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Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake: Easy Festive Delight to Share
Introduction to Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake
With the holiday season just around the corner, gathering around the table to savor a beautiful dessert like Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake brings joy and warmth to any festive occasion. This delightful cake transforms the classic poke cake concept into a vibrant seasonal treat, combining the tartness of cranberries, the sweetness of vanilla, and the richness of creamy toppings. Each slice is an invitation to indulge in a little piece of holiday magic.
One of the reasons Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake shines on our holiday tables is its beautiful presentation and delicious flavor. The star of the show is undoubtedly the fresh cranberries, which bring a burst of seasonal color and a unique balance of sweetness and acidity. They poke through the cake like little gems, creating a delightful contrast against the moist vanilla cake. The poke cake method—where holes are made in the baked cake to soak up flavored syrups or pudding—ensures that every bite is filled with festive flair.
Moreover, this cake is incredibly versatile; it can be served as a festive dinner dessert or even enjoyed at holiday brunch settings. Think of it as the centerpiece of your dessert table, capturing the festive spirit while tantalizing everyone’s taste buds. You can even customize the toppings, adding whipped cream, or drizzles of additional cranberry sauce for that extra special touch.
Sharing this Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake, perhaps while reminiscing about cherished memories or making new ones, is what makes it truly special. The laughter, warmth, and connection around food are what the holidays are all about, and this cake embodies that sentiment perfectly.
So, are you ready to dive into this delightful recipe? Let’s explore the key ingredients that make the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake a must-have for your holiday celebrations!
Key Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake
Cranberries: The star of our Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is, without a doubt, the cranberries. Whether you go for fresh or frozen, these little fruits pack a tangy punch that beautifully contrasts the cake’s sweetness. Fresh cranberries often provide a vivid flavor, but frozen ones work just as well if you can’t find the fresh variety.
Orange Juice: A generous splash of freshly squeezed orange juice not only enhances the cranberries’ tartness but also infuses a bright, citrusy flavor throughout the cake. This addition offers a refreshing lift that resonates with the festive spirit.
Sugar: To achieve that perfect balance, granulated sugar sweetens the cranberry sauce, making it a delightful complement to the tartness. Meanwhile, powdered sugar adds a fluffy sweetness to the cream cheese frosting.
White Cake Mix: A convenient box of white cake mix is the foundation for this dessert, ensuring it turns out moist and fluffy every time. It’s a simple way to make sure you spend less time measuring flour and more time enjoying the festivities.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is key to the luscious frosting that crowns our cake, lending it a rich, smooth texture that pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries.
Whipped Topping: Whether you choose Cool Whip or whip up your own homemade cream, this light, airy topping adds a festive touch to each slice. It helps balance out the dense cake and complements the flavors beautifully.
White Chocolate: Lastly, a drizzle of finely chopped white chocolate over the top elevates your Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake to a whole new level, adding elegance and a touch of decadence that will impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake
There’s something magical about a Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake that instantly brings warmth and joy to your holiday season. Picture this: family gathered around the table, laughter filling the air, and the enticing aroma of fresh cranberries mingling with that sweet vanilla cake. This luscious dessert isn’t just beautiful; it tells a story of festivity with every bite.
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A Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tartness of cranberries perfectly contrasts with the sweet cake and creamy topping. This delightful balance means every forkful is a burst of holiday cheer. Plus, the vibrant red of the cranberries makes it an eye-catching centerpiece on your dessert table.
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Easy to Make: While it tastes like a gourmet treat, the Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is surprisingly simple to prepare. Just poke, pour, and chill! This gives you more time to mingle with guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
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Versatile for Gatherings: Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone, young or old. It evokes nostalgia and brings a touch of holiday spirit that everyone can relate to.
With this cake, every slice comes with delicious memories waiting to be made.
Cooking Tips and Notes for Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake
Crafting the perfect Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is all about balancing flavors and textures. This festive dessert is not only a treat for the eyes but also a delightful symphony of sweet and tart notes that define the holiday season.
Creating Moisture and Flavor
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Make Holes with Care: When poking holes in the cake, use a skewer or the handle of a wooden spoon. Aim for even spacing to allow the cranberry sauce to soak in properly, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor.
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Homemade vs. Store-bought Sauce: While store-bought cranberry sauce is convenient, consider making your own for a fresher taste. Simply combine fresh cranberries with sugar and water, simmering until they pop and thicken. The flavor will elevate your Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake to gourmet status.
Frosting for the Win
- Whipped Topping Tips: For a lighter frosting, whip your cream until it forms soft peaks. This not only enhances the texture but also makes it fancier and more holiday-appropriate. Consider adding a hint of vanilla or almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Presentation Matters: Garnish your cake with a sprinkle of fresh cranberries and mint leaves. Not only does this enhance the visual appeal, but it also adds an extra pop of freshness that ties beautifully into the festive theme.
By following these tips, you’ll create a Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake that’s sure to be the centerpiece of your holiday gatherings. Enjoy the baking process, and let the festive spirit shine through your culinary creation!
Time Breakdown for Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake
Baking a Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake isn’t just about the finished product; it’s the journey that counts. From the initial prep to the first bite, knowing how to pace yourself makes all the difference. Here’s how to break down your time effectively for this festive treat.
Preparation Time
Spend about 20 minutes gathering ingredients and mixing the batter. It’s the perfect time to crank up some holiday tunes and get into the festive spirit!
Baking Time
Bake your cake for approximately 25-30 minutes. Make sure to check for doneness using a toothpick—nothing beats the aroma of a cake fresh from the oven.
Cooling Time
Let your cake cool for about 15-20 minutes before creating the delightful pokes. This cooling period is essential for maximizing flavors.
Total Time
In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish. It’s a small investment of time for a cake that brings joy and warmth to any holiday gathering!
Nutritional Facts for Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake
When the holiday season rolls around, indulging in a slice of Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake creates a sweet moment of joy amid the hustle and bustle. Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional content of this festive delight.
Calories
Each slice of Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a delightful dessert that balances indulgence with moderation during your holiday celebrations.
Protein
You can expect to find around 3 grams of protein per slice. While cake isn’t typically a protein powerhouse, this cake can still be a satisfying treat to enjoy after a hearty holiday meal.
Sugar
With about 20 grams of sugar per slice, this cake certainly leans into the sweeter side. The tartness of the cranberries helps to balance the sweetness, creating a delicious flavor profile that will keep you coming back for more.
FAQs about Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake
When you’re whipping up your Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake, you might find yourself with a few questions along the way. Here, I’m here to help, ensuring that your baking experience is as delightful as the cake itself.
Can I use other types of fruit?
Absolutely! While cranberries are the star of this festive poke cake, you can easily swap them out for alternative fruits. Think about using fresh raspberries, chopped strawberries, or blueberries for a delicious variation. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment based on what’s in season or what you love!
How should I store leftovers?
If you have leftover Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake (which might be a rarity), storing it properly keeps it fresh. It’s best to cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its moist texture and delicious taste. Alternatively, you can also slice it into individual pieces and store them in an airtight container for easy snacking!
Can I make this cake in advance?
Certainly! The Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake can be prepared a day ahead of your holiday gathering. After baking and poking, let the cake cool completely. Apply the cranberry topping and refrigerate overnight. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating an even more delicious dessert! Just remember to garnish it right before serving for a fresh look.
With these tips, your baking journey can be even more enjoyable! Happy holiday baking!
Conclusion on Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake
The Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake stands out not just as a dessert but as a centerpiece for your holiday gatherings. This vibrant cake combines the tartness of cranberries with a moist cake base, creating a festive treat that evokes warm memories of holiday cheer.
By incorporating simple ingredients like cake mix and cranberry sauce, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time, making it perfect for busy young professionals. Whether served at a family dinner or as a surprise at a friend’s gathering, this cake is sure to impress. Treat your loved ones to a slice of this holiday tradition, and you might just start a new one of your own!
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Cranberry Bliss Cake
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious cranberry bliss cake combines the tartness of cranberries with a creamy topping for a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz. fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 cup + 2 Tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Dash of ginger and nutmeg (optional)
- 2 Tablespoons corn starch dissolved in 2 ½ Tablespoons water
- 16 oz. box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1 Tablespoon red sprinkles
- 1 Tablespoon green sprinkles
- 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups whipped topping like Cool Whip (or 1 ¼ cups heavy whipping cream)
- 3 oz. white chocolate (finely chopped)
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- In a large saucepan place frozen cranberries, sprinkle with sugar, and set aside for a few minutes. Then add freshly squeezed orange juice and stir well. You can add a dash of ginger and nutmeg and some ground cinnamon to your taste. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Simmer for about 8-10 minutes until the cranberries burst and soften completely and some of the liquid evaporates.
- Then add a corn starch slurry, whisk in, and cook for a few more minutes to thicken. It should have pudding-like consistency. Set aside to cool slightly. You can break the cranberries completely with a potato masher or pulse the sauce in a food processor. But you can leave it with small chunks of cranberries if you prefer. When the sauce is done, let it cool on the counter while you make the cake.
- Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spray a 9×13 inches dish with baking spray and set aside.
- Prepare the cake according to the instructions listed on the box.
- Stir the sprinkles gently into the cake batter and pour it immediately into the greased dish and bake. Do not stir too much to avoid coloring the batter.
- When the cake is baked, cool it for just a few minutes then using the handle of a wooden spoon poke the cake making the holes about an inch apart, and do not poke it all the way to the bottom, just about 2/3 of the height. Set aside for 15-20 minutes to cool.
- Then using a spoon or a jug fill the holes with cranberry sauce and spread the remaining sauce on top. Chill the cake in the fridge for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla.
- If using store-bought whipped topping, fold 2 ½ cups of topping into the cream cheese mixture. If you are making homemade whipped cream, beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Add it into the cream cheese mixture and mix to combine evenly. Taste and add more powdered sugar if it is not sweet enough to your taste.
- Spread the frosting over the chilled cake.
- Sprinkle dried cranberries on top.
- Next, melt finely chopped white chocolate with coconut oil. Transfer it into a ziplock bag and cut off the corner, drizzle over the cake. Store the cake in the fridge.
Notes
- Chill the cake overnight for best results.
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
