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Festive Red Velvet Poke Cake

Festive Red Velvet Poke Cake

  • Author: Luna Ashley
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including cooling and chilling time)
  • Yield: 12-16 servings 1x

Description

This Festive Red Velvet Poke Cake is a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any holiday occasion. With its rich, moist red velvet cake base, a creamy filling that soaks right into the cake, and a delicious cream cheese frosting, it’s a treat that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly sweet. Whether you’re making it for Christmas, a birthday, or just a family gathering, this poke cake will have everyone asking for the recipe! Plus, with several variations to try, like a vegan or chocolate twist, it’s easy to make it your own.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box red velvet cake mix
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Red food coloring (optional)
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Holiday sprinkles
  • Crushed candy canes
  • White chocolate shavings

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
  2. Prepare the cake batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, adding a few drops of red food coloring if you want a deeper red color.
  3. Bake the cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before poking holes.
  4. Make the filling: While the cake cools, mix the sweetened condensed milk (or white chocolate pudding mix) with the heavy cream in a bowl. Stir until smooth.
  5. Poke the cake: Use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the cake once it’s cooled slightly, making sure to reach the bottom of the cake.
  6. Add the filling: Pour the filling evenly over the cake, letting it soak into the holes. Let the cake cool completely in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
  7. Make the frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and continue to beat until fluffy.
  8. Frost the cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Decorate with holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or white chocolate shavings as desired.
  9. Serve and enjoy: Slice the cake into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

  • You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and vinegar (1 cup of milk and 1 tbsp vinegar).
  • If you prefer a lighter frosting, you can substitute half of the cream cheese with whipped cream.
  • For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cream cheese and vegan frosting.
  • Make sure to refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to soak in for the best texture.
  • This cake works great for potlucks, parties, and holiday events!
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Holiday, Cake
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Festive Red Velvet Poke Cake, Red Velvet Cake, Poke Cake, Christmas Dessert, Cream Cheese Frosting, Holiday Cake, Vegan Red Velvet Cake, Easy Red Velvet Cake, Christmas Cake Recipe, Red Velvet Cake Variation

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Find it online: https://tastyathome.com/festive-red-velvet-poke-cake/