When it comes to holiday desserts, nothing strikes a more festive chord than a Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake. Imagine a fluffy cake bursting with the tartness of cranberries, drenched in a luscious glaze, and topped with whipped cream. perfect holiday cookies It’s like Santa himself decided to drop off a treat that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. pumpkin tiramisu cookies The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone gathering around, eagerly anticipating their first bite.
This delightful dessert carries memories of cozy family gatherings, where laughter and cheer fill the air. Picture this: your aunt, with her trademark laugh, accidentally spills half the cranberry sauce while attempting to show off her “cake-decorating skills.” The result? A hilarious kitchen disaster that somehow makes this poke cake even more memorable. fun Christmas baking activity Perfect for Christmas parties or Sunday dinners, this recipe promises to leave your guests raving about its incredible flavor long after the last slice is gone.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe is easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort
- Its vibrant red color makes it visually stunning at any holiday spread
- The blend of sweet and tart flavors creates an unforgettable taste experience that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt for various occasions beyond Christmas!
One time, my cousin took one bite and declared it “the best cake he’s ever tasted,” right before dropping his fork in shock as he realized he was supposed to be on a diet! For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your cake; stick to high-quality flour for better texture.
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Cranberry Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought; just make sure it’s not too chunky for even distribution. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving Cranberry Stuffing Balls recipe.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; you can adjust the amount based on your taste preference. cinnamon roll blondies.
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Baking Powder: Fresh baking powder ensures a light and fluffy cake; check the expiration date if you’re unsure.
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Eggs: Large eggs help bind everything together and provide moisture; always use room temperature eggs for best results.
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Milk: Whole milk or buttermilk adds richness; buttermilk gives an extra tangy flavor that pairs well with cranberries.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract brings warmth and depth; skip imitation vanilla for better results.
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Whipped Topping: Lighten up the dessert with whipped topping or fresh whipped cream for garnishing at the end.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat and Prepare Your Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal later.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until evenly mixed; this step helps avoid any lumps in your batter.
Blend Wet Ingredients in Another Bowl: In another bowl, beat together eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creates a lovely base for your cake.
Combine Both Mixtures into Batter: Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture while stirring gently. You want everything combined but don’t overmix—this keeps your cake light and airy.
Bake Your Cake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when ready.
Poke Holes and Add Cranberry Sauce: Once baked, take your cake out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over the surface—this allows the cranberry sauce to seep in beautifully.
Spread That Gorgeous Cranberry Sauce On Top!: Warm up your cranberry sauce slightly so it spreads easily over the cake. Pour it evenly across those adorable holes you’ve created—this ensures every bite has that delightful flavor punch.
Add Whipped Topping for Final Touches: After allowing some time for it to cool completely, finish with a generous layer of whipped topping on top. You can also garnish with additional cranberries or festive sprinkles if you’re feeling fancy!
Now all that’s left is cutting yourself a slice (or two) of this scrumptious Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake! Enjoy every mouthful of joy as you share it with loved ones during this magical season.
You Must Know
- This delightful Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is not just a festive treat; it’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for any holiday gathering
- The vibrant cranberries and creamy frosting combine for a stunning presentation that will have everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve a moist cake, bake it first, then poke holes while it’s warm to absorb the cranberry sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the cranberries with other berries or add nuts for extra crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake recipe shines when you use fresh cranberries instead of canned ones; it makes all the difference
- Remember to poke holes evenly across the cake so every bite is full of flavor
- And don’t skip chilling time; it enhances the taste!
Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of my family gathered around the table, enjoying laughter, joy, and lots of cake.
FAQ
What makes this Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake special?
The combination of flavors and textures creates a uniquely festive dessert anyone can enjoy.
Can I use frozen cranberries for this cake?
Yes, but ensure they are thawed and drained before using them in your recipe.
How long does this poke cake last in the fridge?
It remains delicious for up to three days if stored properly in an airtight container.
Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is a delightful holiday dessert that beautifully balances sweet and tart flavors. This fluffy cake is soaked in luscious cranberry sauce and topped with whipped cream, creating a festive treat that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for family gatherings or holiday parties, this cake not only impresses with its stunning appearance but also warms the heart with every delicious bite.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup whipped topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat together eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stirring gently to avoid overmixing.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool slightly before poking holes all over its surface.
- Warm the cranberry sauce and spread it evenly over the cake to absorb into the holes.
- Allow it to cool completely, then top with whipped topping before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (95g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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