Description
This festive Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake combines a moist vanilla cake with a sweet and tangy cranberry filling that seeps into the cake’s holes for extra flavor. Topped with fluffy whipped topping and optionally garnished with fresh cranberries and mint leaves, it’s a perfect holiday dessert that is both easy to make and visually appealing.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box vanilla or white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, water)
Cranberry Filling
- 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Topping & Garnish
- 2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Fresh cranberries and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the cake mix box using the required eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake as directed on the box until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the cake cool completely.
- Prepare Cranberry Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, sugar, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Poke the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar tool to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Pour the cooled cranberry mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes for maximum flavor infusion.
- Top and Decorate: Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cranberry-covered cake. Garnish with fresh cranberries and mint leaves for a festive touch, if desired. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the topping to set.
Notes
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before poking holes and adding the cranberry mixture to prevent it from becoming too soggy.
- If fresh cranberries are not available, dried cranberries can be used as decoration, but fresh ones provide a pop of color and flavor.
- You can prepare the cake a day in advance and refrigerate it to let the flavors develop even more.
- For a dairy-free option, use a non-dairy whipped topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
