Name: Red Velvet Poke Cake
Yield: 9 x13 cake
Ingredients: 1 box red velvet cake mix + ingredients on the box; 1 package cream cheese, 8 ounces room temperature; 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 ounces; 1 tub Cool whip 8 ounces; 1/3 cup chocolate shavings, optional

Whip up this decadent Red Velvet Poke Cake! A boxed cake mix recipe that is paired with sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, and a whipped cream topping. Grab a fork and dive into this red velvet cake!

Moist, rich, red velvet cake that is sweetened with a condensed milk and cream cheese topping. This is an easy Valentine’s Day dessert or even a potluck cake recipe to consider. Try our strawberry crunch cake as well!

This poke cake recipe with sweetened condensed milk is different than a classic Jello poke cake. It is the same concept but just different ingredients. Also, check out our pumpkin poke cake recipe as well.

If you are a fan of box cake recipes, try these cake mix cookie recipes. We created a large list of cake mix cookies to try out!

This Red Velvet Poke Cake Is…

Poke cake with condensed milk
Made with boxed cake mix
Quick and easy poke cake
Make ahead dessert
Moist and

What Is A Poke Cake

A poke cake is when you bake a cake, in this cake a red velvet cake mix is used. Then you will take the back of a wooden spoon or fork and start poking holes all over the cake.

Then create the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk and pour it over the cake. All the mixture will soak into the cake. Top with whipped cream once cooled.

A light and fluffy cake that is so moist and!

Why This Recipe Is So

Moist Red Velvet Cake
Cream cheese poke cake that will knock your socks off
Cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk adds such richness to the cake
A simple whipped cream for the frosting. Or opt for a cream cheese frosting
Quick to bake
Great for parties, holiday gatherings, etc.

Red Velvet Cake Box – Any brand of cake mix works for this. Or make homemade red velvet cake if you prefer.

Egg, Water, Oil (what is on the back of cake box)

Sweetened Condensed Milk – Don’t confuse this with evaporated milk.

Cream Cheese – Sit the cream cheese out to soften so it is easy to mix with the condensed milk.

Whipped Cream – we used Cool Whip but you can make homemade whipped cream if you would like.

Chocolate Shavings (optional)

How To Make

Full directions for this recipe are in the printable recipe card, this is a quick walk-through.

Step One: Start by mixing up your red velvet cake batter as directed on the back of the box. Pour into a greased 9×13 cake pan and bake in the oven at 350 degrees.

Step Two: Bake the cake as directed, and let cool for 5-10 minutes.

Step Three: Use a fork or the back of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the cake. This will let the all the condensed milk soak into the cake.

Step Four: Take softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk and whip up, pour over the cake. Refrigerate until cooled.

Step Five: Top with whipped cream, and chocolate shavings. Then slice and serve this red velvet poke cake!

Storage

This cream cheese poke cake needs to be stored in the fridge. Due to the whipped topping frosting and the cream cheese, it will spoil if left out at room temperature.

In terms of freezing you are more than welcome to freeze any cake you don’t think you will eat right away. Place the cake in the proper freezer friendly container.

Then just thaw the frozen poke cake in the fridge until thawed, then serve.

Grab our Free Kitchen Conversions Printable! This shows you how many cups are in a quart, pint, etc. It’s a great printable to keep handy for when you need to convert a recipe.

Expert Tips And Variations

To know when cake is done stick a toothpick inserted in the center and if it comes out clean with no wet cake batter the cake is done.
Make sure your cream cheese is soft so it creams up well with the sweetened condensed milk.
You do not have to add the chocolate shavings on top. Replace with sprinkles, serve with just whipped cream, etc.
Decorated with chocolate-covered strawberries, dark chocolate candies, etc.

Practical notes

How do you poke a poke cake?

Bake your cake up, and then once you remove it from the oven take a spoon or fork and poke it all over the cake. You can use the bottom of a round wooden spoon or a fork. Do every 1/2 inch!

Can you take a poke cake out of the pan?

If you plan to take your poke cake out of the pan then line your pan with aluminum foil or even parchment paper.

Do you let a poke cake cool?

Once you bake your cake allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Then poke and pour your mixture over the top of the cake. Then the cake will be refrigerated until cooled.

Can we make a poke cake with homemade cake mix?

Go right ahead and do a homemade cake instead of a boxed cake mix. Then cook as directed. We love using a boxed cake mix because it simplifies the prep, and tastes just as good!

What’s the difference between sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk?

Evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk are both forms of concentrated milk. Sweetened condensed milk is thick and creamy because it has added sugar.u003cbru003eThe two kinds of milk are not interchangeable in this recipe. Ensure you reach for sweetened condensed milk vs evaporated milk.

Here Are More Recipe Creations

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Ingredients

Makes 9 x13 cake

1 box red velvet cake mix + ingredients on the box
1 package cream cheese, 8 ounces room temperature
1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 ounces
1 tub Cool whip 8 ounces
1/3 cup chocolate shavings, optional

Method

Start by greasing your 9×13 pan and mix up your red velvet cake mix as directed on the back of the box. Add in all the ingredients it calls for.
Once the red velvet cake is cooked place on a cooling rack. Let cool 5-10 minutes.
Then with a fork or the back of a wooden spoon poke holes all over the cake.
In a stand mixer take your room temperature cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk and mix until fully creamy. It is important your cream cheese is fully softened or it will curdle.
Pour the mixture all over the top of the cake. Cover with aluminum foil or a lid and let cool fully in the refrigerator.
Once the red velvet poke cake is cooled, top with your Cool Whip. Then sprinkle on chocolate shavings.
Slice and serve up this easy poke cake for any and every occasion.

Kitchen notes

Flavor of Cake:

You can use a different flavor of cake mix if you would like. We love the red velvet poke cake but can be altered. Cream Cheese: Feel free to leave the cream cheese out if you want and just do sweetened condensed milk. Toppings: You can decorate the top of your cake with sprinkles, chocolate candies, etc. Crushed Oreos would also would be delicious. Size of Cake: This recipe makes a 9×13 pan. Make this Cake In Advance: You can make your cake a day in advance of when you want to serve it up. Just store the cake in the fridge in an airtight container. Freezer Friendly: This cream cheese poke cake can be frozen for up to three months.