Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is a festive and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. This cake is a showstopper that combines the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet with a gooey, sweet surprise inside. By poking holes into the freshly baked cake and filling them with sweetened condensed milk and hot fudge, this poke cake becomes a decadent treat that everyone will love. Topped with a fluffy whipped topping, white chocolate chips, and colorful sprinkles, it’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

This easy-to-make dessert can be prepared ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for Christmas dinner or any holiday gathering. The vibrant red color of the cake, paired with the festive toppings, brings holiday cheer to the table. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or attending a potluck, this cake is sure to steal the spotlight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Festive and Fun

The bright red color and sprinkles make this cake a visually stunning centerpiece for your holiday celebrations. It’s perfect for Christmas parties and gatherings.

2. Easy to Make

Using a box of red velvet cake mix makes this recipe simple and quick to prepare, yet it tastes like an indulgent homemade dessert.

3. Rich and Gooey

The combination of sweetened condensed milk and hot fudge sauce that fills the holes in the cake creates a rich, gooey, and moist texture that makes every bite irresistible.

4. Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert

This poke cake can be made ahead and refrigerated for several hours, so it’s a great option for busy holiday schedules when you need dessert ready in advance.

5. Customizable Toppings

While the recipe calls for whipped topping, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles, you can easily customize the toppings to suit your tastes by adding crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Ingredients

Red velvet cake mix (plus the ingredients listed on the box)
Sweetened condensed milk
Hot fudge sauce
Whipped topping
White chocolate chips
Sprinkles

Variations

Peppermint Poke Cake: Add crushed candy canes on top for a minty twist that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and red velvet.
Nutty Version: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the top of the cake along with the whipped topping for added texture and flavor.
Cream Cheese Filling: Replace the whipped topping with a cream cheese frosting for a richer, tangy flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Prepare and bake the red velvet cake according to the package instructions. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Poke the Cake

Once the cake has cooled slightly, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar utensil to poke holes all over the cake.

Step 3: Pour the Sweetened Condensed Milk

Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, making sure it soaks into the holes you created.

Step 4: Add the Hot Fudge Sauce

Heat the hot fudge sauce in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Pour it evenly over the cake, making sure to cover the entire surface.

Step 5: Refrigerate

Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.

Step 6: Add Toppings

Once chilled, top the cake with whipped topping, sprinkle white chocolate chips over the surface, and add colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.

Step 7: Serve

Cut into squares and serve the cake chilled for the best experience.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Cake: Follow the baking instructions carefully to avoid overbaking the cake, which can cause it to become dry.
Let the Cake Cool Slightly: Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before poking holes in it to prevent it from falling apart.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother texture, let the sweetened condensed milk and hot fudge sauce come to room temperature before using them.

How to Serve

This cake is best served chilled. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Perfect for Christmas dinners, potlucks, and holiday parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover poke cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This cake is best eaten within a few days for optimal texture and flavor.

Freezing

While the cake can technically be frozen, the whipped topping may not hold up well after freezing and thawing. It’s best to enjoy the cake fresh or within a few days of making it.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices of the cake in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer it warm, but it’s delicious both chilled and at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake without a cake mix?

Yes, you can use a homemade red velvet cake recipe if you prefer. Just make sure the cake is fully cooled before poking holes in it.

2. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

While red velvet works wonderfully in this recipe, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate or vanilla for a different twist.

3. How long can I refrigerate the cake?

For the best texture, refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, but it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

4. Can I use homemade fudge sauce?

Absolutely! If you have homemade fudge sauce, you can substitute it for the store-bought variety for a more personalized touch.

5. Can I make this cake without sweetened condensed milk?

Sweetened condensed milk is crucial for achieving the gooey texture of the cake, so it’s best not to skip it. However, you could try using regular milk with added sugar as an alternative.

6. Can I use a different topping than whipped cream?

Yes, you can use a different topping, like homemade whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, or even a rich ganache.

7. Can I freeze this poke cake?

It’s not ideal to freeze the cake due to the whipped topping, which may not thaw well. However, you can freeze the cake base without the toppings.

8. How do I make the cake less sweet?

If you find the cake too sweet, try using less sweetened condensed milk or using a reduced-sugar version.

9. Can I use different kinds of chips for topping?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips in place of the white chocolate chips for a different flavor.

10. Can I add fruit to the cake?

Yes, you can add fruit like raspberries or strawberries to the top of the cake before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Conclusion

Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is an irresistibly decadent dessert that will make your holiday celebrations extra special. With its rich, gooey center, fluffy topping, and festive appearance, it’s bound to become a holiday favorite. Simple to make yet luxurious in flavor, this cake brings together all the indulgent qualities of Christmas into one bite-sized delight. Whether for a family gathering or a holiday party, this poke cake is sure to impress your guests and make your Christmas celebrations even sweeter!