This is the ultimate holiday crowd-pleaser. “Poke cakes” are incredible because you poke holes in the warm cake and pour a sweet, creamy filling over the top, ensuring every single bite is impossibly moist and rich.
This version uses a Red Velvet base soaked in a sweet milky mixture, topped with a cloud-like whipped cream cheese frosting. It captures the classic red-and-white Christmas aesthetic perfectly.
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 1 box Red Velvet Cake Mix: (Standard 15.25 oz box).
- Ingredients listed on the box: Usually 3 eggs, ½ cup vegetable oil, and 1 cup water (or swap water for milk for a richer taste).
For the “Poke” Filling (The Soak):
- 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) Sweetened Condensed Milk: This provides the sweetness and dense fudge-like texture once chilled.
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream: To mix with the condensed milk (cuts the sweetness slightly and adds richness).
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: For aroma.
For the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 block (8 oz) Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature (crucial for no lumps).
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar: Sifted.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract.
- 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream: Very cold.
For the Christmas Garnish (To match the photo):
- Red Candy Melts or White Chocolate: To make the stars.
- Holiday Sprinkles: Silver snowflakes, red sugar pearls, or red sanding sugar.
- Sugared Cranberries (Optional): For that pop of red shown in the image.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan (or two 8-inch round pans if you want the round look in the photo).
In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, oil, and water/milk according to the box instructions.
Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
2. Poke and Soak
Remove the cake from the oven. Let it cool for just 5 minutes (it should still be warm).
Using the handle of a wooden spoon (or a chopstick), poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart. Poke deep, but try not to hit the very bottom.
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and vanilla.
Pour this mixture slowly and evenly over the warm cake, aiming to fill the holes.
3. Chill and Set
Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 4 hours. This allows the cake to absorb the liquid and the filling to thicken into a delicious custard-like consistency inside the cake.
4. Make the Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Slowly pour in the 2 cups of cold heavy cream while the mixer is running on low.
Once added, increase the speed to high and whip until stiff peaks form. It should be thick and fluffy.
5. Decorate (The “Wow” Factor)
Spread a layer of frosting over the chilled cake.
To get the look in the photo, put the remaining frosting in a piping bag with a large open star tip (like Wilton 1M). Pipe dollops or rosettes all over the top.
- To make the stars: Melt red candy melts, spread thin on parchment paper, let set, and use a small star cookie cutter to cut shapes.
- Place the stars into the frosting, sprinkle with red sugar, silver snowflakes, and pearls.
Tips, Variations, and Storage
- The Round Look: The image shows a round cake. To achieve this, bake in two 8-inch round pans. Poke and soak both layers. Stack them with a layer of frosting in the middle, then frost the outside.
- Red Crumb Garnish: If you bake a round cake, you might have to trim the domed top to make it flat. Crumble up those trimmings and sprinkle them over the white frosting for that beautiful red velvet contrast.
- Make Ahead: Poke cakes are actually better the next day. The flavors meld and the cake becomes even moister. It’s the perfect dessert to make the day before Christmas.
- Storage: Because of the cream cheese and milk soak, this cake must be stored in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 4 days.
Pairings
- Drink: Serve with Hot Cocoa topped with marshmallows or a dark roast Christmas Blend Coffee.
- After Dinner: This pairs well after a savory holiday meal like Roast Beef or Ham, as the cool, creamy cake is refreshing.
Quick Info
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: ~5 hours
- Servings: 12–15 slices
- Cuisine: American / Holiday Dessert
