Red Velvet Christmas Poke Cake

Red Velvet Christmas Poke Cake is a festive and easy holiday dessert that combines a soft red velvet cake with a rich white chocolate filling and creamy cream cheese frosting. The vibrant red color and snowy white topping make it perfect for Christmas celebrations, potlucks, and family gatherings. Every bite is moist, indulgent, and full of holiday flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 box red velvet cake mix
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
• 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted
• 1 serving cream cheese frosting, canned or homemade
• 1/4 cup Christmas sprinkles
• 2 tablespoons white chocolate curls

Instructions

• Prepare the red velvet cake mix according to package directions using water, oil, and eggs
• Bake in a 9 x 13-inch pan and allow the cake to cool completely
• Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 15-second intervals and stirring until smooth
• Mix the melted white chocolate with the sweetened condensed milk until fully combined
• Poke holes all over the cooled cake using the handle of a wooden spoon
• Slowly pour the white chocolate mixture over the cake, gently pressing it into the holes
• Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set
• Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the chilled cake
• Return the cake to the refrigerator until ready to serve
• Before serving, garnish with Christmas sprinkles and white chocolate curls

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve Red Velvet Christmas Poke Cake chilled for the best texture and flavor. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices for neat servings. This cake is ideal for make-ahead entertaining since it tastes even better after chilling. Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not freeze once frosted, as the cream cheese frosting and condensed milk filling may separate when thawed.

Variations

• Classic Chocolate Poke Cake
Replace red velvet cake mix with chocolate cake mix for a traditional chocolate version with white chocolate filling.

• Peppermint Red Velvet Poke Cake
Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract to the condensed milk mixture and top with crushed candy canes.

• White Chocolate Raspberry Poke Cake
Add raspberry pie filling between the filling and frosting layers for a sweet-tart contrast.

• Oreo Red Velvet Poke Cake
Sprinkle crushed Oreo cookies over the frosting for added crunch.

• Strawberry Red Velvet Poke Cake
Drizzle strawberry syrup into the poke holes along with the white chocolate mixture.

• Eggnog Poke Cake
Replace 1/4 cup of the condensed milk with eggnog for a holiday twist.

• Cheesecake Poke Cake
Mix softened cream cheese into the condensed milk mixture for a cheesecake-style filling.

• Dark Chocolate Drizzle Cake
Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the frosting for a richer chocolate flavor.

• Coconut Cream Poke Cake
Add shredded coconut to the frosting and garnish with toasted coconut.

• Almond White Chocolate Cake
Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to the white chocolate filling for nutty depth.

• Gingerbread Red Velvet Cake
Add 1/2 teaspoon ginger and cinnamon to the cake batter for warm spice notes.

• Snowflake Sprinkle Cake
Use white sanding sugar and snowflake sprinkles for a winter-themed look.

• Nutty Holiday Cake
Top with chopped pecans or walnuts for texture and crunch.

• Mini Poke Cakes
Bake in cupcake pans for individual holiday desserts.

• Low-Sugar Option
Use sugar-free condensed milk and reduced-sugar frosting for a lighter version.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time
Yes, it’s best made one day ahead to allow the filling to fully soak in.

Do I have to use boxed cake mix
No, homemade red velvet cake works just as well.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate
Yes, but the cake will lose its classic red-and-white holiday look.

How deep should the holes be
Poke almost to the bottom without breaking through the pan.

Can I freeze this cake
Freezing is not recommended once the filling and frosting are added.

What frosting works best
Cream cheese frosting balances the sweetness perfectly.

Can I skip the sprinkles
Yes, they are optional but add festive color.

Why is my cake soggy
Too much filling or pouring too quickly can oversaturate the cake.

Can I use homemade condensed milk
Yes, as long as it’s thick and sweetened.

Is this cake good for kids
Absolutely, it’s a kid-friendly holiday favorite.

Red Velvet Christmas Poke Cake is a simple yet stunning dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. With its moist texture, creamy filling, and festive appearance, it’s sure to impress guests while being easy enough for any home baker to prepare. This cake is a wonderful addition to any Christmas dessert table.

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