If you’re looking to wow your holiday guests with a dessert that combines classic festive flavors and an irresistibly moist texture, this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake with White Chocolate and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine a luscious red velvet cake, punctuated with sweet pockets of creamy white chocolate and condensed milk, all topped off with a dreamy frosting made from smooth cream cheese and fluffy whipped topping. Every bite feels like a celebration in itself, perfectly capturing the joy and warmth of Christmas in dessert form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake with White Chocolate and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create its rich flavor and eye-catching color. Each component plays a specific role, trusting these basics is the secret to your cake’s irresistible charm.
- Red velvet cake mix: The base of the cake with that signature vibrant color and subtle cocoa flavor.
- Eggs, oil, and water: Vital for the perfect cake texture—moist and tender with a fine crumb.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds creamy sweetness that soaks into the cake’s holes, making it truly special.
- White chocolate chips: Melted and combined with the condensed milk for a luscious, silky layer of decadence.
- Cream cheese: Softened to create a tangy and rich frosting base that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Whipped in for lightness and a fluffy texture that makes the frosting heavenly.
- Vanilla extract: Just a touch to enhance the flavor depth of your frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the cream cheese frosting without graininess.
- Festive sprinkles or holiday decorations (optional): Add sparkle and fun for a joyful Christmas touch.
How to Make Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake with White Chocolate and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Start by preheating your oven according to the directions on your red velvet cake mix box. Prepare the batter using the cake mix, eggs, oil, and water exactly as instructed—this ensures your cake’s texture is just right. Pour the luscious batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes; this short rest time is perfect before the next step.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
This is where the magic begins! Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly all over the warm cake. These holes will act like little reservoirs, soaking up the delicious sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate mixture and making every bite incredibly moist and flavorful. Taking the time to space the holes well ensures even distribution of the filling.
Step 3: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and White Chocolate
Mix the sweetened condensed milk and melted white chocolate until smooth and velvety. Pour this dreamy mixture evenly over the cake, making sure to fill all the holes you’ve poked. Allow the cake to absorb this luscious blend for at least 30 minutes—this step transforms the cake into a decadent treat with creamy pockets of sweetness nestled within its crumb.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
While the cake is soaking, soften your cream cheese until it’s completely smooth. Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until well combined, then gently fold in the whipped topping. This method keeps the frosting light, fluffy, and packed with just the right amount of tang and sweetness, making it the perfect complement to the rich cake beneath.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
Once your cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top in a thick, smooth layer. This frosting adds a cool contrast to the warm, rich layers underneath, making every slice utterly delightful and visually inviting.
Step 6: Decorate
Finally, bring in the festive spirit with a generous sprinkle of holiday-themed decorations. Whether you choose classic red and green sprinkles, edible glitter, or any other festive adornment, these extra touches make this poke cake even more special for Christmas. Chill your masterpiece for at least 30 minutes before slicing to let the flavors settle and the frosting firm up.
How to Serve Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake with White Chocolate and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like crushed peppermint candy, fresh cranberries, or a light dusting of cocoa powder can elevate your Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake with White Chocolate and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe further. These little accents add an extra layer of texture and festive flavor, making your dessert table truly sparkle.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of rich, warm coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance its sweetness. For holiday parties, consider serving alongside fresh fruit salad or a light citrus sorbet to refresh the palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the cake in clear glass trifle bowls layered with extra whipped cream and berries for a stunning holiday dessert display. Alternatively, cut the cake into mini squares and serve on decorative plates with holiday-themed napkins for an easy-to-enjoy finger food at your festive gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers of the Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake with White Chocolate and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator. The cake’s moisture-rich layers keep it wonderfully fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for savoring a little extra holiday sweetness later.
Freezing
You can freeze this poke cake, but it’s best to do so before frosting and decorating. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before frosting and decorating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
This cake is usually enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If you prefer it slightly warmer, allow the refrigerated slice to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting without melting it.
FAQs
Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of the cake mix?
Absolutely! While the boxed mix offers convenience, a homemade red velvet cake recipe will work beautifully and allow you to customize flavors and texture even more. Just be sure your cake is sturdy enough to hold the poke and soak-in process.
What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?
If you don’t have white chocolate chips, you can substitute with white chocolate bars chopped and melted carefully. Avoid using white chocolate-flavored chips that may have less cocoa butter as they might not melt as smoothly.
Can I use regular whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes, you can use freshly whipped cream for a lighter frosting, but keep in mind it’s less stable than whipped toppings like Cool Whip. Your frosting might be softer and should be served relatively soon after assembling the cake.
How long should I let the cake absorb the sweetened condensed milk and white chocolate mixture?
At least 30 minutes is ideal so the cake soaks up all that beautiful creamy sweetness evenly. For even better results, you can let it rest a bit longer, but avoid letting it sit too long before frosting to maintain the best texture.
Can I prepare this dessert a day ahead?
Definitely! In fact, making this cake a day ahead lets the flavors meld beautifully. Just cover and refrigerate it overnight, and bring it out about 20 minutes before serving for the best taste and texture experience.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake with White Chocolate and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is truly a holiday treasure that promises smiles all around the table. It’s a dessert that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat, capturing the essence of Christmas in every luscious bite. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’re sure to make it a new seasonal favorite that keeps people coming back for more.
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Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake with White Chocolate and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake combines the classic rich red velvet flavor with a luscious white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk drizzle that seeps into every bite. Topped with a creamy whipped cream cheese frosting and decorated with holiday sprinkles, this cake is perfect for celebrating the season with a moist, flavorful, and visually stunning dessert.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as per box instructions)
Filling
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted
Frosting
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
Decoration
- Festive sprinkles or holiday-themed decorations (optional)
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven according to the red velvet cake mix box instructions. Prepare the batter by mixing the cake mix with the required eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake as directed on the package. Once done, remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke the Cake: Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly all over the slightly cooled cake. This will allow the filling to soak deeply and make the cake moist.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and White Chocolate: In a small bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk with melted white chocolate, stirring until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the cake, filling the holes you made. Let the cake absorb this mixture for at least 30 minutes, then cool completely.
- Prepare the Topping: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat again until fully combined. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake, creating a thick and smooth layer.
- Decorate: Sprinkle festive holiday decorations, such as red and green sprinkles or edible glitter, over the frosted cake. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving to set the frosting and enhance flavors.
Notes
- This cake is best served chilled to maintain the frosting’s texture and flavor.
- Ensure the white chocolate chips are fully melted and smooth for best absorption into the cake.
- You can substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream if preferred.
- For an extra festive touch, use themed holiday sprinkles or edible glitter.
- Make sure the cake is slightly cooled before poking holes to avoid breaking the cake surface.
