The Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is a vibrant, holiday-inspired dessert that brings together the tartness of cranberry sauce with the lightness of a white cake. Topped with a sweet glaze, this cake is not only beautiful but also delicious, making it the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table. The poke cake method allows the cranberry sauce to seep into every bite, ensuring each piece is full of flavor and holiday cheer.
Ingredients
1 box white cake mix
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions, then pour it into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface.
- In a small saucepan, heat the cranberry sauce over low heat until warmed through.
- Pour the warm cranberry sauce evenly over the cake, making sure it fills all the holes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before serving to allow the glaze to set and the flavors to meld.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
Variations
- Cake Flavor: Swap the white cake mix for a yellow or even a chocolate cake mix for a different flavor profile.
- Fruit Topping: Add extra fruit like pomegranate seeds or chopped strawberries for more festive color and a burst of flavor.
- Frosting: Instead of the powdered sugar glaze, top the cake with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for a richer treat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This cake can be frozen before glazing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the glaze.
- Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, if desired, before serving.
10 FAQs
- Can I make this cake in advance? Yes, you can prepare the cake a day ahead, then add the cranberry sauce and glaze just before serving.
- Can I use homemade cranberry sauce? Yes, homemade cranberry sauce can be substituted for the canned variety, though you’ll want to ensure it’s thick enough to soak into the cake.
- How can I make the glaze thicker? If the glaze is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar to achieve your desired consistency.
- Can I use a different flavor of cake mix? Yes, you can use yellow or even a spiced cake mix, like pumpkin or gingerbread, for a different flavor.
- What other fruit could I add to the cake? You can add other fruits like chopped apples, blueberries, or raspberries to the cake or even mix them into the cranberry sauce.
- How do I store leftovers? Store the leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh.
- Can I use a different glaze? Absolutely! You can substitute the glaze with a cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or even a chocolate ganache for a different flavor profile.
- Can I make this cake dairy-free? To make it dairy-free, substitute the milk in the glaze with a plant-based milk, such as almond milk, and use dairy-free butter in the cake mix if needed.
- Can I freeze this cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake before glazing. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. After thawing, top with the glaze before serving.
- What is the best way to serve this cake? Serve the cake chilled, straight from the refrigerator, for the best texture and flavor. It’s a great make-ahead dessert for holiday gatherings.
Conclusion
The Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is a wonderfully easy and flavorful dessert that combines the holiday spirit with delicious, simple ingredients. The cranberry sauce adds a tangy contrast to the sweet cake and glaze, making it the perfect addition to any Christmas meal. This dessert is sure to impress your guests and become a holiday favorite!
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Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
Description
This Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is the perfect blend of sweet and tart! A moist white cake soaked with warm cranberry sauce and topped with a sugary glaze, this dessert is as delicious as it is beautiful. It’s a holiday treat that brings both color and flavor to your table!
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the white cake mix according to package instructions, then pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
- In a small saucepan, heat the cranberry sauce over low heat until warmed through.
- Pour the warm cranberry sauce over the cake, making sure it fills all the holes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For an extra festive touch, top with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dollop of whipped cream before serving.
- Make sure to poke enough holes so the cranberry sauce can soak through the cake, but don’t poke too deep to avoid breaking the cake.
- If you prefer a stronger cranberry flavor, you can use homemade cranberry sauce or add extra cranberry sauce on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes