special occasion  Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe

This special occasion Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe is a delightful treat that will impress your guests and brighten up your holiday table. With its moist texture and vibrant cranberry flavors, this cake brings festive cheer to any gathering. It’s not only easy to make but also a stunning centerpiece that combines simplicity with deliciousness. Whether for special occasion or any holiday celebration, this poke cake will surely be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor: The combination of cranberry and whipped topping creates a unique and festive flavor that embodies the spirit of the holidays.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this dessert without any hassle, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This cake serves 12, making it ideal for family gatherings and parties where you’ll want to share something special.
• Versatile Garnish: The red and green sprinkles not only add color but also allow you to customize your cake for different occasions or themes.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the cake in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving time on the day of your event.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making this delicious special occasion Cranberry Poke Cake, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. These tools will help ensure your baking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Toothpick or skewer
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl provides enough space to mix all ingredients without spills.
• Electric mixer: Using an electric mixer makes it easier to achieve a fluffy cake batter quickly.
• 9×13 inch baking pan: This size is perfect for baking poke cakes and allows even cooking throughout.

Ingredients

This festive special occasion cranberry poke cake is moist, flavorful, and perfect for holiday gatherings. Easy to make and delicious!

For the Cake

• 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

For the Cranberry Layer

• 1 can (14 oz) cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
• 1/2 cup water (for cranberry layer)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For Topping

• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Red and green sprinkles, for garnish

How to Make special occasion Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 3: Create Poke Holes

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Using a toothpick or skewer, poke holes evenly across the top of the warm cake.

Step 4: Prepare Cranberry Sauce Layer

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberry sauce with 1/2 cup of water and granulated sugar. Stir until heated through and sugar dissolves. Pour this mixture over the poked cake so it seeps into the holes.

Step 5: Chill and Top with Whipped Cream

Allow the cake to cool completely before covering it with whipped topping mixed with vanilla extract. Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle red and green sprinkles on top for a festive touch. Slice into pieces and enjoy your special occasion Cranberry Poke Cake!

How to Serve special occasion Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe

This special occasion cranberry poke cake is not only a delightful dessert but also a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance its festive appeal.

Individual Servings

• Serve slices on festive dessert plates for a charming presentation.
• Top each slice with extra whipped topping for added creaminess.

Garnish Options

• Sprinkle additional red and green sprinkles on top to make it more festive.
• Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a rich contrast in flavor.

Pairing Drinks

• Serve with hot cocoa or spiced apple cider to complement the cake’s flavors.
• Offer a glass of champagne or sparkling water for a bubbly touch.

Adding Fresh Fruits

• Place fresh cranberries or sliced strawberries around the cake for color and freshness.
• Serve with a side of whipped cream and fresh mint leaves for garnish.

How to Perfect special occasion Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe

To ensure your special occasion cranberry poke cake turns out perfectly, consider these tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Allow cooling time: Let the cake cool completely before adding the cranberry layer to prevent it from melting into the cake.
• Chill before serving: Refrigerate the poke cake for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and enhance taste.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add nuts or coconut flakes for added texture.

Best Side Dishes for special occasion Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your cranberry poke cake can elevate your holiday meal. Here are some delightful options.

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy and caramelized, they provide a savory contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
2. Maple Glazed Carrots: These sweet and tender carrots complement the flavors in the poke cake beautifully.
3. Stuffing with Cranberries: A savory stuffing that highlights similar ingredients, enhancing overall harmony on your table.
4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes add richness that balances out desserts like poke cake wonderfully.
5. Green Bean Almondine: Crunchy green beans topped with almonds offer a refreshing crunch and nutty taste.
6. Cranberry Sauce Relish: A fresh relish can serve as an extra topping option, enhancing each bite of poke cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a special occasion Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe can be a delightful experience, but it’s important to avoid common pitfalls.

• Skipping the Cooling Time – Allowing the cake to cool completely is crucial. If you skip this step, the toppings may melt or slide off.
• Using Incorrect Cake Mix – Ensure you use a white cake mix as specified. Substituting with yellow or chocolate can alter the flavor and color of the cake.
• Not Preparing the Cranberry Layer Properly – Mixing the cranberry sauce with water and sugar is key. This step enhances the flavor and ensures even distribution in the cake.
• Overmixing Batter – Be gentle when mixing your ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and airy texture.
• Forgetting to Garnish – The festive look of your cake can be enhanced with red and green sprinkles. Don’t forget this final touch for a holiday-ready dessert.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the cake in its baking dish covered tightly with plastic wrap.

Freezing special occasion Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• It can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating special occasion Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, covering it for about 5 minutes to avoid drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the special occasion Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe that many readers might have.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned?

You can use fresh cranberries, but you will need to cook them down with sugar and water first for sweetness.

How long does this poke cake last?

The poke cake lasts about 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 2 months if frozen properly.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day or two before your gathering. Just store it in the refrigerator until serving.

What can I substitute for whipped topping?

If you prefer, you can use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping.

Is this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions?

This recipe can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix and checking other ingredients for gluten content.

Final Thoughts

The special occasion Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe is not only festive but also versatile enough for any gathering. Its moist layers filled with cranberry goodness make it an instant hit. Feel free to customize it by adding different toppings or flavors to suit your preferences!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

special occasion Cranberry Poke Cake

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with this delightful special occasion Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe. Bursting with vibrant cranberry flavors and topped with a creamy whipped layer, this moist cake is not only a stunning centerpiece for your holiday gatherings but also a breeze to prepare.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 can (14 oz) cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
• 1/2 cup water (for cranberry layer)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Red and green sprinkles for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth.
2. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
3. Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes, then poke holes evenly across the top using a toothpick.
4. In a saucepan, heat the cranberry sauce with water and sugar until dissolved. Pour over the poked cake.
5. Cool completely before topping with whipped cream mixed with vanilla extract. Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.
6. Garnish with red and green sprinkles before slicing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 40mg