Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake
When the holiday season arrives, there’s nothing quite like a dessert that brings joy at first glance and delight at first bite. A Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake is one of those magical treats that checks every box: visually stunning, unbelievably moist, easy to make, and irresistibly delicious. Its bright red color, velvety texture, creamy frosting, and festive flair make it a holiday dessert you’ll want to bring to every gathering — whether it’s a family party, office celebration, or cozy winter night at home.
What makes this cake so special is the “poke cake” method. By poking holes into the warm baked cake and filling it with a rich mixture of sweetened condensed milk and melted white chocolate, you create pockets of creamy sweetness that transform every bite. Topped with a soft, fluffy cream-cheese-whipped frosting, this dessert tastes like red velvet cheesecake and holiday magic combined.
If you want a no-stress, guaranteed-to-impress dessert this Christmas, this recipe is your perfect match.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake
This dessert brings together all the flavors and textures people adore during the holidays. The festive red velvet base creates a beautiful foundation for the creamy filling. The sweetened condensed milk blends with white chocolate to add richness — no dry cake here. And the topping, made from cream cheese and whipped topping, gives you that classic Christmas cheesecake flavor without any complicated steps.
This recipe is also perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. Using a boxed cake mix means the base is foolproof, and the poke-and-pour technique ensures every slice stays moist, flavorful, and indulgent.
It’s also incredibly flexible. You can decorate it with holiday sprinkles, crushed peppermint, mini white chocolate chips, edible glitter, or even a drizzle of red and green icing. No matter how you finish it, it always looks festive and fun.
How Poke Cakes Work (and Why They’re Amazing)
Poke cakes have been popular for decades because they’re simple yet impressive. Once the cake is baked, you poke deep holes through the top and fill them with something flavorful — pudding, caramel, fruit puree, sauce, or in this case, creamy white chocolate and condensed milk. The mixture seeps down into the cake layers, infusing it with moisture and intense flavor.
The result? A cake that’s soft, rich, and never dry, with hidden pockets of deliciousness in every bite.
For a Christmas dessert table, this method is especially effective because guests love surprising textures and flavors. Slice the cake and you’ll see festive red velvet, creamy streaks of white chocolate, and a thick cloud of cream cheese frosting on top. It looks beautiful and tastes even better.
How to Serve This Cake for the Holidays
This cake is great for:
• Christmas dinner dessert
• School or office potlucks
• Holiday brunch tables
• Winter parties
• Make-ahead treats for busy hosts
It tastes even better after chilling, so making it in advance is actually a bonus. The flavors come together beautifully overnight, and the cake slices cleanly the next day.
You can serve it as is, or make it extra festive by adding:
• Snowflake sprinkles
• Crushed candy canes
• Red and green sanding sugar
• White chocolate curls
• Edible gold stars
For gifting, cut the cake into squares and place each piece in a cupcake liner inside a holiday box. It becomes a beautiful edible present.
Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake
(Full Recipe — Keep Exactly as Given)
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
1 box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup white chocolate chips, melted
For the Topping:
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup powdered sugar
Festive sprinkles or holiday-themed decorations (optional)
Directions:
Bake the Cake
Prepare and bake the red velvet cake according to the directions on the box, using a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes.
Poke the Cake
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake, spacing them evenly.
Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and White Chocolate
- In a small bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and melted white chocolate, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes. Let the cake absorb the mixture for at least 30 minutes and cool completely.
Prepare the Topping
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat again until well combined.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Frost the Cake
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled cake, creating a thick layer of frosting.
Decorate
- Top with festive holiday sprinkles or decorations. Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving for best results.
Tips for a Perfect Christmas Poke Cake
Let the cake cool before frosting so the topping stays light and fluffy.
Use high-quality white chocolate for the richest flavor.
Don’t skip chilling — the flavors settle beautifully.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
This cake tastes even better the next day.
Final Thoughts
A Christmas Red Velvet Poke Cake brings the joy of the season straight to your dessert table. It’s simple to make, beautiful to look at, and indulgent in the best holiday way. Whether you’re hosting
