Christmas is the time for indulgent treats, and what better way to celebrate than with a festive, vibrant cake that’s rich in flavor and perfect for the season? The Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is the ultimate dessert for your holiday gatherings. This decadent cake features the irresistible flavors of red velvet, a creamy, sweet filling that soaks into every bite, and a rich, fudgy topping that’s simply divine. The addition of whipped topping and sprinkles adds a touch of lightness and cheer, making it a visually stunning treat that’s sure to impress your guests.

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a show-stopping dessert to bring to a party, this poke cake will satisfy your sweet tooth and bring festive joy to your holiday table. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, making it a stress-free option for busy holiday cooks. The best part? It can be made ahead, so you can focus on the other holiday festivities without worrying about dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for Christmas Celebrations

The bright red velvet cake and festive toppings make this dessert perfect for holiday parties, Christmas dinners, or any special occasion.

2. Decadent and Moist

The poke cake method ensures the cake is incredibly moist and filled with creamy sweetened condensed milk and rich hot fudge, creating a deliciously indulgent treat.

3. Easy to Make

With just a cake mix and a few simple toppings, this dessert is quick to prepare, making it an ideal option for busy holiday baking.

4. Make-Ahead Option

The cake needs to chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, so it can be made ahead of time, allowing you to plan your holiday meal without stress.

5. Customizable Toppings

You can easily adjust the toppings with different chocolate chips, or even add crushed candy canes, caramel drizzle, or nuts for added texture and flavor.

Ingredients

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

Variations

Add Peppermint: For a minty twist, top the cake with crushed peppermint candies or add a drop of peppermint extract to the whipped topping.
Use Dark Chocolate Fudge: If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, swap the hot fudge sauce for dark chocolate fudge sauce.
Add Berries: Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries can be added on top for a fruity contrast to the richness of the cake.
Nuts or Caramel: For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Prepare and bake the red velvet cake according to the instructions on the box. Once baked, let the cake cool for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Poke Holes in the Cake

Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake while it’s still warm. This allows the filling to soak in.

Step 3: Pour the Sweetened Condensed Milk

Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes for a moist, flavorful base.

Step 4: Add the Hot Fudge

Heat the hot fudge sauce in the microwave for 30 seconds and then pour it over the cake, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Step 5: Refrigerate

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the cake to fully absorb the filling.

Step 6: Top with Whipped Topping and Garnish

Once the cake has chilled, spread the whipped topping over the cake. Sprinkle with white chocolate chips and festive sprinkles for a final touch.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Make Sure the Cake Cools Properly: Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before poking holes, so it doesn’t crumble too much when you poke it.
Soak the Cake Thoroughly: Be sure to pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly, allowing it to fully soak into the cake for a moist, flavorful result.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the whipped topping is thawed and that the hot fudge sauce is warm to help it spread more easily.
Chill Long Enough: Don’t rush the chilling process; letting the cake cool for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to develop and the cake to set properly.

How to Serve

Serve the cake chilled for the best texture and flavor. It can be served on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. This cake also makes a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The cake will remain moist and flavorful.

Freezing

This cake is not ideal for freezing due to its moist texture, but you can freeze individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Allow them to thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this cake. It’s best served chilled, so simply pull it from the fridge before serving.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can make the red velvet cake from scratch, but using a cake mix makes the recipe much quicker and easier.

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

While red velvet is traditional, you can substitute with any cake mix flavor you like, such as chocolate or vanilla, for a different twist.

3. Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes! This cake needs to chill for at least 2 hours before serving, so it’s a great make-ahead dessert for parties or holiday dinners.

4. What can I use instead of whipped topping?

If you prefer, you can use homemade whipped cream or whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

5. Can I use a different topping instead of chocolate chips?

Yes, feel free to use milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even crushed candy bars or peppermint pieces for added flavor.

6. How can I make this cake less sweet?

If you want a less sweet version, use a homemade cake recipe and reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk or fudge sauce.

7. Can I decorate this cake with other garnishes?

Absolutely! You can add extra holiday-themed decorations such as crushed candy canes, edible glitter, or even small holiday figurines.

8. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the red velvet cake mix with a gluten-free version to make this dessert suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

9. How long can I store the cake in the fridge?

The cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it great for enjoying leftovers over the holidays.

10. Can I use store-bought hot fudge sauce?

Yes, store-bought hot fudge sauce works perfectly for this recipe, but feel free to make your own if you prefer a homemade touch.

Conclusion

The Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is the ultimate holiday dessert, offering a festive, moist, and indulgent treat that will impress your guests and add to the joy of the season. With its simple preparation and beautiful presentation, it’s a dessert that combines the best of red velvet cake, fudge, and whipped topping in one festive package. Whether for Christmas or any other holiday celebration, this cake is sure to become a new favorite tradition in your family’s dessert lineup.