Red Velvet Poke Cake
This Red Velvet Poke Cake is the ultimate easy dessert for when you need something stunning and foolproof. A moist red velvet cake mix gets soaked with sweetened condensed milk and topped with silky cream cheese frosting every bite is rich, creamy, and irresistibly decadent.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- mixing bowls
- electric mixer
- wooden spoon or thick straw
- spatula or offset spatula
- refrigerator for chilling
Ingredients
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as per package directions)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp instant coffee powder (optional, enhances flavor)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, full-fat block, softened
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1 tsp milk (optional, to adjust frosting texture)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare red velvet cake mix according to package directions in a greased 9x13 inch pan. Add vanilla extract and instant coffee if desired. Bake as directed and cool 15 minutes until warm.
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon or thick straw, poke holes all over the warm cake, spaced about 1 inch apart and nearly to the bottom of the pan.
- Slowly pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, letting it seep into all the holes. Use a spoon to guide it into any dry spots.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours, or overnight, to let the filling set and flavors meld.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy, about 2–3 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla extract. Adjust consistency with milk if needed.
- Spread frosting evenly over chilled cake. Decorate with cake crumbs, sprinkles, or chocolate chips for a bakery-style finish.
Notes
For the best texture, poke the cake while it’s still warm so the filling seeps in evenly. Chill for at least 3-4 hours before frosting. Use block-style cream cheese (not spreadable) and softened butter for the smoothest frosting. Decorate with cake crumbs, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips.