The holiday season is upon us, and if you’re looking for a dessert that screams festive cheer, look no further than this Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe & Tips. Picture this: a soft, fluffy cake drenched in luscious cranberry goodness, topped with a cloud of whipped cream and a sprinkle of festive red berries. It’s like the holidays on a plate, and I promise you’ll want to dive right into it!
Now, let me take you down memory lane. Every Christmas, my grandma would whip up her famous poke cake, and the entire family would gather around the table as we eagerly awaited our slices. The sweet-tart flavor of cranberries combined with that moist cake was pure magic. Whether it’s for a cozy family gathering or an extravagant holiday party, this treat is bound to bring smiles all around.
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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Boxed Vanilla Cake Mix: A quick and easy base for our poke cake; just add eggs, oil, and water as per package instructions.
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Fresh Cranberries: These tart gems give our cake that delightful zing; feel free to swap them for canned cranberry sauce if you’re in a hurry.
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Sugar: We need sugar to make the cranberry sauce sweet enough to balance its tartness; adjust according to your taste preference.
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Whipped Topping: For that light and fluffy finish; you can use homemade whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy!
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Pecan Pieces: These add a delightful crunch and flavor contrast; toast them lightly for an extra layer of deliciousness.
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). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter so that our cake doesn’t stick like my aunt’s fruitcake does every year.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the boxed vanilla cake mix with eggs, vegetable oil, and water according to package directions. Stir until smooth—remember not to overmix unless you want a workout!
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake it in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. While it’s baking, take a moment to do your happy dance!
Step 4: Create the Cranberry Sauce
While your cake cools down (and trust me, it’s tempting!), toss fresh cranberries into a saucepan with sugar and a splash of water over medium heat. Cook until they start popping like popcorn at the movies—about 10 minutes should do it!
Step 5: Poke It Up!
Once your cake has cooled slightly (around 10-15 minutes), grab a fork and poke holes all over it—yes, like you mean business! Pour the warm cranberry sauce over the top so it seeps deliciously into those holes.
Step 6: Finish It Off
Let your cake cool completely before spreading whipped topping on top like frosting on an oversized holiday cookie! Sprinkle pecan pieces on top for that festive crunch.
Serve it chilled or at room temperature—just don’t be surprised if everyone begs you for seconds!
This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe & Tips is not just a treat; it’s an experience filled with laughter and joy that brings back warm memories year after year. So roll up those sleeves and get ready to impress friends and family alike with this show-stopping holiday 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
First, bake the cake until golden brown. While it cools, prepare the cranberry sauce to ensure a delightful burst of flavor. Poke holes in the cake before drenching it in the sauce for optimal absorption.
Flavor Your Way
Feel free to swap cranberries with other fruits like strawberries or raspberries. Add a splash of orange juice to the batter for a citrusy twist or sprinkle some nuts for added crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover poke cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Serve warm for that freshly-baked taste!
Chef's Helpful Tips for Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe & Tips
Sharing this poke cake recipe reminds me of my Aunt Edna’s holiday parties. She’d always serve this dessert with a cheeky wink, claiming it was “just a cake” when we all knew it was magic on a plate!
FAQs
What is Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe & Tips?
The Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe & Tips features a moist vanilla cake infused with vibrant cranberry flavors. This festive dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings, combining a delicious poke cake with tart and sweet cranberry sauce. The recipe includes simple ingredients like cake mix, eggs, and cranberry juice. Topped with whipped cream and fresh cranberries, it’s visually stunning and incredibly tasty. This cake not only looks beautiful on your holiday table but also delights guests with its unique flavors, making it a must-try during the festive season.
How do I make the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake?
To prepare the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake, start by baking a vanilla cake according to package instructions. Once cooled, poke holes into the cake using a fork. Prepare the cranberry sauce by simmering fresh cranberries with sugar and water until they burst. Pour this sauce over the cake, allowing it to soak in for added moisture and flavor. Finish by topping the cake with whipped cream and garnishing it with cranberries for a festive touch. Enjoy this delightful dessert at your holiday celebrations!
Can I use frozen cranberries in the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen cranberries in the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe & Tips. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Frozen cranberries work well as they retain their tartness and flavor even after freezing. When using frozen cranberries, you may need to adjust your cooking time slightly since they can release more moisture into your sauce. Overall, they make an excellent alternative if fresh cranberries are not available during the holiday season.
What are some variations of the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake?
You can easily customize your Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake by incorporating different flavors or toppings. For instance, consider adding orange zest to the cranberry sauce for a citrusy twist. Alternatively, swap out the vanilla cake mix for lemon or spice-flavored cakes to complement the tartness of the cranberries. You might also experiment with different toppings such as crushed nuts or coconut flakes for added texture. These variations allow you to create a unique dessert that still celebrates the essence of the holidays.
Conclusion
In summary, the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe & Tips provide an easy yet impressive dessert option for any holiday gathering. With its moist texture, vibrant colors, and delightful flavors, this poke cake is sure to impress family and friends alike. By following straightforward steps and considering variations, you can tailor this recipe to suit your taste preferences perfectly. Don’t miss out on creating this festive treat that beautifully captures the spirit of celebration during the holidays!
Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
Description
The Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is a festive delight that combines soft vanilla cake soaked in tart cranberry sauce, topped with fluffy whipped cream and crunchy pecans. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings, bringing joy and flavor to your celebrations. Impress your family and friends with this stunning, vibrant cake that captures the essence of the season.
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1/2 cup pecan pieces (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until smooth.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and a splash of water over medium heat. Cook until cranberries pop (about 10 minutes).
- Once the cake has cooled slightly, poke holes all over it with a fork. Pour warm cranberry sauce over the cake to soak in.
- Cool completely before spreading whipped topping on top. Garnish with pecans if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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