Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe

Cranberry Poke Cake is a beautiful and festive dessert that combines the tartness of cranberry with the light, moist texture of cake. This dessert is perfect for the holiday season, but it’s also delicious enough to enjoy year-round. The cake is poked and filled with a vibrant, sweet cranberry filling, which creates a delightful contrast of flavors. Topped with a creamy whipped topping, this dessert is light, refreshing, and just the right amount of sweet and tart. If you’re craving a dessert that’s both comforting and festive, this Cranberry Poke Cake is the perfect choice. It’s not overly heavy, and the cranberry flavor adds a wonderful seasonal twist. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or just looking for a unique dessert, this cake is sure to impress.

Necessary Kitchen Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fork or skewer (for poking)
• Spatula
• Piping bag (optional, for topping)

Overview of Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need a simple white cake mix, along with a few ingredients to make the cake moist and flavorful. The cranberry filling adds a burst of color and a sweet-tart punch, and the whipped topping gives it that extra creaminess. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need:

• White or yellow cake mix
• Eggs
• Oil
• Water
• Cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)
• Fresh cranberries (for garnish, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions. This will usually involve mixing the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water. Stir until smooth and pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
2. Bake the Cake
   Bake the cake for the time recommended on the package (usually about 30 minutes), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes.
3. Poke the Cake
   Once the cake is cooled slightly, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Be sure to poke all the way down to the bottom, but not too deep to break through the cake completely.
4. Prepare the Cranberry Filling
   In a mixing bowl, combine the cranberry sauce and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until smooth. If you want a chunkier texture, you can leave the cranberry sauce as is, or if you prefer a smoother consistency, you can blend it for a bit.
5. Fill the Cake
   Slowly pour the cranberry filling over the top of the cake, making sure it gets into all the holes. Use a spatula to gently spread it evenly. Let the cake sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the filling to soak into the cake.
6. Top with Whipped Topping
   Once the cake has absorbed the cranberry filling, spread a generous layer of whipped topping over the entire surface. You can use store-bought whipped topping or make your own whipped cream. For a decorative touch, you can pipe the whipped topping into rosettes around the edges.
7. Chill and Serve
   Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to firm up. Garnish with fresh cranberries, if desired, before serving.

Recipe Tips

• If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk in the cranberry filling.
• To make this recipe even more festive, add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or some grated white chocolate on top of the whipped topping.
• For an extra burst of cranberry flavor, mix in some fresh cranberry sauce with the canned version or use a homemade cranberry compote.
• If you’re using a store-bought cake mix, feel free to make the cake from scratch for an extra homemade touch!

What to Serve with This Recipe
Cranberry Poke Cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee, especially during the winter months. If you’re serving this for dessert at a holiday dinner, try pairing it with roasted vegetables or a light salad to balance the sweetness of the cake. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side also makes a delicious contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cake flavor?
Yes, you can swap out the white or yellow cake mix for a spice cake or even a chocolate cake for a twist. The cranberry filling will still be the star of the dessert!

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cake up to 2 days in advance. Just make sure to store it in the fridge, as it needs to be chilled to set properly.

Can I use fresh cranberries for the filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but they need to be cooked down and sweetened before adding to the filling. Simmer fresh cranberries with sugar and water until they pop and soften, then proceed with the recipe.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream will give the cake an extra creamy texture and rich flavor. Just make sure to whip it until stiff peaks form before spreading it over the cake.

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fork or skewer
• Spatula
• Piping bag (optional)

Ingredients

• 1 box white or yellow cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1 cup water
• 1 can cranberry sauce (14 oz)
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
• 1 tub whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)
• Fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare and bake the cake according to package instructions.
2. After cooling, poke holes in the cake with a fork.
3. Mix cranberry sauce and sweetened condensed milk, then pour over the cake.
4. Spread whipped topping over the cake.
5. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving, garnishing with fresh cranberries if desired.

Notes

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• For a more decadent dessert, add a layer of chocolate ganache before the whipped topping.
• You can use a variety of cake flavors, but the lightness of a white or yellow cake complements the tart cranberry filling best.

Enjoy this festive and flavorful Cranberry Poke Cake at your next holiday gathering, and let its vibrant color and sweet-tart flavor steal the show!