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Red Velvet Poke Cake is filled with white chocolate pudding and topped with fluffy cream cheese frosting. ❤️ Easy and crowd pleasing!

Close-up of a slice of red velvet poke cake on a white plate with red stripes, showing pudding-filled holes and cream cheese topping with sprinkles.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • This red velvet cake poke cake is incredibly moist thanks to the creamy pudding filling.
  • It starts with a boxed mix, making it quick and beginner-friendly.
  • The fluffy cream cheese topping balances the rich chocolate flavor perfectly.
  • It can be made a day ahead, which makes it ideal for parties and holidays.
  • It is festive enough to double as a Christmas red velvet poke cake with just a sprinkle swap.

🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions

  • red velvet cake mix – substitute with chocolate cake mix or vanilla cake mix
  • ingredients listed on the cake mix box – no substitution recommended
  • white chocolate instant pudding mix – substitute with vanilla or cheesecake instant pudding
  • milk – whole milk or 2 percent milk recommended, no substitution recommended
  • cream cheese – reduced-fat may be used
  • whipped topping – substitute with stabilized homemade whipped cream
  • powdered sugar – no substitution recommended
  • vanilla extract – substitute with clear vanilla for a brighter white topping
  • non-pareils – substitute with cake crumbs or sprinkles of choice

✨ Variations

  • Swap the white chocolate pudding for vanilla or cheesecake pudding for a slightly different flavor profile.
  • Add mini chocolate chips between the pudding layer and topping for extra texture.
  • Stir crushed peppermint candies into the topping for a holiday twist.
  • Use chocolate cake mix for a deeper cocoa flavor while keeping the same method.
  • Turn it into a layered dessert by baking in two round pans and stacking with extra topping between layers.
Overhead view of a glass mixing bowl with red velvet cake mix, eggs, oil, and dry ingredients before mixing. A box of white chocolate pudding and a bowl of milk sit nearby.
Overhead view of red velvet cake batter fully mixed in a glass bowl with a whisk beside it.
Red velvet cake batter spread evenly in a 9x13-inch glass baking dish before baking.
Baked red velvet cake in a 9x13-inch glass baking dish before poking holes.
Baked red velvet cake in a glass baking dish with holes poked across the surface using the handle of a wooden spoon.
White chocolate instant pudding mix being combined with milk in a glass mixing bowl.
Smooth white chocolate pudding mixture in a glass bowl after whisking.
Red velvet cake in a glass baking dish topped with white chocolate pudding spread across the surface.
Cream cheese, whipped topping, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a glass bowl before mixing.
Cream cheese topping mixture fully blended and smooth in a glass mixing bowl.
Red velvet poke cake in a 9x13-inch glass baking dish topped with a smooth layer of white cream cheese topping before adding sprinkles.
Red velvet poke cake in a glass baking dish topped with white cream cheese layer and scattered red, green, and white non-pareils.

🔥 Tips

  • Poke holes in the cake while it’s still warm so the pudding absorbs more easily.
  • Space the holes about 1 inch apart so every slice gets plenty of filling.
  • Let the cake chill at least 4 hours before serving for clean slices.
  • Beat the cream cheese until completely smooth, then fold in the whipped topping.
  • If you want clean edges for photos, wipe the knife between each cut.

❓ FAQs

What makes this the best red velvet poke cake?

The combination of soft cake, creamy pudding filling, and fluffy cream cheese topping creates balanced flavor and texture in every bite.

Can I make this recipe for red velvet poke cake ahead of time?

Yes. In fact, it tastes even better after chilling overnight because the flavors have more time to meld.

Can I use homemade cake instead of a mix?

Absolutely. While this is a red velvet poke cake with cake mix for convenience, a homemade red velvet cake works just as well.

How do I make it more festive for the holidays?

Use red and green sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or white chocolate curls to transform it into a beautiful holiday dessert.

Does the pudding make the cake soggy?

No. The pudding soaks into the holes, adding moisture without making the cake mushy.

🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy

Square image of a slice of red velvet poke cake on a white plate with red stripes, topped with cream cheese layer and holiday sprinkles.
No ratings yet
Servings: 18 servings

Red Velvet Poke Cake

By Jamie Sherman
Red Velvet Poke Cake is moist, filled with white chocolate pudding, and topped with a fluffy cream cheese layer. Perfect make-ahead dessert.
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Additional Time: 4 hours
Total: 4 hours 50 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 1 box red velvet cake mix, (15.25 oz.)
  • ingredients listed on cake mix box to make cake
  • 1 box white chocolate instant pudding mix, (3.3 oz.)
  • 2 cups milk
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tub Cool Whip, thawed (8 oz.)
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • non-pareils, or sprinkles, optional

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven according to cake mix directions. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Prepare cake batter according to package instructions and pour into prepared dish.
    1 box red velvet cake mix, ingredients listed on cake mix box to make cake
  • Bake 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Remove from oven and cool 5-10 minutes.
  • Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the warm cake about 1 inch apart.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk pudding mix and milk for about 2 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.
    1 box white chocolate instant pudding mix, 2 cups milk
  • Pour pudding evenly over the cake, gently pressing it into the holes with the back of a spoon.
  • In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
    4 ounces cream cheese
  • Fold in whipped topping, powdered sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
    1 tub Cool Whip, ¼ cup powdered sugar, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Spread evenly over the cooled cake.
  • Sprinkle with non-pareils if using.
    non-pareils
  • Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.

Notes

🥡 STORAGE

  • Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
  • Keep the cake chilled until ready to serve

♨️ REHEATING

  • Not recommended, this cake is best served cold

❄️ FREEZING

  • Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving

💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

  • Poke holes while the cake is warm so the pudding soaks in properly
  • Use fully softened cream cheese to prevent lumps
  • Chill at least 4 hours for clean slices

🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS

  • Bake in two 8-inch round pans and reduce bake time to 22-26 minutes

♻️ LEFTOVERS

  • Cut into cubes and layer into parfaits
  • Crumble over ice cream

📝 NOTES

  • Swap cake and pudding flavors to create new variations
  • This cake is easiest to slice after a full chill time.
  • For a brighter white topping, use clear vanilla extract.
  • Sprinkles can be added just before serving to prevent color bleeding.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice, Calories: 181kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 10mg, Sodium: 297mg, Potassium: 141mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 139IU, Calcium: 84mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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4 Comments

  1. Carole says:

    Love your very creative recipes!

    Reply
  2. Michelle says:

    Yum. Red velvet is my favorite cake. I've never had it as a poke cake. Leave it to Jamie!

    Reply
  3. Joy says:

    LOVE the Christmas Poke Cake, Jamie! 😉 Merry Christmas to you and your family! ♥

    Reply
  4. Eric Pepple says:

    Jamie! That looks fantastic, perfect dessert for this time of year. Thanks for sharing and Happy Holidays 🙂

    Happy Blogging!
    Happy Valley Chow

    Reply