Cranberry Poke Cake

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Whether you’re a fan of cranberries or not, this cranberry poke cake is a must-try. One bite of the flavor packed cake will win them over.

Cranberry Poke Jello Cake Recipe

Cranberry Poke Cake is the perfect recipe to bake up an exciting and delicious dessert that everyone can enjoy.

With its vibrant cranberry flavor, creamy frosting layer, and impressive decorating details, this poke cake is sure to be a hit at any special occasion!

Plus, it’s so easy to make; just mix your ingredients together and let the oven do all the hard work.

A slice of red velvet cake on a fork.

So stop preparing plain old cakes – it’s time to get creative with Cranberry Poke Cake!

With its moist, flavorful cake and sweet-tart cranberry filling, this Cranberry Poke cake is sure to become a crowd-pleaser.

Cranberry Poke Cake is going to be a favorite at any holiday get-together.

Tart cranberries combine with sweet cake and creamy whipped cream for an extremely satisfying dessert.

So easy and quick, that even the kids can help make it!

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 50-60 Minutes

Rest Time: 4 Hours 20 Minutes

Serves: 12

5 star cranberry dole cake recipe with cranberry jello.

Ingredients Needed

Now that you’re excited to try out this Cranberry Poke Cake recipe, let’s take a look at the list of ingredients you’ll need:

  • White Cake Mixes (15.25 ounces each)
  • Large Eggs
  • Vegetable Oil
  • Cold Water + 1 Cup Boiling Water
  • Whole Milk
  • Cranberry Jello (3 ounces)
  • Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce (15 ounces)
  • Cool Whip (8 ounces)
  • Nonstick Cooking Spray

For exact measurements, please see the printable recipe card below.

The ingredients for cranberry cranberry pancakes are laid out on a table.

How to Make Cranberry Poke Cake Recipe

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and spray a deep 9×13 cake pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the two cake mixes, eggs, oil, milk, and 1 cup of cold water. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat until no lumps appear. It will seem thin, but this is what you want. 

Pour into your prepared cake pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake (deeper than just the top bit of cake) comes out clean. Let cool for about 20 minutes.

A white baking dish with cranberries and cream cheese.

With the handle of a wooden spoon, or with a similarly shaped object, poke holes in the cake. There should be a hole about every inch and be careful to not go all the way through the cake. Just go a little over halfway through with the holes.  

Add the jello and boiling water to a medium mixing bowl and stir until the jello is dissolved. Place the jello in a pourable container (I use a glass measuring cup). 

Slowly pour the jello over the top of the cake, first covering the holes and then any surface of the cake left after that. 

A collage of photos showing how to make a cranberry cake.

Place the cake in the fridge, covered with plastic, for 4 hours or until the jello is set.

Place the cranberry sauce in a medium mixing bowl and use a fork or other utensil to break it up until no large chunks remain and it resembles a homemade-style cranberry sauce.

Add the cool whip to the bowl with the cranberry sauce and fold it together until fully combined.

A bowl of cranberry sauce and whipped cream.

Frost the top of the cake with the mixture.

A white dish with cranberry ice cream and cranberries.

Slice, serve, and enjoy!

A red and white cake with cranberries on top.

Tips

Store in the fridge in a cake saver or similar container, for up to 5 days. Freeze without frosting in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Frost when ready to serve.

If you like more frosting, double the frosting recipe.

If you don’t want to use cranberry sauce for the frosting, you can skip it, or use a pack of cranberry jello mixed into it. 

Do not cook the cake any hotter than 325 degrees or it will be burnt in some places and raw in others. Slow and steady wins the cake game.

If you don’t want to make such a thick cake, you can use just one with a smaller pan and cut the cake part of the recipe in half. You’ll want to adjust your oven temperature to 350 degrees and start checking the cake around 20-30 minutes through.

It’s important to keep in mind that every oven is different and knowing your own oven is helpful in ensuring that you end up with the perfect cake. 

Variations

Incorporate Different Textures

Adding contrasting textures to your Cranberry Poke Cake will elevate its overall taste experience. Consider topping your cake with a crunchy streusel or adding chopped nuts to the batter for some extra crunch.

Experiment with Different Spices

While cinnamon is a common spice used in Cranberry Poke Cakes, don’t be afraid to get creative with other spices! Try adding a pinch of cloves or nutmeg to the batter to deepen the flavor profile.

Use a Variety of Cranberry Products

Don’t limit yourself to just cranberry sauce – experiment with other cranberry products such as cranberry juice or dried cranberries. These products can add a unique depth of flavor and texture to your cake.

Don’t Forget the Frosting

A good frosting can take your Cranberry Poke Cake to the next level. Consider using a cream cheese frosting or adding a hint of orange zest to your buttercream for a surprising twist.

Don’t Poke Too Soon

When poking the holes in your cake, make sure it has completely cooled down. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a mushy mess. No one wants that.

Let It Soak

The key to a deliciously moist Cranberry Poke Cake is to let it soak up the liquid mixture. Be sure to pour the mixture slowly and evenly over your cake, allowing it to soak in at its own pace.

With these tips in mind, your Cranberry Poke Cake is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Happy baking!

More Cranberry Recipes For You

Printable Recipe Card and Nutritional Values

A cake with a slice taken out of it.

Cranberry Jello Poke Cake Recipe

Mary
Whether you’re a fan of cranberries or not, this cranberry poke cake is a must-try. One bite of the flavor packed cake will win them over.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Additional Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Course Cakes
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 293 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 White Cake Mixes 15.25 ounces each
  • 6 Large Eggs
  • 1 Cup Vegetable Oil
  • 1 Cup Cold Water + 1 Cup Boiling Water
  • 1 Cup Whole Milk
  • 1 Box Cranberry Jello 3 ounces
  • 1 Can Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce 15 ounces
  • 1 Tub Cool Whip 8 ounces
  • Nonstick Cooking Spray

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and spray a deep 9×13 cake pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the two cake mixes, eggs, oil, milk, and 1 cup of cold water. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat until no lumps appear. It will seem thin, but this is what you want. 
  • Pour into your prepared cake pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake (deeper than just the top bit of cake) comes out clean. Let cool for about 20 minutes.
  • With the handle of a wooden spoon, or with a similarly shaped object, poke holes in the cake. There should be a hole about every inch and be careful to not go all the way through the cake. Just go a little over halfway through with the holes.  
  • Add the jello and boiling water to a medium mixing bowl and stir until the jello is dissolved. Place the jello in a pourable container (I use a glass measuring cup). 
  • Slowly pour the jello over the top of the cake, first covering the holes and then any surface of the cake left after that. 
  • Place the cake in the fridge, covered with plastic, for 4 hours or until the jello is set.
  • Place the cranberry sauce in a medium mixing bowl and use a fork or other utensil to break it up until no large chunks remain and it resembles a homemade-style cranberry sauce.
  • Add the cool whip to the bowl with the cranberry sauce and fold it together until fully combined.
  • Frost the top of the cake with the mixture. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
    Cranberry poke cake recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 293kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 5gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 90mgSugar: 13g
Keyword after school snack, Christmas, easy recipe, easy recipes, fall recipe, holiday, jello, jello cake, kid friendly, thanksgiving
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Kitchen Supplies

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Feel free to get creative! While the recipe calls for a white cake mix, you can experiment with different flavors like vanilla or even chocolate to create your own unique twist on the Cranberry Poke Cake.

Can I make the Cranberry Poke Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! The Cranberry Poke Cake can be made a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Create something delicious and enjoyable for your friends and family this holiday season with Cranberry Poke Cake!

This easy and scrumptious dessert will have satisfy the sweet tooth of your guests, leaving everyone feeling content and delighted.

Whether you’re a fan of cranberries or not, this poke cake is a must-try. Just one bite of the moist and flavor packed cake will win them over.

So step away from the ordinary cookie tray at your next gathering, bring out the Cranberry Poke Cake instead, and make sure to take some pictures to remember this moment forever!

Be sure to follow us on Pinterest and PIN IT FOR LATER!

Cranberry jello poke cake recipe the perfect dessert for your next party.

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