Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke is a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. This cake, infused with tangy cranberry flavor, offers the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Every bite is a celebration, making it a fantastic choice for festive occasions. The combination of a moist yellow cake, rich cranberry sauce, and luscious whipped cream creates a memorable dessert that will impress your guests. Let’s dive into this amazing recipe together!

Why You’ll Love This Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke

There are numerous reasons to adore this Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it suitable for even novice bakers. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious Christmas Cranberry Cake that will wow your family and friends. The cake is not only visually stunning but also offers a burst of flavor, thanks to the whole cranberry sauce. This dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings, and the whipped cream topping adds a festive touch. Moreover, cranberries are packed with antioxidants, making this a healthier dessert option during the indulgent holiday season. Enjoy exploring the versatility of this cranberry poke recipe that can easily be tailored to your taste!

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Ingredients for Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke

Gather these items:

1 package (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
3 large eggs
1 cup water
1 can (15 oz) whole cranberry sauce
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh cranberries and mint leaves for garnish (optional)

How to Make Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, and water. Mix until well combined and smooth.
Step 3: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes.
Step 5: After cooling, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
Step 6: In a small saucepan, heat the cranberry sauce over low heat until warm. Pour the warm cranberry sauce evenly over the poked holes in the cake.
Step 7: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Step 8: Spread the whipped cream mixture evenly over the top of the cake.
Step 9: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
Step 10: Before serving, garnish with fresh cranberries and mint leaves if desired for a festive touch.

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Pro Tips for the Best Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh cranberries for garnish to add a pop of color and freshness.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice to the cranberry sauce.
Ensure your whipped cream is cold before whipping for the best texture.
Feel free to substitute the yellow cake mix with chocolate for a unique twist!

Best Ways to Serve Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke

This Festive Cranberry Poke Cake can be served in various delightful ways. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. Alternatively, serve it alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness. Another option is to accompany it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a rich twist. No matter how you serve it, this cake will surely be a hit at your holiday gathering!

How to Store and Reheat Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke

To store your cranberry poke cake for Christmas, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. This cake can be kept for up to 4 days. If you wish to reheat it, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Enjoy the flavors fresh and vibrant!

Frequently Asked Questions About Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke

What’s the secret to perfect Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke?

The secret lies in the quality of the cranberry sauce and the texture of the whipped cream. Always use high-quality ingredients to elevate the flavor of your cranberry poke recipe.

Can I make Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance. Just ensure you refrigerate it after frosting to keep it fresh and delicious for your guests.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure the cake is fully cooled before poking holes and pouring the cranberry sauce. Additionally, whip the cream to soft peaks to avoid a runny topping.

Variations of Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke You Can Try

There are plenty of ways to put a twist on this classic dessert. Consider using a chocolate cake mix for a richer flavor or incorporating cream cheese into the whipped topping for a tangy finish. You can also experiment with different fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a unique flair. Each variation offers a new way to enjoy this delightful recipe!

For more delicious recipes, check out our dessert category, or learn how to make easy cinnamon rolls for a sweet breakfast treat. If you’re interested in the health benefits of cranberries, visit Healthline for more information.

Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake: 5 Delicious Secrets

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Festive Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Delight: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Author: Andrew
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 24 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 package (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
3 large eggs
1 cup water
1 can (15 oz) whole cranberry sauce
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh cranberries and mint leaves for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, and water. Mix until well combined and smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes.
After cooling, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
In a small saucepan, heat the cranberry sauce over low heat until warm. Pour the warm cranberry sauce evenly over the poked holes in the cake.
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Spread the whipped cream mixture evenly over the top of the cake.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
Before serving, garnish with fresh cranberries and mint leaves if desired for a festive touch.