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Red Velvet Poke Cake

A luscious, moist red velvet poke cake finished with a rich, homemade cream cheese frosting. Ideal for festive gatherings or any occasion that calls for a touch of decadence.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

Cake

  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 12 ounces sweetened condensed milk use half for lighter sweetness
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup red liquid food coloring or 1 teaspoon gel; see notes
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Frosting

  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened for 30 minutes
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch pan by greasing and lightly flouring it or spraying with baking spray.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with sugar using a hand or stand mixer until pale and fluffy, approximately 2–3 minutes. Blend in the red food coloring and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  • Add the eggs individually, mixing after each until just combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk and vinegar, combining gently with a wooden spoon until just mixed; do not overwork the batter.
  • Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
  • Remove from oven and, while still warm, pierce the cake with a fork. Pour the condensed milk over the surface, allowing it to seep into the holes. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
  • To prepare the frosting, whip together butter and cream cheese on high speed for 2–3 minutes. Lower the speed and gradually mix in the powdered sugar, followed by salt, vanilla extract, and milk. Continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes more.
  • Evenly spread the frosting over the cooled cake and garnish as desired.

Notes

If substituting gel for liquid food coloring, increase the buttermilk by an additional ⅓ cup to maintain consistency.