Cranberry Poke Cake is like a warm hug in dessert form. The moment you slice into this cake, you unleash a cascade of tart cranberry goodness that dances with sweetness, leaving your taste buds tingling in delight. hearty and flavorful soup.
Imagine serving this beautiful creation at your holiday gathering, where it steals the show and prompts everyone to ask for seconds. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a casual family dinner, this cake guarantees smiles all around.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Cranberry Poke Cake is easy to make, ensuring anyone can whip it up in no time
- The flavor profile is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it irresistible
- Its vibrant crimson hue makes it visually stunning for any occasion
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for holidays or just because
I still remember the first time I made this Cranberry Poke Cake; my friends couldn’t believe something so delicious came from my oven! delicious lasagna rolls. For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Avocado Chicken Salad recipe.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Cake Mix: A simple yellow or white cake mix works perfectly as the base for this recipe. perfect main dish for gatherings.
Cranberry Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought sauce; either will add that delightful tartness.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This transforms the cake into a luscious treat that everyone will love.
Whipped Topping: Light and fluffy, it provides the perfect finishing touch to your cake.
Cream Cheese: Adding cream cheese enhances the richness and flavor of your frosting.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the frosting beautifully while keeping it light and airy.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavors and adds warmth to every bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. easy garlic flatbread recipe.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Bake the Cake: Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions and pour it into your greased baking dish. Bake until golden brown, approximately 30 minutes.
Poke Holes in the Cake: Once out of the oven, let your cake cool for about 10 minutes. Then use a fork to poke holes all over its surface—this is where all that delicious cranberry flavor will seep in!
Add Cranberry Sauce and Sweetened Condensed Milk: Spread cranberry sauce evenly over the top of the warm cake. Then drizzle sweetened condensed milk all over—this is where magic happens!
Cool Down Time!: Allow your cake to cool completely at room temperature before moving on to frosting it. Patience is key here; trust me.
Make the Frosting: In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, whipped topping, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
Frost Your Cake!: Spread that luscious frosting generously over your cooled cake. Don’t be shy; cover every inch!
Your Cranberry Poke Cake is now ready! Serve chilled or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.
Enjoy every bite as you reminisce about how easy it was to whip up this crowd-pleaser!
You Must Know
- This delightful cranberry poke cake is not just a dessert; it’s a conversation starter!
- The vibrant colors and tangy sweetness make it an unforgettable treat, perfect for any gathering
- Plus, it’s super easy to make, even for those who claim they can’t bake
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the cake according to package instructions. While it’s cooling, prepare the cranberry sauce and poke holes in the cake to let that deliciousness seep in.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries for cherry or raspberry filling. Add nuts or coconut for extra texture and flavor that’ll impress your friends!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For serving, enjoy it cold or let it sit at room temperature for a while.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter
- Poking holes while the cake is warm ensures maximum flavor absorption
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for an over-the-top indulgence!
Sometimes, I bake this cake just to witness my family’s pure joy as they dive into it. Their smiles are priceless!

FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries for the poke cake?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well; just thaw them before use.
How long does cranberry poke cake last?
It lasts up to five days when stored properly in the fridge.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute with a gluten-free cake mix for a delicious alternative.

Cranberry Poke Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
Description
Cranberry Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with sweet creaminess, making it a showstopper for any occasion. This easy-to-make cake features a moist yellow base soaked in cranberry goodness and topped with a fluffy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holidays or casual gatherings, each bite brings joy and warmth, earning it a place on your dessert table.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the yellow cake mix according to package instructions and pour into the greased dish. Bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown.
- After cooling for 10 minutes, poke holes all over the surface of the cake with a fork.
- Spread cranberry sauce evenly over the warm cake, then drizzle with sweetened condensed milk.
- Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature.
- In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, whipped topping, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Frost the cooled cake generously with the mixture.
- Your Cranberry Poke Cake is ready to serve! Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for smoother blending. For added variety, swap cranberries for cherry or raspberry filling, or add nuts for texture.
