Christmas cranberry poke cake is a festive dessert that brings holiday cheer to every bite. This moist and fluffy cake is infused with a tart cranberry sauce that soaks into the layers, giving it a burst of tangy sweetness.
Topped with a creamy whipped frosting and a sprinkle of sugared cranberries, it’s as stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner or looking for a show-stopping dessert, this poke cake is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.
I first made this cake for a neighborhood Christmas party, and it quickly became a favorite. The way the cranberry sauce seeps into the cake layers makes it incredibly moist and flavorful.
It’s the kind of dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to put together. Plus, the vibrant cranberry color adds a festive touch that screams “holiday magic!”
Pair this delightful treat with classic sugar cookies or a warm cup of eggnog for the ultimate Christmas dessert spread. These pairings round out the flavors and make your holiday gathering even more memorable.
Try this cranberry poke cake and let me know how it turns out. I’d love to hear about your holiday traditions or any fun variations you come up with!
Why You Will Be Hooked?
- Festive Flavors: The tart cranberry sauce perfectly complements the sweet, fluffy cake for a holiday-ready treat.
- Moist & Delicious: The cranberry sauce seeps into the cake, making every bite irresistibly moist and flavorful.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: Topped with sugared cranberries, this cake is a true showstopper for your holiday table.
- Easy Yet Impressive: It’s simple to make but looks like it came straight from a bakery.
Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon or straw
- Mixing bowls
- Electric Mixer (optional)
- Spatula
Ingredients
- White cake mix: 1 box 15.25 oz, for a moist cake base
- Eggs: 3 large to add structure to the cake
- Water: 1 cup for the cake mix
- Vegetable oil: 1/4 cup to add moisture to the cake
- Cranberry sauce: 1 can 14 oz, whole berry or jellied, for a tangy layer
- Water for cranberry layer: 1/2 cup, to blend the cranberry sauce
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup to sweeten the cranberry mixture
- Whipped topping: 1 container 8 oz, for a light, creamy topping
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp to flavor the whipped topping
- Red and green sprinkles: for garnish adding a festive touch
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan. Prepare cake mix with eggs, water, and oil. Bake for 25–30 minutes and cool for 10–15 minutes.
- Heat cranberry sauce, 1/2 cup water, and sugar in a saucepan until blended. Let cool slightly.
- Poke holes in the cooled cake with a wooden spoon handle or straw, spacing them 1 inch apart.
- Pour warm cranberry mixture over the cake, letting it soak in. Cool completely and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Mix whipped topping with vanilla extract and spread over the chilled cake.
- Sprinkle red and green sprinkles for garnish.
- Slice into squares and serve chilled.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Sodium | 0mg |
| Fat | 8g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sugar | 0g |
Festive Cranberry Poke Cake: Tips and Expert Variations!
- Citrus Zing
Enhance the cranberry layer with a tablespoon of orange zest or replace the water with freshly squeezed orange juice for a bright citrus twist. - Spiced Cranberry Delight
Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the cranberry mixture for a warm, spiced flavor. - Almond Accent
Substitute vanilla extract in the whipped topping with almond extract for a subtle nutty undertone. - Cream Cheese Upgrade
Blend 4 ounces of softened cream cheese into the whipped topping for a tangy, rich frosting. - Layered Texture
Fold in crushed candied pecans or walnuts into the cranberry layer for added crunch and texture. - Berry Medley
Mix fresh raspberries or diced strawberries into the cranberry sauce before pouring it over the cake for a fruity blend. - White Chocolate Drizzle
Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the whipped topping before adding sprinkles for a sweet, decorative finish. - Coconut Garnish
Sprinkle shredded coconut over the whipped topping with the sprinkles for a snowy, festive vibe. - Holiday Liquor Infusion
Add a splash of Grand Marnier or cranberry liqueur to the cranberry sauce for an adult-friendly version. - Mini Desserts
Transform the recipe into individual poke cupcakes by baking the cake mix in cupcake liners and assembling each with cranberry filling and whipped topping.
