Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe

If you’re looking to impress at your holiday gathering with something festive, fun, and downright delicious, this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe is your new go-to. I absolutely love how this cake blends the classic rich red velvet flavor with a tangy cheesecake pudding that seeps into every bite, topped with a festive whipped cream and colorful candies that scream Christmas cheer. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be a permanent feature on your holiday dessert table!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I love that the ingredients for this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe are simple and mostly pantry staples, yet the results are anything but ordinary. Choosing good quality cake mix and fresh milk really helps the flavors shine through.

• Red velvet cake mix: Using a trusted brand ensures that perfect rich cocoa flavor and that signature red hue.
• Water: Just as called for on the cake mix box; key for the right cake texture.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
• Whole milk: Opt for whole milk for creaminess, especially for the pudding mix.
• Cheesecake flavored instant pudding mix: This is the secret star—adds a creamy, tangy layer that soaks into the cake beautifully.
• Whipped topping (thawed): Provides a light, fluffy finish that contrasts the dense cake and pudding.
• Green food coloring: Just a few drops transform the whipped topping into a festive green, perfect for Christmas.
• Mini marshmallows: Adds texture and fun to the topping.
• Red and green M&M’s: For that classic colorful holiday sprinkle.
• Red sprinkles: To give it an extra festive sparkle.

Variations

I love customizing this Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe depending on who I’m sharing it with, and honestly, you’ll find it’s super adaptable to your own preferences or dietary needs.

• Non-Dairy Variation: I once swapped whipped topping for coconut whipped cream and used almond milk-based pudding to make it dairy-free—still super tasty and festive!
• Extra Chocolate: For serious chocolate lovers, adding mini chocolate chips to the pudding layer gives an indulgent twist.
• Different Candy Toppings: Some years, I switch out M&M’s for cranberries or pistachios for a fresh twist.
• Snowy Twist: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the topping to mimic snow—my kids adored that version.

How to Make Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Perfect Red Velvet Cake Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13 pan with baker’s spray (I like Baker’s Joy because it has flour included). Preparing the cake mix by hand or with a handheld mixer, follow the box instructions carefully: combine the mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth. Pour it into your pan and bake for 25 minutes. The cake should spring back lightly when touched. Don’t skip greasing the pan well—this cake is delicate and you want it to release easily.

Step 2: Poke the Cake and Pour on the Cheesecake Pudding

While the cake is still warm but not hot, grab a wooden spoon with a rounded handle and poke holes about ½ inch apart all over the cake. This part is fun—the holes let the cheesecake pudding seep in so each bite is moist and creamy. Whisk together the cheesecake pudding mix and cold whole milk until it thickens (about 1 to 1½ minutes), then pour it evenly over the cake. I like to use a spatula to gently smooth the pudding for full coverage. Cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours. This patience pays off beautifully!

Step 3: Add the Festive Whipped Topping and Garnishes

When you’re ready to serve, stir green food coloring into the thawed whipped topping until evenly tinted. This little pop of color brings the holiday spirit to life! Spread the green whipped topping evenly over the chilled pudding layer, then sprinkle on mini marshmallows, red and green M&M’s, and a dusting of red sprinkles. The contrast of the white marshmallows with the green and red candies makes this cake visually stunning and super inviting.

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe

How to Serve Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with mini marshmallows and red and green M&M’s—they add just the right pop of color and texture. Sometimes I toss on colorful sprinkles or even edible glitter for extra sparkle when serving at a party. It makes the whole dessert feel so special and festive!

Side Dishes

This poke cake pairs wonderfully with a light cup of hot cocoa or a clear cranberry spritzer. I’ve also served it alongside simple holiday cookies to round out a dessert plate at Christmas gatherings—everyone loved the contrast!

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I made individual poke cakes in small glass bowls for a fun presentation that let guests see those luscious pudding layers. You can also make the top layer sugar cookie cutouts pressed lightly into the whipped topping for a personalized festive touch. Little details like a dusting of powdered sugar “snow” can really amp up the holiday vibes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers covered tightly in the fridge with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, but the marshmallow topping might get a bit soft after a day or two. I recommend enjoying it within 3 days for the best texture.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing slices wrapped in foil and stored in airtight containers. It works okay, but the marshmallow topping can get a little rubbery after thawing. If you want to freeze, I suggest freezing only the cake and pudding layers, then adding fresh whipped topping and decorations after thawing.

Reheating

Because this is a chilled dessert, reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you prefer it at room temperature, just let slices sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving. This loosens the texture and brings out the flavors nicely.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe is a holiday game-changer in my book. It’s surprisingly easy to make but feels like a show-stopper with all its layers, colors, and textures. Every year when I bring it out, my family goes crazy for that rich cake soaked in creamy cheesecake pudding and topped with that snowy green whipped topping—it truly feels like a celebration in every bite. I’m confident once you try it, you’ll be making it your holiday tradition too. So go ahead, give it a try and share this joyful cake with your loved ones this Christmas season!

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