Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe

We are such huge fans of poke cakes, and a great variation is this Red Velvet Poke Cake – perfect for either Valentine’s Day or Christmas. You start with boxed cake mix and then poke holes on the top of the cake and pour in a ton of extra flavor. Let’s break down how!

Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe

Red Velvet cake mix is easy to find and is available at almost every grocery store. This holiday season, be sure to pull out this delicious cake recipe and treat your family and friends to a fun surprise.

Ingredients: 

• 1 box, 15.25 oz, red velvet cake, plus ingredients to make cake
• 1 can, 14 oz, sweetened condensed milk

• 1 brick, 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2-1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

How To Make Easy Red Velvet Poke Cake

Prepare and bake the cake according to box instructions for a 9×13 pan. Once baking is complete, remove from oven and let cake stand for 5 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes into the cake, making sure you don’t go all the way to the bottom, but at least halfway through. 

Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, making sure you put some in each hole. It’s possible you’ll need to fill each hole twice. Let the cake cool completely or refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or until cool. 

Add cream cheese and butter to a large mixing bowl and beat well until smooth. Pour in powdered sugar and vanilla and beat on low to incorporate and then increase speed to high to beat well. Scrap sides down about 3 minutes after beating and continue to beat for an additional 2 minutes. 

Frost cake and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Serve immediately or loosely cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. 

Serves 24.

Tips and Variations

• Don’t be afraid of the sweetened condensed milk. It isn’t overpowering. It will work well with this recipe.
• I did refrigerate this cake overnight and then frosted it in the morning. 
• Consider topping with white chocolate chips instead of dark.
• You can substitute in your favorite cream cheese frosting instead of making homemade cream cheese frosting. That’s up to you. Some people also like to use homemade whipped cream or Cool Whip.
• You could top with crushed Oreo cookies if you have them on hand. This will give you a fun Oreo poke cake instead!
• For additional flavor, add cocoa powder when cooking the moist red velvet cake. You could even add additional red food coloring, but I don’t think that’s necessary.
• If you want to step up this dish, consider adding a vanilla pudding layer. What a huge hit it will be! You can use white chocolate pudding as that flavor profile goes nicely with red velvet desserts.
• To store, use an airtight container or wrap your pan in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to eat.

This easy poke cake recipe is perfect for your next special occasion – including holiday parties occurring during the Christmas season. The next time you have something to celebrate, be sure to whip out this delicious dessert idea. I can guarantee this easy dessert will leave a lasting impression.

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