Ah, the holiday season! It’s a time filled with love, laughter, and, of course, fabulous food. One of my absolute favorite treats to whip up during this magical time is my Christmas poke cake. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint to get everyone in the festive spirit! I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; the moment I set it on the table, the room filled with excited chatter and sweet anticipation. It’s such a showstopper, with its creamy topping and crunchy peppermint candies. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! So, gather your loved ones around, because this delightful cake is bound to be the star of your holiday dessert table!
Ingredients List
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1/2 cup peppermint extract
- 1 tub whipped topping (8 oz)
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- Chocolate syrup for drizzling
How to Prepare the Christmas Poke Cake
Prepping the Cake
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because a hot oven means a perfectly baked cake! Now, grab your box of chocolate cake mix and follow those package instructions closely. It’s super important to mix in the right amount of water, oil, and eggs. I promise, your cake will come out moist and delicious if you stick to the plan! Once everything’s well combined, pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Make sure it’s spread evenly—this will help it bake uniformly.
Creating the Poke Cake
Now, pop that cake in the oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens! After cooling, use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Don’t be shy—make those holes as deep as you can without tearing the cake. This is going to allow all that yummy flavor to seep in!
Adding the Flavor
While the cake is cooling, grab a bowl and mix together your sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract. Oh, the smell is heavenly! Once your cake has cooled a bit and you’ve poked those holes, pour this delightful mixture all over the top, making sure to fill each hole. This step is key for ensuring every bite is packed with that irresistible peppermint flavor. Let the cake cool completely so that it can absorb all those delicious flavors.
Topping the Cake
Once your cake is cool, it’s time for the fun part—topping it off! Spread a generous layer of whipped topping over the entire cake. Then, sprinkle those crushed peppermint candies all over the top. This not only adds a lovely crunch but also makes it look festive and pretty! For the finishing touch, drizzle some chocolate syrup over the cake. Wow! It’s so beautiful and ready to impress your family and friends. Just make sure to cut it into slices and serve it up—everyone will be coming back for seconds!
FAQ Section
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! This Christmas poke cake is perfect for making a day ahead of your holiday gathering. Just store it in the refrigerator, covered, and let those flavors meld together overnight. Trust me, it only gets better!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay delicious for about 3-4 days. Just be warned, it might disappear faster than you think!
What can I use if I don’t have peppermint extract?
If peppermint isn’t your thing, feel free to switch it up! You can use mint extract or even vanilla for a different flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the amount to your taste—start small and add more if you’d like!
Can I add other toppings?
Oh, definitely! While the whipped topping and crushed peppermint candies are a classic combo, you can get creative! How about adding some festive sprinkles, or even a drizzle of white chocolate? The options are endless, and they’ll make your cake even more special!
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
Serving it chilled is key! I love to cut it into squares and serve it on a festive platter. You can even add a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an extra treat. Just be prepared for everyone to ask for the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Deliciously festive flavors of chocolate and peppermint that scream Christmas.
- Always a crowd-pleaser—everyone loves a sweet, moist poke cake!
- Beautifully topped with whipped cream and crushed candies, it’s a feast for the eyes!
- Perfect for making ahead of time, allowing flavors to develop overnight.
- Versatile—swap out flavors or toppings to suit your taste and creativity!
- Great for serving at parties, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Christmas poke cake turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips that I swear by!
- Read the Cake Mix Instructions: It sounds simple, but following the package instructions for the cake mix is essential. Each brand can be a bit different, so stick to the recommended water, oil, and egg amounts for the best texture.
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: After baking, let your cake cool for the full 10 minutes before poking holes. This helps it hold together better while you’re adding that delicious condensed milk mixture!
- Poke Holes Generously: When poking holes, don’t be shy! The more holes you make, the more flavor you’ll infuse into the cake. Just be careful not to tear it apart—aim for a good depth without going all the way through.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting your cake chill in the fridge for a couple of hours after topping it will help the flavors meld together beautifully. Plus, it tastes extra refreshing served cold!
- Experiment with Flavors: If you want to mix things up, try using different extracts! Almond or vanilla can add a lovely twist. Just remember to taste as you go to find that perfect balance.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to play with toppings! If crushed peppermint isn’t your thing, consider crushed Oreos or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a unique flair.
- Use Quality Ingredients: When it comes to sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping, using higher quality brands can really elevate the taste of your cake. Trust me, it makes a difference!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a stunning and delicious Christmas poke cake that will wow your friends and family. Enjoy the process and have fun baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of the estimated nutritional values for each slice of this delightful Christmas poke cake. Keep in mind that these are approximations and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use!
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
With all that deliciousness packed into each slice, it’s a festive treat worth indulging in this holiday season! Just remember to enjoy it in moderation, especially if you’re serving it at a holiday gathering where everyone will want a piece!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Christmas poke cake properly is key to keeping it fresh and delicious! After you’ve enjoyed your first round, let any leftovers cool completely. Then, transfer the cake to an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. I love how the flavors meld together even more after a day or two!
If you find yourself with more cake than you can eat, you can also freeze it! Just slice it into individual portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, you can pull out a slice whenever you need a little holiday cheer. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
As for reheating, it’s best to serve the Christmas poke cake chilled, but if you prefer a warm slice, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it; you don’t want it to dry out! A warm slice drizzled with a bit of extra chocolate syrup makes for an indulgent treat that’s perfect for those cozy winter nights. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Christmas Poke Cake: 7 Irresistibly Festive Flavors
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and delicious Christmas poke cake that combines flavors of chocolate and peppermint.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1/2 cup peppermint extract
- 1 tub whipped topping (8 oz)
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- Chocolate syrup for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes in the cake with a fork.
- In a bowl, mix sweetened condensed milk with peppermint extract.
- Pour the mixture over the warm cake, ensuring it fills the holes.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Top with whipped topping and crushed peppermint candies.
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Use different flavor extracts for variation.
- Add more crushed candies for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: christmas poke cake, holiday dessert, chocolate cake, peppermint cake
