Oh wow, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday dessert—the Christmas poke cake! It’s this beautiful, festive treat that just screams celebration. Every year, my family gathers around the table, and there it is, the centerpiece of our dessert spread, drizzled with sweetened condensed milk and topped with crushed peppermint candies. The best part? The kids go wild for it, and I love watching their eyes light up as they dive in. It’s not just a cake; it’s a tradition filled with laughter and joy, making every holiday gathering feel extra special. Trust me, this recipe is a must-try for your Christmas festivities!
Ingredients for Christmas Poke Cake
- 1 box of white cake mix: This will be the base of our cake, providing a light and fluffy texture that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 3 large eggs: These add moisture and richness, making the cake tender and delightful.
- 1 cup of milk: I use whole milk for that extra creaminess, but any milk will do. It helps keep the cake moist and adds flavor.
- 1 cup of crushed peppermint candies: This is where the holiday magic happens! The peppermint adds a refreshing burst of flavor and a festive crunch.
- 1 cup of whipped topping: This dreamy topping adds a light finish to the cake, making each bite feel luxurious and soft.
- 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk: This sweet nectar is what makes the cake so moist and flavorful, soaking into those little holes we poke.
- 1/2 cup of green and red sprinkles: For that final festive touch, these sprinkles not only look beautiful but also add a little extra sweetness!
How to Prepare Christmas Poke Cake
Making this Christmas poke cake is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love every step! Just follow along, and you’ll end up with a stunning dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Let’s dive into the details!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key to getting that perfect rise in your cake!
- Next, prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions. This usually involves mixing the cake mix with 3 large eggs and 1 cup of milk in a large bowl. You’ll want to blend it until it’s nice and smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish. I love using a 9×13 inch pan for this recipe, as it gives you the perfect thickness.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cue the happy dance!
- Once it’s baked, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes. This is important because you want it to be warm but not too hot when you start poking holes.
- Now, grab a fork and poke holes all over the cake. Don’t be shy—make sure to poke deep enough so that the sweetened condensed milk can really soak in.
- In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk and 1 cup of crushed peppermint candies. This mixture is pure holiday magic!
- Pour the peppermint mixture over the cake, ensuring it fills all those lovely holes. You’ll want every bite to be bursting with flavor!
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours. Trust me, the chilling time intensifies the flavors and makes it even more delicious.
- Finally, just before serving, top with 1 cup of whipped topping and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of green and red sprinkles for that festive flair!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a slice of this delightful Christmas poke cake, here’s a rough estimate of what you’re biting into. Keep in mind, these values can vary a bit depending on exact ingredients and portions, but they’ll give you a good idea!
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
So, while you’re indulging in this festive treat, you can enjoy it knowing it’s a delightful addition to your holiday spread! Just remember, moderation is key, especially with all the holiday goodies around!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to whip up this Christmas poke cake, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure it turns out absolutely perfect! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference.
- Don’t skimp on the cooling: Allowing the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before poking holes is crucial. If it’s too hot, the sweetened condensed milk won’t soak in properly, and we want every bite to be bursting with flavor!
- Poke evenly: Use a toothpick or fork to poke holes evenly across the cake. I usually make a pattern to ensure every slice has some of that delicious sweetened condensed milk goodness.
- Chill for flavor: The longer you let the cake chill, the better it will taste! If you can manage it, letting it sit overnight in the fridge really allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative! You can add crushed cookies, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup on top of the whipped topping for an extra special touch.
- Use quality ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for high-quality ingredients, especially the milk and whipped topping. It really makes a difference in taste and texture!
- Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so check your cake a few minutes before the suggested time. You want it just set—overbaking can dry it out, and we definitely don’t want that!
With these tips in your back pocket, I just know your Christmas poke cake will be a showstopper at your holiday gatherings. Happy baking!
Variations of Christmas Poke Cake
Alright, let’s get creative with our Christmas poke cake! The beauty of this dessert is that it’s super versatile, so you can easily mix things up to suit your taste or impress your guests. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Chocolate Peppermint Poke Cake: Swap out the white cake mix for a chocolate cake mix. The rich chocolate combined with peppermint is simply divine! Just imagine the flavor explosion!
- Red Velvet Poke Cake: For a festive twist, use red velvet cake mix instead. Pair it with cream cheese frosting instead of whipped topping for that classic red and white holiday look.
- Fruit-Infused Poke Cake: Instead of crushed peppermint candies, try adding some crushed strawberries or raspberries into the sweetened condensed milk mixture. It adds a lovely fruity flavor and a pop of color!
- Nutty Poke Cake: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter or sprinkle them on top of the whipped topping. This adds a delightful crunch and extra richness!
- Coconut Poke Cake: Replace half of the milk with coconut milk and sprinkle some shredded coconut on top after adding the whipped topping. It gives the cake a tropical vibe that’s perfect for winter gatherings!
- Caramel Delight Poke Cake: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the cake after pouring in the sweetened condensed milk. The combination of caramel and peppermint is truly indulgent!
- Mint Chocolate Chip Poke Cake: Use chocolate cake mix and mix in some mint chocolate chips. This will give your cake an extra minty punch that will have everyone raving!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own signature Christmas poke cake! The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to hear what delicious combinations you come up with. Happy baking and experimenting!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Christmas poke cake, it’s all about creating that festive atmosphere and enhancing the experience! Here are some delightful pairing ideas that I absolutely love:
- Hot Cocoa: There’s nothing better than a warm cup of rich hot chocolate alongside a slice of this festive cake! You can even top your cocoa with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint for that extra festive touch.
- Eggnog: For a classic holiday beverage, serve up some chilled eggnog. The creamy sweetness pairs beautifully with the peppermint flavors in the cake, creating a wonderfully festive combination.
- Holiday Spritz Cookies: A platter of colorful spritz cookies makes a fantastic complement to your poke cake. The buttery flavor and cute shapes are always a hit during the holidays!
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Lighten things up with a refreshing fruit salad. The natural sweetness of seasonal fruits like oranges, pomegranates, and apples adds a lovely contrast to the rich poke cake.
- Cheesecake Bites: For those who can’t get enough dessert, serve little cheesecake bites on the side. They’re rich and creamy, making for a delightful mix of flavors at the table.
- Spiced Nuts: A bowl of spiced nuts can provide a nice crunch and a savory balance to the sweetness of the poke cake. Plus, they’re great for nibbling on while mingling with guests!
With these serving suggestions, you’re set to create a festive spread that will delight everyone at your holiday gathering. Enjoy the sweet moments and happy holidays!
FAQ About Christmas Poke Cake
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While I love the lightness of white cake mix, you can use any flavor you like—chocolate, red velvet, or even lemon! Just remember that different flavors will change the overall taste of the cake, so choose one that tickles your taste buds!
How do I store leftover cake?
To keep your Christmas poke cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for about 3-4 days. Just know that the longer it sits, the more deliciously soaked it becomes!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake is perfect for making a day in advance. In fact, I find that chilling it overnight enhances the flavors even more. Just be sure to add the whipped topping and sprinkles right before serving for that fresh look!
What if I don’t have crushed peppermint candies?
No worries! You can substitute with crushed candy canes, or even use chocolate chips or sprinkles for a different twist. The goal is to add a little festive flair!
Why did my cake sink in the middle?
If your cake sinks, it might be due to overmixing the batter or not allowing it to bake long enough. Make sure to mix just until combined and check for doneness with a toothpick before taking it out of the oven.
Can I freeze Christmas poke cake?
While I recommend enjoying it fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Just make sure it’s well wrapped to avoid freezer burn. Thaw it in the fridge before serving, but keep in mind the texture might change slightly.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can easily make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix. Just follow the same instructions, and you’re good to go for your gluten-free friends!
Christmas Poke Cake: 7 Joyful Bites for Holiday Cheer
- Temps Total: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A festive and moist cake perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingrédients
- 1 box of white cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of crushed peppermint candies
- 1 cup of whipped topping
- 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup of green and red sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes in the cake using a fork.
- Mix sweetened condensed milk with crushed peppermint candies.
- Pour the mixture over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Top with whipped topping and sprinkles before serving.
Notes
- Use a toothpick to poke holes evenly.
- Chilling the cake enhances the flavor.
- Feel free to add more toppings if desired.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 180mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: christmas poke cake, festive cake, holiday dessert
