The Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is a delightful and colorful holiday dessert that combines the tartness of cranberry with the sweetness of a moist white cake. It’s perfect for bringing a touch of festive flavor to your holiday gatherings. With its beautiful color and simple preparation, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

1 box white cake mix
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Prepare the white cake mix according to package instructions, adding water, vegetable oil, and eggs as directed. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface.
In a small saucepan, heat the cranberry sauce over low heat until it is warmed through.
Pour the warm cranberry sauce over the cake, ensuring it fills all the holes and absorbs into the cake.
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze.
Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to spread evenly.
Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

Add a Layer of Whipped Cream: For an extra layer of sweetness, top the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a layer of Cool Whip before serving.
Cranberry and Orange Zest: For a citrusy twist, mix some freshly grated orange zest into the cranberry sauce.
Flavor Swap: While the white cake works beautifully with cranberry sauce, you can also try a vanilla or yellow cake mix for a different flavor base.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop as the cake sits.
Reheating: This cake is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, you can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

10 FAQs

Can I make this cake in advance? Yes, you can make the cake a day or two ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce? While fresh cranberries can be used to make a homemade sauce, canned whole berry cranberry sauce is convenient and provides the right texture and flavor for this recipe.
Can I freeze this cake? Yes, you can freeze this cake for up to 2-3 months. However, the glaze may not hold up as well once frozen.
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix? Yes, if you prefer a different flavor, you can try a yellow cake mix or a lemon cake mix to complement the cranberry flavor.
Can I make this cake without the glaze? Yes, the cake is still delicious without the glaze, though the glaze adds a nice sweetness and finish.
How long should I let the cake cool before serving? The cake should be cooled completely before serving to allow the cranberry sauce and glaze to set properly.
Can I use low-fat or sugar-free cranberry sauce? Yes, you can use low-fat or sugar-free cranberry sauce if you prefer, but it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
What other toppings can I add? Whipped cream, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce would all make great toppings for this cake.
Can I use a round cake pan instead of a 9×13 dish? Yes, you can use a round cake pan, but you will need to adjust the baking time as the cake will cook differently in a smaller pan.
Can I substitute the milk in the glaze? Yes, you can substitute the milk with heavy cream for a richer glaze or use a non-dairy milk for a dairy-free option.

Conclusion

The Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is an easy, beautiful, and delicious dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. The combination of tart cranberry sauce, a moist cake, and a sweet glaze makes this dessert a holiday favorite. It’s simple to prepare and can be customized with variations like whipped cream or citrus zest. Whether you make it ahead of time or enjoy it fresh, this cake is sure to be a hit at your Christmas celebrations.