before serving for the freshest taste and look.
How do I keep the whipped topping from getting runny?
Keep your cake and whipped topping well-chilled, and only add the whipped layer just before serving or a few hours ahead. If you prefer, homemade whipped cream stabilized with a little powdered sugar works nicely and holds up beautifully in the fridge.
What are some fun ways to decorate the Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake?
Feel free to get creative: try crushed peppermint, shimmering edible glitter, mini marshmallows, sugared cranberries, or candy stars in place of (or in addition to) classic sprinkles. It’s the perfect time to let your personality shine!
Final Thoughts
Give this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake a spot at your holiday table this year—it’s a joyful bake that brings grins with every forkful and memories with every delicious bite. Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or hoping to spark joy at a potluck, this easy, festive dessert is bound to become a treasured favorite. Happy baking!
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Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake. A delectable red velvet cake is infused with a creamy cheesecake pudding, topped with airy whipped cream, and adorned with white chocolate and colorful sprinkles for a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box: usually eggs, oil, and water),
For the Cheesecake Layer:
1 package (3.4 oz) instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix, 2 cups cold milk,
For Topping:
1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (thawed), 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (melted), red and green sprinkles (for decoration), optional: crushed peppermint or mini candy canes
Instructions
- Prepare the Red Velvet Cake: Prepare the red velvet cake in a 9×13-inch baking dish according to package instructions. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: Whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Pour over the cake, filling the holes. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Finish the Cake: Spread whipped topping over the chilled cake. Drizzle with melted white chocolate, sprinkle with red and green sprinkles. Add crushed peppermint or candy cane if desired. Keep refrigerated.
Notes
- For a homemade touch, consider baking a red velvet cake from scratch and using fresh whipped cream.
- The cake can be made a day in advance and decorated just before serving for convenience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
