When the holiday season rolls around, one dessert that always brings joy to our gatherings is the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake. This delightful cake is not just a feast for the eyes with its vibrant red and white layers; it’s also a deliciously moist treat that features the festive flavors of tart cranberries and sweet cream. I first made this cake last Thanksgiving, and it wowed my family—it’s now a mainstay for all our celebrations. The combination of cake and cranberry syrup creates a memorable dessert that’s both festive and easy to make, perfect for those busy holiday evenings.
Why you’ll love this dish
What makes the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake so special? For starters, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a stress-free option for holiday gatherings. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up this cake and impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a budget-friendly dessert, especially when using store-bought cranberry sauce and cake mix. This cake is perfect for a holiday centerpiece or a sweet addition to your family brunch.
“This cake is a crowd-pleaser with its bright flavors and festive presentation! Everyone kept asking for the recipe!” – Sarah L.
Step-by-step overview
Making Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is a straightforward process, but it delivers on flavor and impresses with its presentation. You’ll begin by baking a simple vanilla cake, then you’ll allow it to cool and poke holes in it. Next, a luscious cranberry sauce mixture is poured over to infuse the cake with flavor, and finally, you top it off with whipped cream for a delightful finishing touch. It’s a process designed to ensure maximum flavor absorption and a festive appearance, perfect for holidays!
What you’ll need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making this show-stopping dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box vanilla or white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (for the mixture)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups whipped cream or whipped topping
- Fresh cranberries and sprinkles for garnish (optional)
Feel free to use homemade cranberry sauce for a more personal touch—it’s surprisingly simple, and the freshness really makes a difference!
