The holidays are a magical time filled with joy, family, and plenty of delicious treats. If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to light up your celebrations, look no further than this Festive Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake. This eye-catching cake features a rich red velvet base with a creamy green pudding filling and festive decorations that will wow your guests.
Not only is this cake beautiful, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll create a holiday masterpiece that tastes as amazing as it looks. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love Festive Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake
- Holiday-Themed Colors: The red velvet base and green pudding filling create a vibrant holiday color palette.
- Effortlessly Moist and Creamy: The pudding filling soaks into the cake, creating a moist and flavorful dessert.
- Simple to Prepare: Using a boxed cake mix makes it quick and easy for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Gatherings: A 9×13-inch pan ensures there’s plenty to go around!
- Customizable Decorations: Add your personal touch with sprinkles, white chocolate curls, or festive toppers.
Ingredients for Festive Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake
| Category | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| For the Cake: | Red velvet cake mix | 1 box |
| Ingredients listed on the cake box (e.g., eggs, oil, water) | As directed | |
| For the Filling: | Instant vanilla pudding mix | 2 (3.4-ounce) boxes |
| Milk | 4 cups | |
| Heavy whipping cream | 2 cups | |
| Green food coloring | 4–5 drops (or to taste) | |
| For Garnish (Optional): | Red sprinkles | As desired |
| Green sprinkles | As desired | |
| Snowflake sprinkles | As desired | |
| White chocolate curls | As desired |
How to Make Festive Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake
1. Prepare the Cake
Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the red velvet cake mix box (usually 325–350°F).
- Grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- Follow the instructions on the cake mix box to prepare the batter. This typically involves mixing the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake according to the package directions, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Poke Holes
- Let the cake cool for about 10–15 minutes after removing it from the oven, but not completely.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes across the surface of the cake. Space the holes about 1 inch apart, ensuring they are deep enough for the pudding to seep through.
2. Make the Filling
Prepare the Pudding Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
Add Heavy Cream and Food Coloring
- Gently fold in the heavy whipping cream until the mixture is fluffy and well-combined.
- Add green food coloring, starting with 4 drops. Mix well, and add more if needed to achieve a vibrant, holiday-inspired green color.
Pour the Filling
- Carefully pour the green pudding mixture over the cake, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Use a spatula to gently press the pudding mixture into the holes, ensuring the filling is evenly distributed.
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set and soak into the cake.
3. Decorate the Cake
Add Festive Sprinkles and Garnishes
- Once the cake is chilled and set, remove it from the refrigerator.
- Sprinkle the top of the cake with red and green sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Optional: Add snowflake sprinkles and white chocolate curls for extra holiday charm.
Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the cake into squares and serve chilled.
- Each piece will showcase the stunning red velvet cake base with vibrant green pudding filling, making it a show-stopper on any dessert table.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Christmas Poke Cake
- Use Full-Fat Ingredients: Full-fat milk and heavy cream yield a richer and creamier pudding filling.
- Chill Time is Crucial: Don’t skip the 2-hour chill time! This allows the pudding to fully set and absorb into the cake, creating the perfect texture.
- Don’t Overfill the Holes: While it’s important to fill the holes with pudding, avoid overloading the top of the cake to keep it neat.
- Decorate Last Minute: Add sprinkles and garnishes just before serving to maintain their fresh, vibrant appearance.
- Adjust the Colors: You can use red food coloring for the filling or choose other colors for different holidays.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Sugars | 28g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on portion size.
Creative Variations
- Peppermint Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the pudding mixture for a minty holiday twist.
- Chocolate Filling: Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a rich and decadent variation.
- Mini Poke Cakes: Bake the batter in a muffin tin and follow the same steps to create individual poke cakes.
- Snowy Frosting: Spread whipped topping over the cake before decorating to mimic freshly fallen snow.
- Easter Twist: Use pastel-colored pudding and decorations for a spring-inspired version.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
FAQs About Festive Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake
1. Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of a box mix?
Yes, homemade red velvet cake works wonderfully for this recipe. Just ensure it’s baked in a 9×13-inch pan.
2. How long does this cake last?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served chilled!
3. Can I freeze this cake?
It’s not recommended to freeze the cake with pudding filling, as the texture may change. However, you can freeze the plain red velvet cake base and add the filling later.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix and check that all other ingredients (e.g., pudding mix) are gluten-free.
5. How can I make the cake more festive?
Add edible glitter, candy canes, or holiday-themed toppers for an extra festive flair.
6. Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream?
Yes, Cool Whip or stabilized whipped cream can be used as a lighter alternative to heavy cream.
Conclusion: A Show-Stopping Holiday Dessert
This Festive Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration in every bite. With its vibrant red and green colors, creamy pudding filling, and festive decorations, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any holiday gathering. Easy to make and visually stunning, this cake will be the highlight of your Christmas table.
So gather your ingredients, don your holiday apron, and get ready to create a dessert that’s as delightful as the season itself. Happy baking!
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Festive Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake: A Deliciously Colorful Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Transform your holiday dessert table with this Festive Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake! Featuring a luscious red velvet cake base infused with a creamy green pudding filling, this dessert is as festive as it is delicious. Topped with sprinkles and holiday-themed garnishes, it’s the perfect way to spread cheer and sweetness this season.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (such as eggs, oil, and water)
For the Filling:
- 2 (3.4-ounce) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 cups milk
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 4–5 drops green food coloring (adjust for desired shade)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Red sprinkles
- Green sprinkles
- Snowflake sprinkles
- White chocolate curls
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the red velvet cake mix box (usually 325–350°F).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the red velvet cake batter by following the instructions on the box, mixing in the eggs, oil, and water as required.
- Pour the batter into the greased pan and bake as directed or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 10–15 minutes.
2. Poke the Cake:
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke evenly spaced holes across the cake. The holes should be deep enough to allow the filling to seep through.
3. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Fold in the heavy whipping cream until fluffy and well combined.
- Add green food coloring a few drops at a time, mixing until the desired vibrant green shade is achieved.
4. Fill the Cake:
- Pour the green pudding mixture over the cake, ensuring the filling covers the surface and seeps into the holes. Use a spatula to gently press the filling into the holes for even distribution.
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.
5. Decorate the Cake:
- Once the cake is chilled and set, top it with red and green sprinkles for a festive finish. Add snowflake sprinkles and white chocolate curls for an extra holiday touch.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the cake into squares and serve chilled. Each slice will reveal the stunning red velvet base and green filling—perfect for impressing your guests!
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the cake a day in advance to give the flavors time to meld.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Substitutions: Swap heavy whipping cream for Cool Whip if you prefer a lighter filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
