Indulging in a slice of Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is like wrapping yourself in a warm, fuzzy blanket while sipping hot cocoa on a snowy day. The festive aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes is enough to make even the Grinch’s heart grow three sizes! Imagine biting into a moist cake infused with tart cranberries and sweet whipped cream, all drizzled with a delightful glaze. It’s the kind of dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also spreads holiday cheer faster than you can say “Rudolph.”
This recipe isn’t just any old poke cake; it’s an emotional rollercoaster of flavors. As a kid, I remember my grandmother making poke cakes for every family gathering. Each bite was a trip down memory lane, filled with laughter and joy. This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe & Tips is perfect for holiday parties, cozy family dinners, or simply when you want to treat yourself. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds—if not thirds!
Why You'll Love This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe & Tips
- This incredible Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe & Tips transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe & Tips:
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All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of any good cake! Use unbleached flour for better texture.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key! Adjust according to your taste preferences.
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Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your cake rises beautifully.
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without making it taste salty.
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Milk: Whole milk works best for a rich, moist cake texture.
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Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake tender and adds moisture.
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Large Eggs: They help bind everything together and add richness.
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Cranberry Sauce: Use homemade or canned; either works well!
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Whipped Topping: Light and fluffy topping that makes everything better.
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Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top for that extra touch of sweetness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe & Tips:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that magic happens, grease a rectangular baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together the milk, vegetable oil, and eggs until fully blended. Slowly pour this mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring gently.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your greased baking dish and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Step 5: Create Poke Holes
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw (yes, really), poke holes all over the top of the cake—this is where all that delicious cranberry sauce will seep in!
Step 6: Add Cranberry Sauce
Spread an even layer of cranberry sauce over the top of the warm cake so it seeps into those glorious holes you made earlier. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
Step 7: Finish with Whipped Topping
Once chilled, spread whipped topping over the cranberry-covered cake generously and dust with powdered sugar right before serving. Transfer to plates and enjoy!
Now that you have mastered this festive treat, you’ll be known as the holiday dessert hero among your family and friends! Each bite will be met with satisfied smiles and maybe even some happy tears—because who doesn’t love dessert?
You Must Know About Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe & Tips
- This showstopping Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe & Tips delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions
Perfecting Cooking Process
Start by baking your favorite vanilla cake first; this ensures it’s cool enough to poke holes. While the cake bakes, prepare the cranberry sauce. Once cooled, generously drizzle the sauce over the cake for maximum flavor.
Flavor Your Way
Feel free to swap out cranberries for other fruits like blueberries or cherries if you’re feeling adventurous. You can also experiment with flavored gelatin or whipped cream alternatives to personalize your dessert and wow your guests.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, simply place slices in the microwave for a few seconds until warm, but don’t let them become rubbery!
Chef's Helpful Tips for Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe & Tips
The first time I made this cake was during a holiday gathering, and my cousin declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” I think we all know that’s high praise!
FAQs
What is Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe & Tips?
The Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake recipe features a moist vanilla cake infused with tangy cranberry sauce. This delightful dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings. The cake gets its name from the method of poking holes in the cake after baking, allowing the cranberry mixture to seep in, creating a deliciously rich flavor. To elevate your dessert experience, consider adding whipped cream or a sprinkle of fresh cranberries on top. This festive treat not only tastes great but also looks beautiful on your holiday table.
How do you make a Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake?
Making a Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake starts with baking a simple vanilla cake. Once baked, you poke holes in it while it’s still warm, then pour over a homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. Let it cool completely so the flavors meld together beautifully. For an added touch, frost the cake with whipped cream and garnish with fresh cranberries or mint leaves before serving. This festive dessert is sure to impress your guests and become a holiday favorite.
Can I use other fruits for my poke cake?
Yes, you can definitely experiment with different fruits for your poke cake. While cranberries are perfect for the holidays, you could also use strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Each fruit will offer its unique flavor profile and color. Just ensure that the fruit pairs well with the base cake flavor for best results. When using other fruits, adjust the sweetness of your syrup to match their tartness or sweetness level.
What are some tips for decorating your Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake?
Decorating your Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake can enhance its festive appeal. Start by spreading a generous layer of whipped cream on top after cooling the cake completely. Add fresh cranberries and sprigs of mint for color contrast and freshness. You may also drizzle some melted white chocolate or sprinkle crushed nuts for added texture. Consider using edible glitter or holiday-themed sprinkles to give it that extra touch of cheer during celebrations.
Conclusion
In summary, this Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe & Tips provides an easy yet impressive dessert option for your holiday festivities. With its moist texture and vibrant flavors from the cranberry sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Remember to personalize your cake with fun decorations and feel free to explore different fruit variations. Enjoy making this delightful treat as part of your holiday traditions!
Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive joy of Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake, a delightful dessert that marries moist vanilla cake with tangy cranberry sauce. This easy-to-make poke cake is perfect for holiday gatherings, topped with fluffy whipped cream and a dusting of powdered sugar. With vibrant colors and delicious flavors, it’s sure to be the centerpiece of your holiday table.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
- 2 cups whipped topping
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a rectangular baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix milk, oil, and eggs; combine with dry ingredients until blended.
- Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly; poke holes in the cake using a wooden spoon handle.
- Spread cranberry sauce over the cake and refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Top with whipped cream and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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