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Cranberry Poke Cake

Cranberry Poke Cake is a festive and easy-to-make dessert that combines a light white cake with a tangy cranberry sauce filling and a fluffy whipped topping.

Equipment

  • - 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • - Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • - Spoon or spatula

Ingredients
  

  • **For the Cake:**
  • - 1 box white cake mix plus ingredients required on the box
  • - 1 cup water
  • - 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • - 3 large eggs
  • **For the Cranberry Filling:**
  • - 1 can 14 oz whole cranberry sauce
  • - 1/4 cup water
  • - 2 tbsp sugar
  • **For the Whipped Topping:**
  • - 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • - 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • **Prepare the Cake:**
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the white cake mix according to package instructions, using water, oil, and eggs. Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake according to the package directions, usually 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
  • **Poke the Cake:**
  • Once the cake has cooled slightly, use a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake, about 1 inch apart. Be sure not to poke all the way through the cake, just deep enough to create pockets for the cranberry sauce.
  • **Prepare the Cranberry Filling:**
  • In a small saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, water, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  • **Fill the Cake:**
  • Pour the warm cranberry mixture evenly over the top of the cake, making sure the sauce sinks into the holes. Let the cake absorb the cranberry sauce and cool completely.
  • **Make the Whipped Topping:**
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
  • **Top the Cake:**
  • Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cooled cake, covering it completely.
  • **Chill and Serve:**
  • Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the topping to set. Slice and serve chilled.