Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

Introduction

The joy of the holiday season is beautifully captured in this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe. This festive dessert combines the luxurious texture of a red velvet cake with an indulgent creamy filling and frosting, making it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. Whether you’re celebrating with a large crowd or having an intimate gathering, this cake promises to bring the warmth and cheer of Christmas to any occasion.

💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly Festive: With its vibrant red hue, this cake embodies the festive spirit of Christmas, bringing color and joy to your dessert table.
  • Rich and Moist: The combination of buttermilk and oil ensures this cake stays exceptionally moist, making every bite a delight.
  • Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, this cake is straightforward to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers.
  • Customizable: While red velvet is a classic choice, you can easily adapt the flavors to suit your preferences or those of your guests.

The inspiration for this cake came during a cozy winter afternoon when memories of family Christmas gatherings filled my heart with nostalgia. Growing up, my grandmother always baked a red velvet cake during the holidays, and this version pays homage to her legacy with a modern twist. It’s a family tradition that I hold dear and hope to share with others, ensuring that the spirit of togetherness lives on through this recipe.

For more Christmas baking ideas and inspiration, you can visit The Kitchn where they share an array of delightful holiday recipes perfect for every festive occasion.

Why This Is So Good

If your search for a festive dessert has brought you to the Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe, you’re in for a real treat. Not only is this cake stunningly beautiful, but it also delights the taste buds with its creamy textures and sweetly tangy flavors. Here are some reasons why this cake is a holiday winner:

  • – The cake’s vibrant red hue, coupled with a creamy white frosting, creates a visually stunning centerpiece for your Christmas table.
  • – Because it makes use of sweetened condensed milk, the cake remains moist and rich, ensuring every bite is melt-in-your-mouth good.
  • – Perfectly balancing flavors, the tanginess of the cream cheese frosting complements the chocolatey undertones of the velvet cake.
  • – The poke technique, a culinary favorite, allows the cake to soak up the filling, creating a luscious, moist texture.

When I served my family this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake, the room fell silent as everyone savored their first bite. It’s a recipe that conjures cherished memories of shared holidays and the warmth of laughter echoing through our home. Embracing the holiday spirit, this cake has become a beloved tradition, evoking joy and togetherness around the table. If you’re curious about the poke cake technique, you might want to explore more about its impact on cake textures through this detailed guide from Serious Eats. And if you’re looking to perfect your own baking craft, don’t miss our tips on perfecting a classic red velvet cake. Each slice is an unforgettable moment that carries the warmth of the season into every corner of our hearts.

Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake_01

Making Sure It Turns Out

Creating the perfect Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe requires attention to detail. Firstly, always measure your ingredients precisely to ensure a perfect texture. Secondly, remember to preheat your oven, as this ensures even baking. Thirdly, mix wet and dry ingredients separately before combining to avoid lumps. Lastly, use room temperature ingredients for better incorporation. As a personal note, once I forgot to let my buttermilk come to room temperature, resulting in a batter that didn’t emulsify properly. Skip such stress by preparing your ingredients in advance, allowing you to savor the baking process.

Perfect Serving Ideas

This Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe shines bright at festive gatherings. Serve it with a celebratory glass of red wine or a warm mug of spiced cider to complement its rich flavors. Presenting the cake as a centerpiece dessert provides a delightful surprise at holiday dinners.

Making It Different

Want to add a twist to the Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake? Consider swapping out cream cheese for mascarpone in the frosting for a silkier texture. Adding a hint of orange zest to the batter provides a bright, festive flavor. For those who love a spicy kick, a dash of cinnamon can elevate the taste to new holiday heights. Explore more holiday baking delights with our Festive Holiday Bakes.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftover Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When ready to reheat, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, or zap it briefly in the microwave. The cake’s flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

Tips That Actually Help

For a consistent cake, use a 9×13-inch pan to accommodate the batter’s rise. Always grease the baking pan to prevent sticking. Plan ahead and prepare your frosting while the cake cools, ensuring smooth, timely icing. These kitchen insights save time and stress. A memorable lesson I learned was when my niece, in her eager anticipation, insisted on frosting the cake while still warm—the result being a lovable, but gooey, frosting mess. Now, waiting allows for creamy layers that delight everyone. You can find more expert tips on how to make better cakes on trusted websites.

Heartfelt Memories

Gathering around this cake, I cherish fond family moments, especially when my grandmother was with us. Her delighted smile after her first bite of the Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe is a treasured memory. It was a Christmas Eve, laughter rang through our home, and the cake became a symbol of love and togetherness. Indeed, such memories turn any meal into a feast worth celebrating.

Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake_02

Closing Paragraph

The Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe has become a beloved tradition in my home, not just for its vibrant color and delightful taste, but for the joy it brings to our family gatherings. Friends and family frequently ask for this delicious treat, adding it to their festive wish lists year after year. With its velvety texture and the sweetness that melts in your mouth, this cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to embrace the holiday spirit by trying this recipe; it just might become a staple for your celebrations too. For more festive inspiration, visit our recipe collection on Cooking White or explore more delightful desserts at Taste of Home.

Frequently Asked Questions

To help you make the perfect Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake, here are some frequently asked questions answered for your convenience.

→ How do I store the cake?

Store it in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap to keep it fresh for up to 4 days. This cake is even tastier when chilled.

→ Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making the cake a day ahead enhances its flavors. For more tips, see our article on Sally’s Baking Addiction.

→ What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing a cup of milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

→ Can I use a different frosting?

Yes, you can opt for a classic buttercream or even a whipped topping. However, cream cheese frosting complements the Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake perfectly. Check out more alternative frosting options on Cooking White.

→ How can I ensure the cake is moist?

Using the right amount of filling is key. Ensure you pour it evenly across the cake for maximum moistness.

Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake_03

Ingredients

Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

This Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is a perfect festive treat that combines a moist, vibrant red velvet cake with a creamy filling and a luscious cream cheese frosting, making it a standout dessert for your holiday gatherings.


Prep Time
20 minutes

🔥

Cook Time
30 minutes

Total Time
2 hours

Author: Sarah Mitchell • Traditional Recipe • Difficulty: Medium • Servings: 12 • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

– For 12 servings

For the Cake:

  • 01 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 02 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 03 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 04 1 teaspoon salt
  • 05 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 06 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
  • 07 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 08 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 09 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 10 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 11 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Filling:

  • 12 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 13 1 cup heavy cream

For the Frosting:

  • 14 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 15 ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 16 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 17 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

  • 01 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  • 02 In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
  • 03 In another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. Mix until smooth.
  • 04 Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until thoroughly combined.
  • 05 Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • 06 Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then use a fork to poke holes all over the cake.
  • 07 In a medium bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream. Pour evenly over the cake.
  • 08 For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  • 09 Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy.
  • 10 Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the cake. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. If you prefer a more intense red color, feel free to add more red food coloring.
  2. Make sure the poking holes are evenly distributed to ensure each slice gets filled properly.

Required Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • 9×13-inch baking pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Spatula
Allergen Information

Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten. Check all packaging for cross-contamination warnings.

Nutritional Values (per serving)

Calories: 450 | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 360mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 45g


Leave a Comment