Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

Oh wow, guess what I just made! It’s my Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake. It looks so pretty and tastes even better!

I love how the cranberry sauce oozes right into the cake. Each bite is sweet and tangy. And oh my goodness, it’s so easy!

I can’t stop thinking about it. It smells like Christmas in my kitchen. Trust me, you’ll want to try it!

So, let’s whip this up together. Grab your bowl and spoon. You’ll feel like a holiday star with this yummy treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive and Elegant: With vibrant cranberry swirls and a snowy cream cheese frosting, it’s made to impress at any holiday table.
• Sweet and Tangy Flavor Combo: The bright cranberry sauce paired with a soft cake and rich frosting hits all the right notes.
• Simple Ingredients: You’ll use pantry staples and a box cake mix for easy baking without sacrificing flavor.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for preparing a day in advance, so you can focus on other holiday tasks.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Serves a large group—ideal for holiday parties and gatherings.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Chill Time (Optional for Best Flavor): 1-2 hours
• Total Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours

Servings:

• This recipe makes a 9×13-inch cake, serving about 12-16 people, depending on slice size.

Difficulty:

• Beginner-Friendly — Easy enough for novice bakers, but satisfying and impressive for experienced cooks too.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this beautiful Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake, you’ll need the following tools:

• 9×13-inch Cake Pan: For baking the cake evenly.
• Medium Saucepan: To prepare the homemade cranberry sauce.
• Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand Mixer): To whip up a smooth frosting.
• Mixing Bowls: For cake batter and frosting preparation.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy in ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To poke holes in the cake and spread the frosting.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: To melt white chocolate for garnish.
• Knife or Offset Spatula: For spreading the frosting evenly.

Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need (detailed measurements in the recipe card at the end):

Cranberry Sauce:

• Fresh or Frozen Cranberries – for that bright, tart flavor.
• Orange Juice – balances the cranberries with citrusy sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar – to sweeten and thicken the sauce.
• Ground Cinnamon (optional) – adds warm holiday spice.
• Ground Ginger (optional) – a gentle spice that enhances the cranberries.
• Ground Nutmeg (optional) – for a subtle nutty warmth.
• Cornstarch + Water – to thicken the sauce for the perfect pour.

Cake:

• White Cake Mix (box) – a convenient, soft, and neutral base that soaks up the cranberry flavor.
• Eggs, Water, and Oil (as directed on the box) – for moist and fluffy cake layers.
• Red and Green Sprinkles (optional) – for decorating and adding color.

Frosting:

• Cream Cheese (softened) – smooth, rich, and tangy, the star of the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar – for sweetness and structure.
• Vanilla Extract – adds warm, sweet notes.
• Whipped Topping (or Whipped Cream) – makes the frosting light and airy.

Garnish:

• White Chocolate + Coconut Oil – for a silky, smooth drizzle.
• Dried Cranberries (chopped) – for added texture and festive appearance.

Variations for Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

• Use Store-Bought Cranberry Sauce: If you’re short on time, a high-quality canned cranberry sauce can replace the homemade version—just thin it slightly with orange juice to make it easier to pour.
• Add Fresh Orange Zest: For an extra citrus boost, stir fresh orange zest into the cranberry sauce or sprinkle over the frosting.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free white cake mix and follow the rest of the recipe as written.
• Switch Frosting Flavors: Swap vanilla extract for almond extract in the frosting for a different twist.
• Extra Festive Topping: Add sugared cranberries on top for a sparkling effect.
• Layer it Up: Slice the cake horizontally and add a layer of frosting and cranberry sauce between layers for a fancier presentation.

How to Make Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Prepare the Cranberry Sauce

• In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and optional spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg).
• Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens—about 10 minutes.
• In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water until smooth.
• Add the cornstarch mixture to the cranberries and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until thickened.
• Set aside to cool while you prepare the cake.

2. Bake the Cake

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Grease and flour a 9×13-inch cake pan.
• In a large mixing bowl, prepare the white cake mix according to package instructions (mixing eggs, water, and oil).
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes.

3. Poke and Fill the Cake

• Using the handle of a wooden spoon (or a similar tool), poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
• While the cake is still warm, spoon the cranberry sauce over the top, letting it seep into the holes.
• Spread any remaining sauce evenly over the surface of the cake.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before adding frosting.

Making the Frosting, Garnishing, and Serving Ideas

4. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

• In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
• Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until fully combined and fluffy.
• Gently fold in the whipped topping (or freshly whipped cream) until well incorporated and light.
• Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the cranberry-filled cake.

5. Garnish the Cake

• Melt white chocolate with a little coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
• Use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle white chocolate over the frosted cake in a decorative pattern.
• Sprinkle chopped dried cranberries over the top for a pop of color and texture.
• If desired, add red and green sprinkles for a festive touch.

How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

This cake is perfect for any holiday occasion, from casual gatherings to formal dinners. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• As a Holiday Dessert: Slice into squares and serve on a festive platter.
• With Coffee or Tea: The tangy cranberry pairs beautifully with a hot beverage.
• With Vanilla Ice Cream: Add a scoop of ice cream on the side for an extra indulgent treat.
• In a Dessert Bar: Pair with other holiday favorites like cookies and pies.

Storing Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake

• Refrigerator: Store the cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
• Freezer: You can freeze the unfrosted cake (with cranberry sauce already poked in) for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost before serving.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the cranberry sauce and cake a day in advance. Assemble and frost the cake the next day for the freshest look.

Nutrition

Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown per serving (based on 16 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	310
Carbohydrates	42g
Protein	3g
Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	35mg
Sodium	210mg
Fiber	1g
Sugar	30g

Note: Nutrition estimates may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake FAQs

Can I use canned cranberry sauce instead of homemade?

Yes, you can substitute canned cranberry sauce if you’re short on time. To make it easier to pour into the cake holes, thin the canned sauce with a bit of orange juice until it reaches a pourable consistency.

Can I make this cake a day ahead?

Absolutely. In fact, this cake tastes even better the next day as the cranberry sauce continues to soak into the cake. Store it covered in the refrigerator and add garnish just before serving if you want a freshly decorated look.

What’s the best way to poke holes in the cake?

Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a large straw. Be sure to poke holes while the cake is still warm so the cranberry sauce easily seeps in.

Can I use different flavors of cake mix?

Yes, a vanilla or butter cake mix also works well if you want a richer flavor. A spice cake mix could give a warmer, cozier feel too.

How do I prevent the cake from becoming soggy?

The key is to let the cranberry sauce cool slightly before pouring, and don’t overfill the holes—just enough to soak in without overwhelming the cake’s structure.

Conclusion

Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is a festive dessert that brings the perfect balance of tart cranberries, soft cake, and creamy frosting to your holiday table. It’s easy to make but impressive to serve, making it ideal for any gathering. Whether you’re baking for a family dinner or a festive party, this cake is sure to become a holiday favorite.

If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turned out and how you served it!