Scrumptious Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s festive, flavorful, and utterly indulgent, this Scrumptious Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is your answer! 🍰🎄

Imagine a moist, fluffy cake infused with tart cranberries and sweet holiday flavors, generously drizzled with a creamy glaze that seeps into every poke — creating a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for Christmas dinner, holiday parties, or a cozy treat by the fireplace, this cake will quickly become a seasonal favorite.

🎁 Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Poke Cake

Holiday-perfect: Tart cranberries and sweet glaze capture Christmas in every bite.
Moist & Tender: The poke method ensures every slice is juicy and flavorful.
Easy to Make: No complicated steps, just bake, poke, and pour the glaze.
Eye-catching: Festive colors and glossy glaze make it perfect for parties.
Customizable: Add nuts, white chocolate, or holiday sprinkles for extra flair.

🥣 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

1 box yellow or white cake mix (or homemade if preferred)
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup water
⅓ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs

For the Glaze:

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional for festive spice)

For the Topping:

Whipped cream
Additional cranberries or candied cranberries
White chocolate shavings or festive sprinkles (optional)

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs according to the package instructions (or your homemade recipe).
Fold in the fresh or frozen cranberries gently — don’t overmix to avoid breaking them.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before poking.

Step 4: Poke the Cake

Using the end of a wooden spoon, a chopstick, or a skewer, poke holes all over the cake, roughly 1–2 inches apart. These holes will allow the glaze to soak in and infuse every bite with flavor.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

In a medium bowl, mix together sweetened condensed milk, orange juice, vanilla extract, and nutmeg until smooth.
Pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor and texture. The cake will absorb the glaze, becoming moist, flavorful, and perfectly sweet-tart.

Step 7: Add the Toppings

Before serving, spread whipped cream over the top.
Decorate with cranberries, white chocolate shavings, or festive sprinkles for a holiday-ready presentation.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream and a few extra cranberries on the side.
Pair with a warm cup of holiday coffee, cocoa, or mulled cider.
Slice into squares or rectangles and arrange on a holiday dessert platter.
Perfect for cookie exchanges, potlucks, or festive family dinners.

💡 Tips for Perfect Cranberry Poke Cake

Use fresh cranberries if possible — they give the perfect tartness to balance the sweetness.
Don’t skip the chilling step — it helps the glaze soak fully, creating moist perfection.
For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the glaze.
Adjust sweetness by sprinkling a little powdered sugar over the top if desired.
Use a light-colored cake (yellow or white) to showcase the vibrant cranberry color.

❄️ Make-Ahead & Storage

Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze slices individually, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
This cake can be made a day ahead, making it a stress-free dessert for holiday gatherings.

🎄 Why This Cake Is Perfect for Christmas

The combination of tart cranberries, citrusy glaze, and soft cake captures the essence of the holiday season. Each bite is festive, colorful, and bursting with flavor.

Unlike traditional cakes, the poke method ensures maximum glaze absorption, so every slice is moist, indulgent, and ready to impress. It’s a simple yet elegant way to elevate your holiday dessert table.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a holiday party, this cake is sure to steal the spotlight and become a yearly tradition.

✨ Variations to Try

White Chocolate Cranberry Poke Cake: Add melted white chocolate drizzle over the top for extra indulgence.
Spiced Version: Mix ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon cloves into the glaze for a warm holiday spice kick.
Mini Cakes or Cupcakes: Bake in a muffin tin for individual servings perfect for parties or gifting.
Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pistachios, pecans, or almonds on top for extra crunch and flavor.

❤️ Final Thoughts

This Scrumptious Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is a festive, flavorful, and easy-to-make dessert that brings holiday cheer to every bite. From its moist, cranberry-studded cake to the rich, orange-scented glaze and decorative topping, it’s a dessert that looks beautiful and tastes incredible.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, family dinner, or Christmas morning treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress and delight. Make it ahead, chill it overnight, and watch it disappear slice by slice — it’s the perfect addition to any festive celebration.