Oh, the magic of the holiday season! Every Christmas, I find myself whipping up this delightful Christmas poke cake, and it never fails to bring smiles to my family’s faces. It’s such a festive treat, with its creamy layers and colorful sprinkles that just scream “celebration!” I remember the first time I made it; the joy was palpable as we gathered around the table, the sweet scent of vanilla filling the air. It became our holiday tradition, a cake that not only pleases the palate but also warms the heart. Whether it’s a big family gathering or a cozy evening at home, this cake is always the star of the show. Trust me, it’s the perfect addition to your Christmas festivities—easy to make and oh-so-delicious!
Ingredients List
To create this festive Christmas poke cake, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Don’t worry, it’s all straightforward and easy to find! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green sprinkles (for that festive touch!)
(Tip: Make sure to have everything measured out and ready to go before you start. It makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable!)
How to Prepare Christmas Poke Cake
Getting ready to whip up this delicious Christmas poke cake is half the fun! I’m going to walk you through each step, making everything as easy and fun as can be. Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Cake
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s super important to get that oven nice and warm! While it’s heating up, grab your box of vanilla cake mix and follow the instructions on the back. Usually, it’s a matter of mixing the cake mix with 3 large eggs and 1 cup of water. Once you’ve got that batter all mixed up, pour it into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Then, pop it into the oven for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Don’t rush this step—after it’s baked, let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling time is crucial because it helps the cake set and prevents it from falling apart when we poke those holes!
Adding the Filling
Now comes the fun part! Once your cake has cooled slightly, take a fork and poke holes all over the top. I like to make sure to get a good number of holes so that the sweetened condensed milk can really soak in. Speaking of which, grab your can of sweetened condensed milk and pour it evenly over the cake, letting it seep into those holes. It’s like a yummy little bath for the cake! Let it sit for a few minutes so the milk can do its magic and soak in. You’ll be amazed at how moist and flavorful your cake will become!
Topping the Cake
For the final touch, we’re going to whip up some cream! In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of heavy cream with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whip it until you get those lovely soft peaks! Then, gently spread the whipped cream over the entire cake. Don’t be shy; make it nice and fluffy! To finish, sprinkle on those festive red and green sprinkles. Wow, it looks beautiful and festive—perfect for any holiday gathering!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make this delightful Christmas poke cake, here are some of my top tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time!
- Chill for Flavor: After you’ve topped the cake with whipped cream, I highly recommend chilling it in the refrigerator for at least a few hours. This allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully, and trust me, it tastes even better when it’s cold!
- Make-Ahead Magic: This cake is fantastic for making a day in advance. Just prepare it as directed, chill overnight, and you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to impress your guests without any last-minute fuss.
- Personalize Your Sprinkles: While red and green sprinkles are perfect for Christmas, feel free to switch it up for other occasions! You could use pastel colors for spring, or even themed sprinkles for birthdays or Halloween. Get creative!
- Serving Suggestions: This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of extra whipped cream on the side. If you want to really wow your guests, drizzle a bit of chocolate or caramel sauce over the top before serving.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about 3-4 days, but I doubt it’ll last that long with how delicious it is!
With these tips, you’ll be sure to make a Christmas poke cake that’s not just festive but also a total showstopper!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers behind this delicious Christmas poke cake! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per slice:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 5g
So, while you’re enjoying this festive treat, you can keep these nutritional facts in mind. Remember, it’s all about balance and enjoying the holiday spirit!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your gorgeous Christmas poke cake ready to dazzle your guests, let’s talk about how to elevate that festive experience even further! Here are some delightful ideas to serve alongside your cake:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is the perfect accompaniment. The cold, smooth ice cream pairs beautifully with the moist cake, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
- Extra Whipped Cream: If you can’t get enough of that fluffy cream, serve some on the side! A dollop of whipped cream adds an extra layer of indulgence, and who wouldn’t want more of that?
- Hot Chocolate: For a cozy touch, why not whip up some rich hot chocolate? It’s a classic winter beverage that goes hand-in-hand with cake and will keep everyone warm and toasty!
- Festive Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of the cake. Use seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds, cranberries, and citrus to keep it festive and colorful!
- Chocolate or Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over each slice before serving for an extra decadent treat. The sauce adds a beautiful finishing touch and a burst of flavor!
These serving suggestions will not only enhance the enjoyment of your Christmas poke cake but also create a memorable experience for all your guests. Trust me, they’ll be raving about it long after the last slice is gone!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While vanilla is a classic choice for this Christmas poke cake, feel free to experiment with other flavors like chocolate or even red velvet for a festive twist. Just keep an eye on the flavors of the toppings you choose to pair with it!
How long can I store the poke cake in the fridge?
You can keep your delicious poke cake in the fridge for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. However, it’s so tasty that I bet it won’t last that long!
Can I freeze the Christmas poke cake?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. I recommend adding the whipped cream and sprinkles right before serving for the best texture!
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
This cake is best served chilled with extra whipped cream on the side or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzling some chocolate or caramel sauce over each slice adds a delightful touch!
Can I make this poke cake in advance?
Definitely! In fact, I encourage it. Making it a day ahead allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully. Just remember to chill it in the fridge after adding the toppings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Christmas poke cake comes together in no time! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a stunning dessert ready for any holiday gathering.
- Festive and Fun: The vibrant red and green sprinkles make this cake a showstopper on any festive table. It’s a dessert that truly captures the spirit of Christmas!
- Moist and Flavorful: Thanks to the sweetened condensed milk soaking in, every bite of this cake is packed with moisture and flavor, making it utterly irresistible.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 12 generous servings, it’s ideal for parties and family gatherings. Everyone will be coming back for seconds!
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the flavors and sprinkles for any occasion, making this cake versatile for year-round celebrations!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve indulged in your delicious Christmas poke cake, you might find yourself with some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store it properly so you can enjoy it even longer:
- Storing Leftovers: Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any other flavors from the fridge.
- Chill Before Serving: If you prefer it chilled (which I highly recommend), you can enjoy it straight from the fridge! The flavors meld beautifully when it’s cold, making it taste just as delightful as when you first made it.
- Reheating Tips: If you want to warm it up a bit, you can gently microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it! You want it warm, not hot, to maintain that lovely creamy texture of the whipped topping.
- Assembly Before Serving: If you’ve made the cake in advance and stored it, I suggest adding fresh whipped cream and sprinkles just before serving. This will keep everything looking fresh and festive!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can keep enjoying your Christmas poke cake throughout the holiday season. Who wouldn’t want to savor that festive flavor a little longer?
Drucken
Christmas Poke Cake: 5 Festive Layers of Joy
- Gesamtzeit: 2 hours
- Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A festive dessert perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Zutaten
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green sprinkles
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes all over the cake with a fork.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Spread whipped cream over the cake.
- Top with red and green sprinkles.
Notes
- Chill the cake for a few hours before serving for best flavor.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Use different colors of sprinkles for other occasions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 25g
- Natrium: 180mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 8g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 50g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterin: 50mg
Keywords: Christmas poke cake, festive dessert, holiday cake
