Name: Christmas Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix; Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (egg whites, water, oil); Red food coloring; Green food coloring; 2 (3.4 oz.) boxes instant cheesecake or white chocolate pudding mix; 3 1/2 cups milk; 3 cups Cool Whip or; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 3 tablespoons powdered sugar (or more to taste); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Mini marshmallows; Red and green sprinkles; M & M candies

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 52 reviews

If you’re looking for a festive, crowd-pleasing dessert that perfectly captures the joyful spirit of the holidays, this Christmas Poke Cake Recipe is an absolute winner. Bursting with vibrant reds and greens, this cake offers a fun twist on traditional holiday treats by combining swirls of colored cake, creamy cheesecake pudding filling, and a luscious whipped topping. It’s a delightful dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make but sure to leave a lasting impression at any holiday gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Three clear glass bowls with thick, smooth batter are placed on a white marbled surface. The bowl at the top contains pure white batter with a creamy texture. Below, on the left, a bowl holds bright green batter, creamy and thick, with a spoon standing inside it. To the right, a bowl is filled with vivid red batter with a spoon resting in it as well. The batter in all bowls looks soft and mixed evenly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Christmas Poke Cake Recipe has a special role, from adding moisture and color to creating that smooth, velvety filling. These are basic, accessible ingredients that together transform into a show-stopping dessert.

White cake mix: The base for the cake, providing structure and a light crumb that soaks up the pudding perfectly.
Egg whites, water, and oil: These standard cake mix components ensure your cake stays moist and tender.
Red and green food coloring: Essential for that unmistakable Christmas vibe and festive visual appeal.
Instant cheesecake or white chocolate pudding mix (2 boxes): Creates a rich, creamy filling that soaks into the cake holes, adding indulgent flavor.
Milk (3 1/2 cups): Necessary to whisk with the pudding for smooth consistency and added moisture.
Cool Whip or heavy cream (3 cups or 1 1/2 cups): Provides a light, airy topping that balances the richness of the pudding-filled cake.
Powdered sugar (3 tablespoons or more): Sweetens the whipped cream for that perfect finishing touch.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, aromatic depth to your whipped topping.
Mini marshmallows, red and green sprinkles, M&M candies: Fun garnishes that bring festive texture and pops of color.

How to Make Christmas Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Color the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven according to the cake mix package instructions and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Prepare the cake mix as directed, then divide the batter into three equal portions. Leave one portion plain, tint one with red food coloring, and the other with green. Stir each until the colors are fully absorbed for vibrant, consistent hues. This step sets up the visual magic of your Christmas Poke Cake Recipe.

Step 2: Create Colorful Drops in the Pan

Using a spoon, quickly drop small dollops of each colored batter onto the greased baking dish’s bottom. Space them a few inches apart and layer the colors one at a time, repeating layers until all the batter is used. Tap the pan gently on the counter to level the surface without mixing colors. For a final festive effect, lightly swirl the colors together with a toothpick—just enough to marbelize without blending. Then bake according to the cake mix directions.

Step 3: Poke and Cool

Once baked and slightly cooled (about 10 minutes), take the handle end of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the cake surface. This is key—it allows the pudding filling to seep deep into the cake, creating moist, flavorful pockets. Let the cake cool completely before moving on. Patience here makes every bite lush and delicious.

Step 4: Make and Pour the Pudding Filling

Whisk together the instant cheesecake or white chocolate pudding mixes with milk until smooth and well combined. Pour this pudding evenly over the cooled cake, making sure it seeps into every hole. Then spread the remaining pudding on top and chill the cake in the fridge until the pudding sets firmly. This step transforms your cake into a creamy, luscious treat.

Step 5: Whip and Spread the Topping

Whether you choose Cool Whip or fresh heavy cream, whip it up with vanilla extract and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Gently spread this cloud-like topping over the chilled pudding layer, smoothing it out with a spatula. This topping adds a delicate finish that makes the Christmas Poke Cake Recipe irresistibly creamy and festive.

How to Serve Christmas Poke Cake Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered batter showing a swirling mix of red, bright green, and white colors. The colors are spread unevenly, forming heart and wavy shapes while blending softly at the edges. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, and the vibrant colors stand out clearly against the simple background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Topping your Christmas Poke Cake Recipe with mini marshmallows, festive red and green sprinkles, and colorful M & M candies is where the dessert really comes alive. These fun, textured garnishes add chewiness and crunch, plus they double the holiday cheer visually. Don’t be shy—layer them generously for a joyful presentation.

Side Dishes

Serve this cake alongside a cup of hot cocoa or spiced mulled wine to balance the richness with warm spices. A light citrus salad or some crisp peppermint bark can also be fantastic contrasts to the creamy, colorful dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, try serving individual portions in clear glass cups to showcase each festive layer and colorful swirls. Or top with a sprig of fresh mint and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant holiday look. Using a decorative Christmas platter or tin adds extra sparkle to your dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Christmas Poke Cake Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days when covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. The pudding filling will remain moist, and the whipped topping stays fresh, making it an excellent make-ahead holiday treat.

Freezing

If you want to prepare in advance, freezing is an option, though the texture of whipped cream might change slightly upon thawing. Freeze an un-topped version wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before adding whipped topping and garnishes.

Reheating

Since this cake is best served chilled, reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow it to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving if you prefer it less cold. This enhances the flavors without compromising texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake batter instead of a mix?

Absolutely! Feel free to prepare your favorite white cake batter from scratch and divide it for coloring. Just be sure it’s a light batter that will hold up well when layered and poked for soaking.

What if I don’t have instant cheesecake pudding?

You can substitute with instant vanilla or white chocolate pudding mix—both work beautifully and keep the flavor smooth and sweet in this Christmas Poke Cake Recipe.

How do I prevent the colors from blending too much?

Be gentle when swirling with the toothpick and avoid spreading the batter with a spatula. Dropping the batter in layers and tapping the pan lightly helps maintain distinct color patches for that festive marbled effect.

Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?

With some ingredient swaps like vegan cake mix, plant-based pudding alternatives, and coconut whipped cream, this Christmas Poke Cake Recipe can be adapted to suit vegan or dairy-free needs.

Is this cake very sweet?

It’s sweet enough to satisfy holiday cravings without being overwhelming. The creamy pudding filling and light whipped topping balance the cake, making every bite flavorful but not heavy.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Poke Cake Recipe brings together color, flavor, and festive fun in one comforting holiday dessert. It’s a go-to for anyone wanting to add a splash of holiday spirit with minimal fuss and maximum joy. I hope you’ll try it soon, share it with loved ones, and make it part of your cherished Christmas traditions.