This red velvet poke cake with cream cheese frosting is so rich and delicious! It is easy to make and perfect for a celebration or holidays like Christmas or Valentine’s Day.
Red Velvet Poke Cake
If you love red velvet you have to try this yummy red velvet poke cake. It is a rich, creamy, and moist cake recipe – believe me it tastes as amazing as it looks!
What is a poke cake?
A poke cake is just that – a cake that you poke holes into after baking and then you fill the holes with a liquid or filling. Poke cakes are rich with flavor in every bite.
What do you use to poke holes in the cake?
You use a wooden spoon or fork to poke holes in the cake after baking. For this particular recipe I used a wooden spoon. You want to make sure to NOT poke holes all the way to the bottom of the cake.
Can you use a red velvet cake mix for this poke cake?
Yes I actually used a Betty Crocker Super Moist Red Velvet Cake Mix, but you can make a homemade red velvet cake if you prefer.
Can I use store bought cream cheese frosting?
Yes you can also save time by using store bought cream cheese frosting, but my homemade cream cheese frosting is extra yummy and so simple to make – I highly suggest it.
What can I top this red velvet poke cake with?
This delicious poke cake can just be topped with cream cheese frosting. I added chocolate sprinkles to mine, but you could also add red sprinkles or mini chocolate chips, or crushed Oreos if you prefer.
Tips for making red velvet poke cake:
- Do not poke holes all the way to the bottom of the cake.
- Place the cake in the refrigerator before frosting.
- Use milk and vanilla to thin out the cream cheese frosting.
What’s in this easy red velvet poke cake?
- Box red velvet cake mix AND the ingredients needed on the box – I used Betty Crocker
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Cream cheese
- Butter
- Powdered icing sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
- Sprinkles or mini chocolate chips to top
How to make red velvet poke cake?
Begin by preparing the boxed red velvet cake mix according to box directions. I used Betty Crocker Super Moist Red Velvet, but you can use your favorite red velvet cake mix. Bake the cake according to the box and allow it to cool.
Once the cake is cooled using a wooden spoon, poke holes approximately every 2 inches into the cake, about halfway to the bottom.
Then pour the sweetened condensed milk all over the cake and use an spatula to spread out the milk making sure it covers the entire cake.
Place the cake into the refrigerate for an hour before frosting.
For the frosting in a large bowl, combine the butter, cream cheese and powdered icing sugar. Mix for 2 minutes until smooth and light. If necessary to thin out the frosting add a teaspoon of vanilla and tablespoon of milk.
Spread the frosting all over the cake using a spatula.
Add sprinkles or desired toppings.
How to store red velvet poke cake?
Since the frosting has cream cheese and butter in it I recommend storing this cake in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Red Velvet Poke Cake
This red velvet poke cake is a rich and moist cake recipe that is so easy to make. You will love this easy red velvet recipe!
What You Need
- box red velvet cake mix and ingredients called for on the box
- 5 ounces sweetened condensed milk 1 can
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 tbsp butter softened
- 2 cups powdered icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk
- sprinkles or mini choocolate chips
Directions
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Begin by preparing the boxed red velvet cake mix according to box directions. I used Betty Crocker Super Moist Red Velvet, but you can use your favorite red velvet cake mix. Bake the cake according to the box and allow it to cool.
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Once the cake is cooled using a wooden spoon, poke holes approximately every 2 inches into the cake, about halfway to the bottom of the cake.
-
Then pour the sweetened condensed milk all over the cake and use an spatula to spread out the milk making sure it covers the entire cake.
-
Place the cake into the refrigerate for an hour before frosting.
-
For the frosting in a large bowl, combine the butter, cream cheese and powdered icing sugar. Mix for 2 minutes until smooth and light. If necessary to thin out the frosting add a teaspoon of vanilla and tablespoon of milk.
-
Spread the frosting all over the cake using a spatula.
-
Add sprinkles or desired toppings.
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