There is something truly magical about a dessert that brings together vibrant color, rich texture, and a burst of festive flavors in every bite, which is exactly why the Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe has earned such a special place in holiday celebrations. This cake combines the classic red velvet charm with a luscious layer of sweetened condensed milk and decadent hot fudge, all topped with fluffy whipped cream and festive sprinkles. It’s the kind of dish that instantly fills the room with warmth and excitement, perfect for sharing with loved ones during the most wonderful time of the year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe is delightfully simple, yet each item plays a crucial role in delivering that signature creamy, moist, and festive experience. From the luscious red velvet cake mix to the indulgent hot fudge sauce, every component brings its own magic to the table.
- Red velvet cake mix: This provides the gorgeous color and tender crumb that’s the foundation of the cake’s holiday appeal.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can): Its creamy sweetness seeps into every hole you poke, making the cake irresistibly moist and rich.
- Hot fudge sauce (12 oz jar): Adds a deep chocolate flavor that contrasts beautifully with the tangy red velvet.
- Whipped topping (8 oz container, thawed): Light and airy, it’s the perfect finish that balances out the richness.
- White chocolate chips (1/2 cup): For an added touch of sweetness and a luscious texture pop.
- Sprinkles: Colorful and festive, they bring that joyful holiday sparkle to the dessert.
How to Make Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Red Velvet Cake
Start by preparing the red velvet cake according to the box instructions. The key here is to ensure the cake is perfectly baked — moist and tender but strong enough to hold all those delightful layers of fillings. Once baked, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling slightly firms up the surface but keeps it warm enough to absorb all the delicious extras you’ll add next.
Step 2: Poke Those Holes
Take the handle of a wooden spoon and gently poke holes all over the cake. This step is what transforms an ordinary cake into a poke cake. The holes let the sweetened condensed milk and fudge sauce seep deep into the cake, infusing every bite with intense flavor and moistness. Be generous with spacing but don’t go too close to the edges.
Step 3: Pour the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire cake, making sure it seeps into all those holes you just poked. This step is like magic, turning the cake ultra moist with a creamy sweetness that’s so addictive. Take your time and allow the milk to soak well before moving on.
Step 4: Heat and Spread the Hot Fudge Sauce
Warm the hot fudge sauce in the microwave for about 30 seconds to make it easy to pour and spread. Pour it over the cake, spreading evenly so each hole is filled with that luscious chocolate goodness. The warm fudge not only adds flavor but also gives a lovely glossy finish to the cake’s surface.
Step 5: Chill to Set the Flavors
Pop the cake into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the cake to fully absorb the liquid layers. It’s an important step that ensures every slice is perfectly creamy, moist, and bursting with flavor.
Step 6: Add Whipped Topping and Decorations
Just before serving, spread the whipped topping generously over the chilled cake. Then sprinkle the white chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles on top to bring that festive feel and a bit of crunch. This final touch makes the Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe as stunning as it is delicious.
How to Serve Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding whipped topping, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles not only elevates the flavor but visually captures the holiday spirit. For extra flair, you could sprinkle some crushed peppermint candy or a dusting of edible glitter to make your cake truly sparkle on the dessert table.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for those who want an extra creamy experience. A cup of hot cocoa or rich coffee makes the perfect beverage companion, balancing the sweetness with warmth and comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this cake in clear glass dishes to show off its colorful layers, or cut it into squares and place on decorative holiday plates. For a crowd, consider arranging mini versions in cupcake liners or a trifle bowl layered with extra fudge and cream for a festive centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe fresh by storing any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days. Covering it well ensures that the whipped topping doesn’t dry out or absorb fridge odors.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this cake later, it freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. The texture stays surprisingly good, and the flavors will still shine.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer it slightly warmed, let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as this may melt the whipped topping and affect the overall texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of the boxed mix?
Absolutely! Using a homemade red velvet cake can make your Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe even more special and personal. Just make sure it’s baked in a similar size pan so the soaking process works perfectly.
Is there a substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
While sweetened condensed milk really enhances the creaminess and sweetness, you can substitute with evaporated milk mixed with sugar, but the taste and texture won’t be quite the same. It’s best to stick with condensed milk for that iconic poke cake experience.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Yes! By choosing a gluten-free red velvet cake mix, you can enjoy this festive poke cake without gluten worries. Just double-check that other ingredients like hot fudge and whipped topping are also gluten-free.
What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?
No problem! You can replace them with mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, or even festive candies. These add interesting texture and visual appeal while keeping the holiday spirit alive.
How long does it take to prepare this cake?
Including baking, cooling, chilling, and decorating, plan for about 2 hours and 40 minutes total to make the Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe. Much of that time is hands-off chilling, so you can get other holiday tasks done while it sets.
Final Thoughts
If you want to impress your friends and family with a dessert that’s as joyful and vibrant as the season itself, the Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe is a must-try. It’s deceptively simple but brimming with luscious layers of flavor and festive charm that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you make this cake, it will be your holiday go-to for years to come!
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Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This festive Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake combines the rich, moist texture of red velvet cake with decadent layers of sweetened condensed milk and hot fudge sauce. The cake is poked to allow the creamy fillings to seep deep into every bite, topped with fluffy whipped topping, white chocolate chips, and colorful sprinkles for a perfect holiday dessert that’s as delicious as it is eye-catching.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
For the Filling and Topping
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz) jar hot fudge sauce
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- Sprinkles, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Prepare and bake the red velvet cake according to the package instructions, ensuring the cake is fully cooked and has a moist texture suitable for soaking.
- Poke Holes: Once the cake is done baking, allow it to cool for 10 minutes. Then, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface of the cake, creating channels for the liquids to soak in.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes to infuse moistness and sweetness throughout the cake.
- Pour Hot Fudge Sauce: Heat the hot fudge sauce in the microwave for 30 seconds until warm and pourable. Pour the warm fudge sauce evenly over the cake, spreading it gently to cover the surface.
- Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours. This resting time helps the flavors meld together and allows the cake to soak up all the delicious fillings.
- Add Whipped Topping and Garnishes: Before serving, spread the whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake. Sprinkle the white chocolate chips and festive sprinkles on top for added texture and holiday cheer.
Notes
- For best results, use a dense wooden spoon handle to create holes deep enough for liquid to penetrate well.
- The cake must be slightly warm before adding the sweetened condensed milk and fudge sauce to ensure better absorption.
- Refrigeration time can be extended up to 4 hours for a more intense flavor infusion.
- White chocolate chips can be substituted with crushed peppermint candies for an extra festive touch.
- Ensure the whipped topping is fully thawed before spreading to achieve a smooth finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
