Description
Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is a festive holiday dessert made with tender white cake, tart cranberry sauce, and creamy whipped topping. The cake is ‘poked’ to absorb sweet-tart cranberry flavor, creating a moist and vibrant treat perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- Optional: sugared cranberries, orange zest, or white chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare cake mix according to package instructions. Bake in a 9×13-inch pan and let cool slightly.
- In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, water, sugar, and vanilla. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
- Pour or spoon warm cranberry mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Let the cake cool completely.
- Spread whipped topping evenly over the cooled cake.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish as desired before serving.
Notes
- Use homemade cranberry sauce if preferred.
- Add orange zest to the cranberry mixture for extra flavor.
- Top with sugared cranberries or chopped pistachios for a festive touch.
- Best made a few hours in advance to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cranberry poke cake, Christmas dessert, holiday cake, festive cranberry cake, poke cake