Cranberry Poke Cake : A Quick and Delicious Family Favorite

Posted on December 23, 2025

This cranberry poke cake comes together in about 35 minutes and requires just a few simple steps for a quick and easy dessert that your family will love! You can easily switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand or use it as a reason to clean out the fridge! Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, this dessert is sure to impress everyone at the table!

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix : You can use any brand you like; I personally love the classic taste of a yellow cake.
1 cup cranberry sauce : This can be homemade or store-bought; feel free to use jellied or whole berry.
1 cup water : Just tap water is fine; no need for fancy spring water here!
3 large eggs : These provide the cake with moisture and fluff.
1/2 cup vegetable oil : For tenderness and richness; you can substitute with melted butter if you prefer.
1 package (3.4 oz) vanilla instant pudding mix : This makes the cake ultra creamy and rich.
2 cups whipped topping : Use Cool Whip or a homemade version if you’re feeling adventurous!
1/2 cup powdered sugar : For a touch of sweetness in the whipped topping.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract : This adds warm flavor; the real stuff is best, but the imitation works too!

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven : First things first, crank up that oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. The smell of cake baking is just the best!
Mix the Batter : In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, cranberry sauce, water, eggs, and vegetable oil until everything is well combined. You want it to be nice and smooth, no lumps here! Pour that beautiful, pinkish batter into the prepared baking pan.
Bake : Now, pop the pan into the oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it nothing worse than a dry cake!
Poke the Cake : Once baked, allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes. Then, take the end of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the top of the cake this is where the yummy cranberry sauce will soak in!
Add the Cranberry Sauce : Pour 1 cup of cranberry sauce over the top of the cake, spreading it gently to fill those lovely holes you just made. Just imagine that cranberry goodness seeping into every delicious bite!
Prepare the Frosting : In another bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, whipped topping, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. This is the creamy layer that takes this poke cake to a whole new level!
Spread and Chill : Now, spread this delightful mixture over the cake like it’s frosting! Then, refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours (or overnight if you can wait). This makes it even more delicious, promise!
Enjoy : After the chilling period, slice it up, and serve! You can add extra cranberry or whipped topping on the side if you want to get fancy!

Why I Love This Cranberry Poke Cake

Okay, here’s the deal. This is my go-to recipe when I need something sweet and comforting that doesn’t require too much time or effort. I’m a real sucker for cakes that are simple yet packed with flavor, and this one definitely fits the bill. The best part is how versatile it is you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, switch the cranberries for strawberries if you want, or mix in some chopped nuts for a little crunch!

I’m telling you, this cake is comfort food at its best! It’s always a hit at family gatherings, and I’ve even made it for potlucks where it disappears in no time. And honestly? My picky eight-year-old actually asked for seconds!

If you loved this Cranberry Poke Cake, be sure to check out my Churro Cheesecake, my Banana Cake, or my Tiramisu Cookies!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

Comes together in under 35 minutes of actual prep time! It’s perfect for those nights when you want something sweet but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Crowd-Pleaser

This cake is loaded with tons of flavor and is bound to be a hit with both young and old. The tartness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake and the creamy topping, making it a dessert everyone will enjoy!

Comfort Food

There’s something warm and inviting about this cake. The soft texture, coupled with that rich vanilla topping, gives a cozy feeling that just screams comfort food.

Customizable

This recipe is super forgiving! You can switch up the fruit flavor or even add in some chocolate chips for a fun twist. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients or whatever you have in your pantry.

Make-Ahead Friendly

The longer this cake has to chill in the refrigerator, the better it gets! This makes it an ideal dessert to make ahead of time, taking one less thing off your busy schedule.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Cranberry Poke Cake chilled, and consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a little extra indulgence! You could even sprinkle some fresh cranberries or mint leaves on top for a festive touch!

How to Store

This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh!

Reheating Instructions

This dessert is best served cold, so no reheating is necessary! But if you fancy it warm, around 10-15 seconds in the microwave should do the trick.

Freezer Friendly

Yes, this cake is freezer-friendly! Just slice it up, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. It’ll keep for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

This cranberry poke cake is the perfect dessert to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quick, versatile, and yes, I’ll say it again absolutely delicious! So next time you’re looking for something sweet, give this a try. Trust me, it’ll become a staple in your dessert rotation!

And hey, remember to sprinkle in some love while you cook because that’s what this is all about good food, good vibes, and happy tummies! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.