Name: Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (14.25 ounce) box white cake mix; 3 large eggs; 3/4 cup water; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 (14 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce; 1/2 cup warm water; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg; 1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip; Red and green sprinkles

Why You’ll Love Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe

This cake combines bright cranberry flavor with sweet, tender cake for a delicious contrast in every bite. The festive red streaks from the cranberry sauce make it especially eye-catching for holiday celebrations, and the fluffy topping creates the ideal balance of creamy and sweet. Plus, it’s simple enough for even beginner bakers to make and can be prepared ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cake:
1 (14.25 ounce) box white cake mix
3 large eggs
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Cranberry Sauce:
1 (14 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
1/2 cup warm water
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

Topping:
1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip
Red and green sprinkles

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, prepare the white cake mix according to package instructions using the eggs, water, and oil.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once the cake is baked, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly all over the warm cake.
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, warm water, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Warm until well blended, then pour the mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes.
Allow the cake to cool completely.
Spread the Cool Whip evenly over the top, then add red and green sprinkles for a festive touch.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Servings and timing

Servings: 9
Prep time: about 10 minutes
Cook time: about 30 minutes
Total time: about 40 minutes

Variations

• Fruit Swap: Replace the cranberry sauce with raspberry or cherry pie filling for a different fruit variation.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra texture.
• Creamy Twist: Use cream cheese frosting instead of Cool Whip for a richer finish.
• Citrus Lift: Add orange or lemon zest to the cranberry sauce for a bright citrus flavor.
• Grown-Up Version: Stir a splash of orange liqueur into the cranberry glaze for an adult twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Cover the cake and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the cake (without the Cool Whip and sprinkles) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before adding the topping and serving.
• Reheat: This cake is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary; simply allow it to come to serving temperature from the fridge.

FAQs

How long will this cake last in the refrigerator?

Properly stored in an airtight container, the cake will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day or two in advance; just add the Cool Whip topping before serving.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce?

Yes — if you cook down fresh cranberries with sugar and water to a sauce consistency, you can use that instead.

What can I substitute for Cool Whip?

You can use freshly whipped cream sweetened with a little sugar or a cream cheese frosting alternative.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, vanilla or yellow cake mix can be substituted, though white cake highlights the holiday colors best.

Do I have to poke so many holes?

Poking evenly spaced holes helps the cranberry sauce penetrate the cake for maximum flavor.

Can I add extra spices to the cranberry sauce?

Absolutely — a pinch of ginger or allspice can add extra warmth.

Can this cake be frozen after assembly?

It’s best to freeze the cake without the Cool Whip topping to preserve texture, then add the topping after thawing.

What are some topping ideas?

Try white chocolate shavings, dried cranberries, or crushed nuts for added flair.

Is this cake suitable for a large crowd?

Yes — this 9×13-inch cake is easy to scale up if needed by making multiple pans.

Conclusion

Christmas Cranberry Poke Cake is an easy yet stunning holiday dessert that balances sweet and tart flavors with festive appeal. It’s perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or any special occasion where you want a dessert that’s both delicious and visually impressive. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.