Embrace the festive spirit with this festive and indulgent Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake! Bursting with festive colors and flavors, this cake combines a rich red velvet base with a creamy, colorful filling that brings a pop of holiday cheer to every bite. Topped with festive sprinkles and optional white chocolate curls, it’s the perfect dessert for Christmas parties and family gatherings. Plus, this cake is simple to make with a boxed mix and a few added ingredients, giving you more time to enjoy the holiday festivities!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the 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
- Green food coloring (about 4-5 drops, or until desired shade is reached)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Red sprinkles
- Green sprinkles
- Snowflake sprinkles and white chocolate curls
Instructions
Prepare the Cake:
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the red velvet cake mix box. Follow the instructions on the cake mix package, adding the eggs, oil, and water as specified. Pour the prepared batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake according to the package directions, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Poke Holes: Allow the cake to cool for about 10-15 minutes, but not completely. With the end of a wooden spoon, gently create holes across the surface of the cake, ensuring they are spaced about an inch apart. The holes should be deep enough to allow the filling to seep through, creating a delicious, moist texture.
Make the Filling:
- Prepare the Pudding Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth and thickened.
- Add Heavy Cream and Color: Gently fold in the heavy whipping cream, stirring until the mixture is well-combined and fluffy. Mix in a few drops of green food coloring, stirring until you achieve a vibrant, holiday-inspired green hue.
- Pour the Filling: Pour the green pudding mixture over the cake, spreading it evenly across the surface so it fills the holes. Use a spatula to gently press the pudding mixture into the holes if needed. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set and absorb into the cake.
Decorate the Cake:
- Garnish with Festive Sprinkles: Once the cake is chilled and set, sprinkle the top with red and green sprinkles for a festive look. Add snowflake sprinkles and white chocolate curls if desired for an extra touch of holiday charm.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake into squares and serve chilled. Each piece will have a beautiful, colorful pattern with the green filling and red velvet base, perfect for impressing guests at any holiday gathering.
Conclusion
This Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is a holiday dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The vibrant colors and rich, creamy filling make every bite a festive treat that’s sure to spread holiday cheer. Easy to make and decorate, this cake is the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table. Enjoy sharing it with loved ones, and savor the spirit of the season in every delicious bite!