Moist red velvet poke cake soaked in creamy sweetened condensed milk and finished with fluffy frosting — easy and irresistible for holidays, parties, or special occasions.

Red Velvet Poke Cake Recipe

A moist and decadent red velvet cake that’s taken to the next level with a delightful surprise in every bite.

This easy-to-make yet stunning dessert is perfect for birthdays, celebrations or just when you’re craving a sweet treat. It combines the classic flavors of red velvet with the decadence and richness a poke cake – a match made in dessert heaven.

To whip up this easy red velvet poke cake, all you need is a box of red velvet cake mix and a few simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The magic happens when we add a luscious layer of sweetened condensed milk to the freshly baked cake, infusing the cake with sweetness and richness.

Then, we top it all off with a dreamy cream cheese frosting, bringing a rich and tangy balance to the sweet, velvety base. And if you’re feeling extra festive, we’ve got optional toppings like colorful sprinkles to add that perfect finishing touch.

Get ready to impress your friends and family with a Red Velvet Poke Cake that not only looks incredible but also tastes absolutely divine.

— Jennifer

Ingredients

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• Box red velvet cake mix PLUS ingredients called for on the box
• 1 can (5oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 package (8oz) cream cheese, softened
• 2 Tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered icing sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 Tablespoons milk or cream, optional
• Sprinkles, optional

Tip: if desired, you can swap out the sweetened condensed milk for prepared pudding.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

• Mixing Bowl
• Casserole Dish or Cake Pan
• Electric Mixer
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Wooden Spoon or Chopstick
• Offset Spatula

Instructions

Prepare the boxed red velvet cake mix according to box directions.

Using a wooden spoon, poke holes every 2″ in the cake, about halfway through.

Pour the sweetened condensed milk all over the cake and use an offset spatula to ensure the milk covers the whole cake.

Refrigerate for an hour before frosting.

In a large bowl, combine the butter, cream cheese and powdered icing sugar for 2 minutes until smooth and light. Add vanilla and milk, if desired to thin out the frosting.

Use an offset spatula to spread the frosting all over the cake.

Add sprinkles or desired toppings.

How to Store a Red Velvet Poke Cake

Storing a poke cake properly will help maintain its freshness and flavor. Here’s a simple guide on how to store a poke cake:

1. Refrigeration:
   • Due to the ingredients like sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese often used in poke cakes, it’s advisable to store them in the refrigerator.
   • Place the cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This will prevent the cake from absorbing any odors from the refrigerator and help maintain its moisture.
2. Chill Before Covering:
   • Before covering the poke cake, make sure it has cooled completely. Placing a warm cake in the refrigerator can create condensation, leading to a soggy texture.
3. Use Plastic Wrap or Foil:
   • Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and to protect it from any potential odors in the refrigerator.
   • If using plastic wrap, press it directly onto the surface of the cake to minimize air exposure.
4. Store Toppings Separately:
   • If your poke cake is topped with items like whipped cream, fruits, or sprinkles, consider storing these separately. Add them just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.
5. Consume Within a Few Days:
   • Poke cakes are best enjoyed within a few days of preparation to ensure optimal taste and texture. The moisture from ingredients like sweetened condensed milk can affect the cake’s quality over time.
6. Freezing (Optional):
   • If you need to store the poke cake for a more extended period, you can freeze it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. Ensure it’s in an airtight container if possible.
   • Thaw the cake in the refrigerator before serving. This helps maintain the texture and prevents the cake from becoming too soggy.

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You might also like our Nutella-Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies and our Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies.