Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake

Introduction

Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is the ultimate festive dessert that brings a touch of holiday magic to your table. Imagine a moist and tender red velvet cake that’s not only a feast for the eyes with its vibrant red hue but also a delight for the taste buds. The beauty of this cake lies in its poke method, where holes are created in the cake to allow a luscious cream cheese filling to seep in, infusing every bite with rich flavor and moisture.

I love making this cake for holiday gatherings because it’s always a showstopper! The moment I set it on the table, everyone’s eyes light up, and there’s something so special about seeing that bright red cake amidst the usual holiday treats. The whipped cream frosting adds a light and airy touch, perfectly balancing the richness of the cake and filling.

One of my favorite memories associated with this cake is the first time I brought it to a family Christmas party. The laughter and chatter filled the room, and when I served the cake, the joy it brought was contagious. Everyone raved about the flavors, and I loved sharing the recipe with family members who wanted to recreate it at home. This Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a way to create sweet memories with loved ones during the most wonderful time of the year!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake will become a holiday favorite:

• Stunning Presentation: The bright red color makes it a showstopper on any dessert table.
• Moist and Flavorful: The poke method infuses the cake with creamy filling, keeping it moist and flavorful.
• Cream Cheese Delight: The cream cheese filling adds a rich and tangy contrast to the sweet cake.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps and easy ingredients make this cake a breeze to prepare.
• Customizable Toppings: Decorate with holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or fresh berries.
• Feeds a Crowd: This cake is perfect for serving large gatherings or holiday parties.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the cake in advance and chill it until ready to serve.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun and festive dessert that kids will love.
• Versatile: Enjoy this cake not only at Christmas but throughout the winter season.
• Great for Leftovers: This cake stays moist and delicious for days, making it perfect for enjoying later.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: Approximately 4 hours (includes cooling time)
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Chilling Time: 3 hours
• Servings: 12-16 slices
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Fat: 18g, Carbohydrates: 45g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for your Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake:

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white vinegar

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Red Food Coloring: Gives the cake its iconic red color, perfect for the holiday season.
• Cream Cheese: Adds richness and tanginess, balancing the sweetness of the cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake:

Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until smooth.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined and smooth.
5. Bake Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. Beat Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
2. Add Sugar and Cream: Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until creamy and smooth.

Poke the Cake

1. Poke Holes: Once the cake is completely cooled, use the end of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cake, about 1 inch apart.
2. Fill with Cream Cheese Mixture: Spread the cream cheese filling over the top of the cake, ensuring the mixture fills the holes.

Prepare the Topping

1. Whip Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. Frost the Cake: Spread the whipped cream topping evenly over the cream cheese filling.

Chill and Serve

1. Chill Cake: Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
2. Serve: Before serving, top with festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes if desired. Slice and enjoy your Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake!

How to Serve

Here are some delightful ways to enjoy Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake:

• Slice and Serve: Cut into squares and serve on festive plates for a beautiful presentation.
• Add Fresh Berries: Top each slice with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a pop of color and flavor.
• Pair with Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for an extra treat.
• Garnish with Mint: Add a sprig of fresh mint for a refreshing touch.
• Use Holiday Plates: Serve on holiday-themed dinnerware to enhance the festive spirit.
• Include Coffee or Tea: Offer coffee or tea alongside for a delightful dessert experience.
• Make Mini Cakes: Bake in smaller pans for individual servings at parties or gatherings.
• Drizzle Chocolate Sauce: Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for an indulgent touch.
• Pack for Picnics: Cut slices and pack them for holiday picnics or gatherings.
• Gift in a Jar: Layer ingredients in a jar for a homemade gift idea.

Additional Tips

Make the most of your Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake with these handy tips:

• Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is accurately calibrated for even baking.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for better mixing.
• Customize the Filling: Experiment with different flavors of filling, such as vanilla or chocolate.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cake to avoid drying it out; it should be moist.
• Let Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before poking and filling for the best texture.
• Use a Plastic Wrap Cover: Cover the cake tightly in the fridge to prevent it from drying out.
• Chill for Best Flavor: The longer the cake chills, the better the flavors meld together.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring provides a more vibrant color than liquid.
• Save Some Filling: Reserve a bit of cream cheese filling for piping decorations on top.

Recipe Variations

Switch up your Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake with these creative variations:

• Chocolate Red Velvet: Use chocolate cake mix instead of red velvet for a double chocolate version.
• Mint Chocolate Chip: Add mint extract and fold in mini chocolate chips for a minty twist.
• Peppermint Bark Poke Cake: Top with crushed peppermint bark for a festive crunch.
• Coconut Red Velvet: Mix shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical twist.
• Cheesecake Layer: Add a layer of cheesecake between the cake and topping for extra creaminess.
• Spiced Red Velvet: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a spiced flavor profile.
• Carrot Red Velvet: Mix in finely grated carrots for a healthy twist.
• Pineapple Red Velvet: Add crushed pineapple for moisture and a fruity flavor.
• Coffee Red Velvet: Infuse with espresso powder for a coffee-flavored cake.
• Layered Cake: Bake two layers and stack them with cream cheese filling in between for a layered effect.

Freezing and Storage

Follow these guidelines for storing Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake to keep it fresh:

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to a week for extended freshness.
• Freezing: Freeze individual slices in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Special Equipment

These tools will help you make Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake with ease:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: The perfect size for this poke cake.
• Electric Mixer: For beating the cream cheese filling and whipped cream.
• Wooden Spoon or Skewer: For poking holes in the cake.
• Wire Rack: To cool the cake completely.
• Rubber Spatula: For spreading the cream cheese filling and whipped cream evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Piping Bag (optional): For decorating the top of the cake with cream cheese filling or whipped cream.
• Plastic Wrap: For covering the cake while it chills in the refrigerator.
• Serving Platter: To present the cake beautifully at your holiday gatherings.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake:

1. Can I use a cake mix instead of making it from scratch?
   Yes, you can use a red velvet cake mix for a quicker preparation.
2. How can I make the cake gluten-free?
   Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
3. Can I use different fillings?
   Absolutely! Try vanilla pudding or a chocolate ganache for different flavors.
4. How do I prevent the cake from falling apart?
   Ensure it’s completely cooled before poking and filling to maintain its structure.
5. What can I do if I don’t have buttermilk?
   You can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
6. Can I decorate the cake in advance?
   Yes, you can decorate it a day in advance, but keep it refrigerated until serving.
7. What is the best way to serve the cake?
   Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture, and top with festive sprinkles.
8. Can I freeze the cake?
   Yes, you can freeze individual slices for up to 3 months; just be sure to wrap them well.
9. How should I store leftovers?
   Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
10. Is this cake suitable for other occasions?
    Yes, the vibrant color and flavor make it great for birthdays and other celebrations too!

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Conclusion

Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is a delightful and festive dessert that will impress your guests this holiday season. This cake features a moist, rich red velvet base that’s been poked and filled with a creamy filling, topped with a light, fluffy whipped topping that adds the perfect finishing touch. Its stunning appearance and delicious flavor make it an ideal centerpiece for your holiday dessert table.

The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it to your liking. Consider adding festive sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of chocolate ganache to enhance its visual appeal and flavor profile. This cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it perfect for any celebration.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking to bring some joy to your family, enjoy a slice of this beautiful cake and create lasting memories around the dessert table. I can’t wait to see how your Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy baking!