why make this recipe

Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that brings festive flavors to your holiday gatherings. Its blend of sweet cake and tangy cranberry sauce creates a perfect balance that everyone will love. The colorful appearance topped with whipped cream and sprinkles adds a cheerful touch to your dessert table. This cake is not only easy to make but also provides a wonderful way to celebrate the season with friends and family.

how to make Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

Ingredients :

1 box of white cake mix (15.25 oz)
3 large eggs
1 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 can of cranberry sauce (14 oz)
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 container (8 oz) of whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red and green sprinkles (optional)

Directions :

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the cake batter by mixing the cake mix, eggs, 1 cup of water, and vegetable oil in a large bowl.
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25 minutes.
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes.
In a saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, 1/2 cup of water, and granulated sugar. Heat until smooth.
Poke holes in the cooled cake and pour the cranberry sauce over it, allowing the sauce to soak in.
Spread whipped topping over the cake and garnish with red and green sprinkles if desired.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

how to serve Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

Serve the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake chilled for a refreshing treat. Cut it into squares and place on dessert plates. You can add extra sprinkles on top for a festive look. This cake pairs well with coffee or tea and makes a lovely addition to holiday meals.

how to store Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

To store your Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing slices in an airtight container for a few weeks.

tips to make Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

For a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cake batter.
Make sure the cake is completely cool before poking holes and adding the cranberry sauce to avoid sogginess.
You can swap out the whipped topping for cream cheese frosting for a different flavor profile.

variation

You can experiment with other fruits like raspberry sauce or strawberries instead of cranberry sauce for a different taste. Additionally, consider adding chopped nuts or a drizzle of chocolate for extra texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cranberry sauce instead of canned?
Yes, homemade cranberry sauce works beautifully and can give the cake a unique flavor.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the cake?
Yes, refrigerating the cake for at least 2 hours helps the flavors meld and keeps the whipped topping fresh.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the cake a day in advance and add the sauce and toppings just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake