Red Velvet Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of red velvet cake with a creamy filling. This cake is fun to make and perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or even just a sweet treat at home. Its vibrant color and delicious taste make it a favorite among many!

Why Make This Recipe

Making Red Velvet Poke Cake is a great choice because it is easy to prepare and always impresses your guests. The cake is moist and flavorful, and the creamy pudding filling adds a wonderful texture. Plus, it’s a fun project to do with family or friends!

How to Make Red Velvet Poke Cake

Ingredients

1 box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla or white chocolate pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
Optional: red velvet crumbs, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles for garnish

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper. Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions, pour into the pan, and bake as directed. Let cool for 10 minutes.
Poke holes all over the cake using a wooden spoon handle or straw, about 1 inch apart.
Whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk in a medium bowl until smooth and let it sit for 1-2 minutes to thicken. Pour the pudding mixture over the cake, filling the holes and spreading it evenly.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Spread thawed whipped topping over the chilled cake. Garnish as desired.
Slice and serve chilled.

How to Serve Red Velvet Poke Cake

To serve Red Velvet Poke Cake, simply cut it into squares and place them on dessert plates. You can add extra garnishes like red velvet crumbs, chocolate shavings, or colorful sprinkles for a nice touch. It’s perfect for parties or family gatherings!

How to Store Red Velvet Poke Cake

You can store Red Velvet Poke Cake in the refrigerator. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It will stay good for about 3-4 days.

Tips to Make Red Velvet Poke Cake

For extra moisture, you can add a bit of milk or coffee to the cake batter.
Make sure to poke the holes deep enough to let the pudding soak in, but not so deep that the cake falls apart.
Let the cake chill long enough so everything sets nicely before spreading the whipped topping.

Variation

You can try different flavors of pudding if you want to mix things up. Strawberry or chocolate pudding can add a fun twist to the classic recipe!

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake instead of a cake mix?

Yes! You can make a homemade red velvet cake if you prefer. Just make sure to poke holes in it after it cools and follow the same steps.

How long does this cake last?

Red Velvet Poke Cake can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.

Can I freeze Red Velvet Poke Cake?

It’s best to avoid freezing this cake because the texture may change. However, you can freeze the cake batter or components separately before assembly.