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Cranberry Poke Cake

Cranberry Poke Cake: A Sweet Holiday Tradition to Savor

This Cranberry Poke Cake combines sweet and tangy flavors, creating a stunning, festive dessert perfect for holiday gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups Cranberries Fresh or frozen
  • 1 box White Cake Mix Can substitute with vanilla or butter cake mix
  • 3 large Eggs As directed on the cake box
  • 1 cup Water As directed on the cake box
  • 1/2 cup Oil As directed on the cake box
For the Cranberry Sauce
  • 1 cup Orange Juice Essential for flavor balance
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar Adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch Used for thickening
  • 2 tablespoons Water For slurry
For the Frosting
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Softened
  • 3 cups Powdered Sugar No substitutions recommended
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Pure vanilla recommended
  • 2 cups Whipped Topping Homemade preferred
For Garnishing
  • 1/2 cup White Chocolate Chips Optional
  • 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil Can substitute with butter or omit

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, and granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the cranberries burst.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine the cake mix with eggs, water, and oil as directed, mixing until smooth. Pour into a greased baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  3. Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes. Poke holes throughout the surface with the handle of a wooden spoon, spacing them about an inch apart.
  4. While the cake is still warm, pour the cooled cranberry sauce over it, ensuring it covers the holes evenly. Let it sit for about 30 minutes.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and whipped topping. Beat until smooth and creamy.
  6. Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top and sprinkle with white chocolate chips if desired.
  7. For best results, allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. Slice and serve with whipped cream or toasted coconut.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Poke holes while warm for better sauce absorption. Chill cake before serving for best texture and flavor melding.

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