If you are looking for a festive, irresistible dessert that is both bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make, this Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. With a moist white cake base infused with a tangy and sweet cranberry sauce, then topped with a luxuriously creamy cream cheese frosting, every bite is a delightful dance of textures and tastes. It’s perfect for holidays, cozy gatherings, or anytime you want to impress friends and family with minimal fuss but maximum wow factor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two stages of cooking cranberries in a silver pan with a handle on a white marbled surface. On the left, fresh bright red cranberries fill most of the pan, with a single mound of white granulated sugar and some small orange zest pieces on one side. On the right, the cranberries have started to break down, turning dark red and bubbly with a foamy texture, and a square of yellow butter melting on top near the center. The pan handle points downward in both images. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays an important role in building the layers of flavor—from the zesty cranberries to the rich, fluffy cream cheese topping.

White cake mix: The convenient base that creates a soft and airy cake perfect for absorbing the cranberry sauce.
Egg whites, oil, and water: These basic wet ingredients ensure your cake is tender and moist.
Fresh or frozen cranberries: Providing bright tartness and beautiful color to the sauce.
Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the cranberries with just the right amount of sweetness.
Water: Helps dissolve sugar and soften cranberries into a luscious sauce.
Orange zest: Adds a fresh citrus note that lifts the flavor profile of the sauce.
Salted butter: Rounds out the cranberry sauce with a silky richness.
Vanilla extract (two uses): Infuses warmth into both the sauce and the cream cheese frosting.
Cream cheese (softened): Delivers that dreamy, creamy topping that complements the tart filling perfectly.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting to the perfect consistency.
Heavy cream: Adds fluffy volume and silky texture to the whipped topping.

How to Make Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Bake the White Cake

Begin by preparing the white cake mix according to the package instructions using egg whites, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch pan and bake it to perfection. This cake acts as the perfect soft and neutral canvas to soak up the juicy cranberry goodness.

Step 2: Create the Tangy Cranberry Sauce

While the cake is baking, combine fresh or frozen cranberries, granulated sugar, water, and orange zest in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently as the sugar dissolves and the berries begin to burst, creating a vibrant sauce. Boil for about 3 minutes, mashing the cranberries slightly to release their juices. Then stir in salted butter and vanilla extract, bringing richness and warmth. Let this cool to room temperature—this sauce is the star of the poke.

Step 3: Poke and Pour

When the cake is done, give it about 10 minutes to cool so it’s warm but not hot. Using a wooden skewer or spoon handle, poke holes evenly over the entire surface. This step is crucial because it lets the cranberry sauce soak deep into the cake for bursts of flavor in every bite. Pour the cooled sauce evenly over the top, pressing it gently into the holes. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour or up to overnight to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Whip the Cream Cheese Topping

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add heavy cream and whisk the mixture from low to high speed until it becomes light, creamy, and perfectly spreadable. This luscious topping adds a dreamy contrast to the vibrant cranberry filling.

Step 5: Spread and Chill

Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake’s surface. Return the cake to the fridge and chill for several hours or up to a day. This allows the topping to set and the flavors to deepen, making the cake even more irresistible just before serving.

How to Serve Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe

A single slice of cake is shown on a wooden spatula. The cake has two layers; the bottom layer is light-colored with soft, spongy texture and pinkish-red spots inside it. The top layer is cream-colored and smooth, looking like a thick frosting. Small dark red dried fruit pieces are placed on the top of the frosting. The cake stands above a white baking dish filled with the same cake, and there are more dried fruit pieces scattered around on a white marbled surface in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe extra special, consider topping it with sugared cranberries for a sparkly, festive finish or a sprinkle of craisins for a chewy burst of cranberry flavor. A little twist of orange zest on top can add a fresh zing and a pop of color as well.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of hot tea, spiced cider, or a smooth coffee. If serving at a party, light vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side complements the tangy cranberry notes and adds little pockets of cool creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, cut the poke cake into neat squares and serve on decorative plates with a dusting of powdered sugar. You could also layer individual servings in glass parfait cups, alternating cake, cranberry sauce, and frosting for a whimsical visual display that doubles as a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After serving, any leftovers of your Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe should be kept covered in the refrigerator. The cake stays moist and fresh for up to 3 days, retaining the perfect balance between fluffy frosting and juicy cranberry punch.

Freezing

While this cake is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and gently loosen the topping if needed with a spatula.

Reheating

This poke cake is designed to be enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the frosting and sauce. Instead, serve it straight from the fridge and enjoy the refreshing contrast of cool topping and warm cake flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones here. Just thaw them slightly before cooking to help the sauce come together smoothly.

Is it necessary to use a boxed white cake mix?

Not at all. If you prefer, you can make your favorite homemade white cake recipe, but the box mix keeps things quick, simple, and reliably fluffy.

How long should I chill the cake before serving?

At least one hour to allow the cranberry sauce to soak in and the frosting to set, but chilling overnight brings out even more flavor depth.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the white cake mix for a gluten-free version and be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the topping?

You could try mascarpone or a cream cheese alternative, but keep in mind the flavor and texture might vary slightly from the classic creamy topping expected in this recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe is one of those desserts that instantly becomes a favorite, thanks to its bright cranberry punch paired with luscious cream cheese topping all nestled in a soft white cake. It’s perfect for any occasion that calls for a special treat without spending hours in the kitchen. I simply can’t recommend giving it a try enough. You and your loved ones will delight in every spoonful!