Christmas Poke Cake is a festive and fun dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. This cake is a creamy, colorful treat that combines the lightness of white cake with a rich, pudding filling and a topping of whipped cream. With its red and green decorations, it’s not only delicious but also adds a joyful touch to your holiday table.
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 egg whites
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- Red and green food coloring
- Sprinkles, for decorating
Directions
- Prepare and bake the white cake mix according to package directions for a 9×13-inch cake.
- Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes, then poke holes all over the top using the end of a wooden spoon.
- In a bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth. Pour the pudding over the cake, making sure it fills the holes.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to set the pudding.
- Once the cake has chilled, spread the whipped topping over the top.
- Divide the whipped topping into two portions and dye one portion red and the other green. Decorate the cake with the colored whipped topping and sprinkles.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Variations
- Flavor Variations: Switch up the flavor by using a flavored cake mix such as strawberry or chocolate for a different twist.
- Topping Variations: You can add chopped candy canes, mini chocolate chips, or even crushed gingerbread cookies for extra texture and flavor.
- Pudding Variations: Try using different flavors of pudding, such as chocolate or butterscotch, for a unique flavor combination.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This cake is best served chilled, so no reheating is necessary.
10 FAQs
- Can I use a different cake mix flavor? Yes, you can use a variety of cake mixes like chocolate, strawberry, or even funfetti for different flavors.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can make this cake a day in advance. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Can I use regular whipped cream instead of frozen whipped topping? Yes, you can use freshly whipped cream instead, but be sure to whip it to stiff peaks before spreading it on the cake.
- Can I substitute the instant vanilla pudding with another flavor? Yes, you can use other pudding flavors like chocolate, banana, or butterscotch, depending on your taste preference.
- How do I get the food coloring to work well with the whipped topping? Add the food coloring slowly, one drop at a time, until you achieve the desired color. Be sure to mix gently to avoid deflating the whipped topping.
- Can I make this cake without food coloring? Yes, you can skip the food coloring if you prefer a simpler look or if you’re using a different theme for your cake.
- How do I ensure the pudding fills all the holes in the cake? Pour the pudding over the cake slowly, making sure it seeps into the holes. You can gently spread it with a spatula to make sure the filling is even.
- Can I use a different type of milk for the pudding? Yes, you can use almond milk, coconut milk, or any milk substitute for the pudding mix.
- How do I keep the whipped topping from melting? Keep the cake refrigerated until it’s time to serve. If you’re serving it outdoors, try to keep it in a cool place to prevent the topping from melting.
- Can I freeze the Christmas Poke Cake? It’s not recommended to freeze this cake because the whipped topping may lose its texture. However, you can freeze the cake without the topping and then add it when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Christmas Poke Cake is a delightful, easy-to-make holiday dessert that adds festive cheer to any occasion. With its creamy pudding filling, colorful topping, and simple ingredients, it’s the perfect treat to share with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or just enjoying a cozy holiday evening, this cake will surely bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Print
Christmas Poke Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This festive Christmas Poke Cake is a fun and easy holiday dessert! A white cake is soaked with creamy vanilla pudding, topped with colorful whipped topping, and decorated with sprinkles for a festive treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box white cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 egg whites
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- Red and green food coloring
- Sprinkles, for decorating
Instructions
- Prepare and bake the white cake mix according to package directions for a 9×13-inch cake.
- Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes, then poke holes all over the top using the end of a wooden spoon.
- In a bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth. Pour the pudding over the cake, making sure it fills the holes.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to set the pudding.
- Once the cake has chilled, spread the whipped topping over the top.
- Divide the whipped topping into two portions and dye one portion red and the other green. Decorate the cake with the colored whipped topping and sprinkles.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Be sure to poke holes in the cake while it’s still warm so the pudding can absorb properly.
- You can use any color of food coloring or festive decorations for different occasions.
- If you want to make it extra creamy, use heavy cream instead of the whipped topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes