Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is a festive and fun dessert that’s perfect for holiday celebrations. It combines classic red velvet cake with creamy cheesecake pudding and a colorful whipped topping, decorated with marshmallows and M&M’s for a playful touch.

Ingredients

• 15.25 ounce box red velvet cake mix
• 1¼ cups water
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 3¾ cups cold whole milk
• 6.8 ounces cheesecake flavored instant pudding mix (3.4-ounce packets)
• 10 to 12 drops green food coloring
• 16 ounces whipped topping, thawed (8-ounce tubs)
• 3 cups mini marshmallows
• ¼ cup red M&M’s
• ¼ cup green M&M’s
• Red sprinkles

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch pan with baker’s spray and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium speed to prepare the cake mix according to the box directions using water, vegetable oil, and eggs.
3. Step 3: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
4. Step 4: Use the rounded handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes about ½ inch apart across the cake. Set the cake aside to cool completely.
5. Step 5: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cheesecake pudding mixes and cold milk for 1 to 1½ minutes until it starts to thicken.
6. Step 6: Pour the pudding evenly over the cooled cake, smoothing it out with a spatula.
7. Step 7: Cover the cake tightly and chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours to set the pudding.
8. Step 8: Stir the green food coloring into the thawed whipped topping until the color is uniform.
9. Step 9: Remove the cake from the refrigerator. Spread the green whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer.
10. Step 10: Sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly over the whipped topping.
11. Step 11: Add red and green M&M’s and red sprinkles evenly on top for decoration.
12. Step 12: Cut the cake into twelve 3-inch by 3-inch squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute the cheesecake pudding with vanilla or cream cheese flavored pudding for a different twist.
• Use crushed peppermint candies instead of M&M’s for a minty variation.
• Let the cake chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.
• For a more intense green color, add a few more drops of food coloring gradually.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow the cake to come to room temperature or enjoy it chilled for a refreshing treat. The marshmallows and topping are best served cold to maintain texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade red velvet cake instead of the box mix?

Yes, a homemade red velvet cake works perfectly. Just ensure it fits in a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking times accordingly.

Can I prepare this cake in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare the cake a day ahead and refrigerate it. The chilling time helps the pudding and flavors set, making it even more delicious.

Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 62 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This festive Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is a delightful holiday dessert featuring a moist red velvet cake with cheesecake-flavored pudding infused into its pores, topped with green-tinted whipped topping and decorated with colorful mini marshmallows, red and green M&M’s, and red sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this cake combines classic red velvet flavor with creamy pudding and a playful, colorful presentation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Red Velvet Cake

• 15.25 ounce box red velvet cake mix
• 1¼ cups water
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs

Cheesecake Pudding Layer

• 3¾ cups cold whole milk
• 6.8 ounces cheesecake flavored instant pudding mix (3.4-ounce packets)

Whipped Topping Layer

• 10 to 12 drops green food coloring
• 16 ounces whipped topping (thawed, from two 8-ounce tubs)

Decorations

• 3 cups mini marshmallows
• ¼ cup red M&M’s
• ¼ cup green M&M’s
• Red sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick baker’s spray and set aside for later use.
2. Mix and Bake Cake: In a medium mixing bowl, prepare the red velvet cake batter according to the package directions using a handheld mixer at medium speed. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
3. Poke Holes in Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Using the rounded handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly spaced about ½ inch apart all over the cake to allow pudding to seep in.
4. Prepare Cheesecake Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cheesecake-flavored instant pudding mix and cold whole milk for about 1 to 1½ minutes until it begins to thicken.
5. Pour Pudding Over Cake: Evenly pour the thickened pudding over the cake, spreading it with a spatula to cover the surface. The pudding will fill the holes and enhance the cake’s moisture and flavor.
6. Chill Cake: Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours to allow pudding to set and flavors to meld.
7. Tint Whipped Topping: Remove the whipped topping from the refrigerator and stir in 10 to 12 drops of green food coloring until the color is uniform.
8. Spread Whipped Topping: Once the cake has chilled, spread the green-tinted whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer.
9. Add Decorations: Sprinkle 3 cups mini marshmallows evenly over the whipped topping. Then, add ¼ cup each of red and green M&M’s and finish with a generous sprinkle of red sprinkles for a festive look.
10. Slice and Serve: Cut the decorated cake into twelve 3-inch by 3-inch squares and serve chilled for a perfect holiday treat.

Notes

• Ensure the milk for the pudding is cold for proper thickening.
• Allow the cake to cool slightly before poking holes to avoid tearing.
• For a lighter option, use low-fat milk and whipped topping alternatives.
• This cake can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated covered to enhance flavor.
• Substitute M&M’s with other colorful candies if desired for decoration.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas dessert, red velvet cake, poke cake, cheesecake pudding, holiday cake, festive dessert