If you’re dreaming of a delightful dessert that captures the essence of the festive season while being wonderfully simple to make, then you’ve got to try this Christmas Vanilla Bean Poke Cake Recipe. It’s a moist, fluffy vanilla cake with pockets of sweet vanilla cream infused throughout, creating a luscious texture that feels like a warm holiday hug in every bite. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, this cake combines classic flavors with an easy “poke and pour” method that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to dessert for the holidays!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to this cake’s incredible flavor and texture. Each component brings a bit of magic, whether it’s the base of the moist vanilla cake, the rich sweetness of the condensed milk, or the creamy pudding that fills every hole with delightful softness.
- Vanilla cake mix: The foundation that guarantees a fluffy, light texture; using a box mix saves time but delivers excellent results.
- Ingredients listed on box: Typically eggs, oil, and water—simple essentials that make the cake tender and moist.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds an irresistible richness and sticky sweetness that seeps deep into the cake through the poke holes.
- Vanilla pudding: Provides a creamy filling that complements the cake’s flavor perfectly, blending beautifully with the milk.
- Whipped topping: Adds a light, airy finish to balance the cake’s richness and gives it a festive, snow-like appearance.
How to Make Christmas Vanilla Bean Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Vanilla Cake
Start by preparing the vanilla cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Pour the batter into your greased cake pan and bake it until a toothpick comes out clean. The aroma of freshly baked vanilla permeating your kitchen is the perfect kickoff to this festive dessert.
Step 2: Poke Holes While Cake is Warm
Once out of the oven and still warm, take a wooden spoon handle and gently poke holes all over the cake. These holes will allow the luscious vanilla cream mixture to seep deep into the cake, ensuring every bite is moist and bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Pour Condensed Milk and Vanilla Pudding
Mix the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla pudding together until smooth, then slowly pour this creamy blend evenly over the cake, making sure it fills those delicious holes. The cake will soak up all that dreamy vanilla goodness!
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least two hours to let the flavors meld and the cake to set perfectly. Chilling is key to transforming this cake into a beautifully moist and creamy holiday treat.
Step 5: Add Whipped Topping
Just before serving, spread a generous layer of whipped topping over the cake. This adds a delightful lightness and creates a festive “snowy” effect that’s irresistible during the Christmas season.
How to Serve Christmas Vanilla Bean Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Decorate your poke cake with fresh berries like cranberries or raspberries to add a pop of holiday color and a subtle tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet vanilla flavors. A sprinkle of crushed candy canes or a dusting of powdered sugar can also take the presentation up a notch and add a festive crunch.
Side Dishes
This Christmas Vanilla Bean Poke Cake Recipe pairs wonderfully with rich coffee or hot cocoa, making it perfect for holiday dessert tables. Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some spiced whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience that complements its creamy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Try turning this poke cake into individual servings by baking in a sheet pan and cutting into squares. You can layer it in a trifle dish with whipped cream and crushed cookies for a show-stopping layered dessert. Another fun idea is to make cupcakes and poke holes in them for mini versions of the cake that are perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Christmas Vanilla Bean Poke Cake Recipe can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it can taste even better the next day! Just make sure it’s well wrapped to keep the whipped topping fresh and creamy.
Freezing
While freezing poke cake isn’t ideal due to the creamy filling and whipped topping, you can freeze the baked cake layer alone before poking and pouring the pudding mixture. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before adding the condensed milk, pudding, and whipped topping.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer to serve it slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Avoid heating it in the microwave or oven as this will melt the whipped topping and change the texture of the pudding filling.
FAQs
Can I make the Christmas Vanilla Bean Poke Cake Recipe from scratch without a box mix?
Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade vanilla cake recipe instead of the box mix. Just be sure the cake is moist and light to soak up all the condensed milk and pudding mixture beautifully.
What type of vanilla pudding is best for this poke cake?
A classic instant vanilla pudding mix works perfectly for this recipe. It sets quickly and delivers that rich, creamy consistency that complements the cake’s sweetness without overpowering it.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping?
Yes! Freshly whipped cream adds a lovely homemade touch and tastes amazing. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form, and spread it over the cake just before serving.
Is the sweetened condensed milk necessary in this recipe?
Sweetened condensed milk is key to this poke cake’s signature richness and depth of flavor. It seeps into the holes to create moist, creamy pockets that are what really set this cake apart from other vanilla cakes.
Can I prepare this cake a day in advance for a party?
Definitely! In fact, making this Christmas Vanilla Bean Poke Cake Recipe ahead of time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just wait to add the whipped topping until right before serving to keep it fresh and fluffy.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to make this Christmas Vanilla Bean Poke Cake Recipe a part of your holiday tradition. It’s such a cozy, comforting dessert that’s incredibly easy yet feels so special. Whether you’re bringing it to a festive gathering or enjoying it with your own family, it’s bound to warm hearts and sweeten the celebrations. So go ahead and give it a try—you’re going to love every creamy, vanilla-filled bite!
Print
Christmas Vanilla Bean Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Christmas vanilla bean poke cake is a moist and fluffy dessert featuring a tender vanilla cake filled with sweet vanilla pudding and condensed milk. Perfectly chilled and topped with whipped topping, this festive treat is ideal for holiday gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: usually eggs, oil, and water)
Filling
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup prepared vanilla pudding
Topping
- Whipped topping, as needed
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven and prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, typically around 25-30 minutes.
- Poke Holes in the Cake: While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to gently poke holes all over the surface of the cake. This allows the filling to seep into the cake, keeping it moist and flavorful.
- Add the Filling: Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, making sure it soaks into the holes. Then, spread the prepared vanilla pudding over the top, allowing it to drizzle into the holes as well.
- Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set properly.
- Top with Whipped Topping: Before serving, generously spread whipped topping over the chilled cake to add a creamy finish and festive touch.
Notes
- For an extra festive touch, garnish with red and green sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies.
- You can prepare the vanilla pudding from scratch or use store-bought instant pudding for convenience.
- Ensure the cake is still warm when poking holes to make the process easier and ensure the filling soaks in properly.
- This cake can be made a day ahead, making it a great option for holiday meal prep.
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