Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake 

• 1 box of white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: typically eggs, oil, and water)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (you can also use cranberry sauce if you’re short on time)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added zest)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cranberries (for garnish, optional)

How to Make Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Start by preparing your white cake mix according to the package instructions. Typically, you’ll mix the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water until smooth. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, allow the cake to cool for about 10-15 minutes. While it’s cooling, it’s time to prepare the cranberry sauce!

Step 2: Prepare the Cranberry Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and lemon juice (if using). Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a sauce, about 10-12 minutes.

Once the sauce is done, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Poke the Cake

Once the cake has cooled for about 15 minutes, take a fork and gently poke holes all over the cake. Be sure to poke all the way down to the bottom so the cranberry sauce can seep in and flavor the cake.

Step 4: Add the Cranberry Sauce

Take your cooled cranberry sauce and spoon it over the top of the cake, making sure it fills all the holes. Allow the sauce to sink into the cake. The combination of the cranberry sauce and the cake will create a deliciously moist and flavorful texture.

Step 5: Make the Topping

In a separate mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Once the cream cheese mixture is smooth, gently fold in the whipped cream until everything is well combined.

Step 6: Frost the Cake

Spread the creamy topping over the cake, covering it completely. You can smooth it out or leave it a little textured, depending on your preference.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

For an added festive touch, sprinkle chopped fresh cranberries on top of the cake for a burst of color and a fresh crunch. You can also add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary for a holiday-themed garnish.

Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the topping to set, creating a beautifully decadent dessert.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

• Use Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: If you have fresh cranberries on hand, they’ll create a great texture and flavor. If using frozen cranberries, just thaw them first.
• Add Zest for Extra Flavor: A little orange zest or lemon zest in the cranberry sauce can add extra brightness and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Make Ahead: This cake can be made ahead of time! It actually tastes even better when it’s had time to chill and the flavors have fully developed. You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
• Substitute with Cranberry Sauce: If you’re short on time or don’t want to make the cranberry sauce from scratch, you can use store-bought cranberry sauce instead. Just make sure it’s the unsweetened variety, so it doesn’t overpower the cake.

Why This Cake Is Perfect for Christmas

This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a festive celebration on a plate! The vibrant red cranberry sauce and creamy topping give it a holiday look, making it perfect for any Christmas gathering, from casual family dinners to more formal holiday parties.

The combination of sweet and tart, along with the fluffy cake texture, makes this dessert a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make yet looks impressive, meaning you’ll have more time to enjoy the holiday season with loved ones rather than stressing in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is an easy, festive, and delicious dessert that will surely impress your guests this holiday season. With the combination of fluffy white cake, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and a smooth cream cheese topping, it offers the perfect balance of flavors for any Christmas table.

Not only is it simple to make, but it’s also customizable, making it easy to adjust based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just need a special treat for a cozy Christmas morning, this cake is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a dessert that brings holiday cheer to every bite!