Gingerbread Poke Cake Recipe

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A flavorfully spiced gingerbread version of poke cake.

A flavorfully spiced gingerbread version of poke cake!

Ladies and gents, allow me to introduce you to the epic coup de gras of my holiday baking: Gingerbread Poke Cake. Gingerbread poke cake!! Can’t you just see the clouds parting and the angels singing??

This cake is everything. It has the warm spices, the sweet moistened cake, the cool and creamy whipped topping with a dusting of cinnamon and a caramel drizzle.

Perfect for after Christmas dinner. Or during. Or whenever. ????

A flavorfully spiced gingerbread version of poke cake!

Speaking of Christmas dessert, do you know what you’re making yet?? I don’t have an iota of dinner planned (with the exception of this Cider Brined Cajun Turkey ????), but the dessert menu is extensively plotted out.

Making an appearance this year: Christmas Crack for snacking on (obviously), Grandma’s Monster Cookies (can’t have a holiday without those!), Cake Man Raven’s Red Velvet Cake, Gingerbread Cookies,  Grandma’s Chocolate Trifle, and probably a chocolate cream pie.

I’m not even kidding. And, no, I’m not feeding an army this year. Just my little family. But we know how to eat some dessert, y’all.

A flavorfully spiced gingerbread version of poke cake!

This gingerbread cake is just a given for Christmas dinner. It’s simple and versatile, so easy to make, and everyone is guaranteed to like it. It’s not overwhelmingly gingerbread– you know what I mean. So even if you’re not a gingerbread fan, per se, this is still a cake you could really enjoy.

The secret to the simplicity and deliciousness of this cake? A cake mix. Yep. Start with a spice cake mix. All you need to add is a little ground ginger and molasses, and voila! One easy peasy gingerbread cake at your service. All the other spices are already in the cake mix. Woo hoo!

Add to that sweetened condensed milk soaked into the cake, Cool Whip on top, and a hearty drizzle of caramel, and you’ve got a killer Christmas dessert that will knock the socks of your guests.

Make it extra cute by adding gingerbread men! I used Peeps, but little cookies would be cute too. Enjoy!!

Irresistible Gingerbread Poke Cake Recipe

Irresistible Gingerbread Poke Cake Recipe

Yield: 12 Servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Delve into the holiday spirit with our irresistible Gingerbread Poke Cake recipe. This cake takes a classic gingerbread and transforms it into a moist, flavorful dessert that's filled with sweet sauce and topped with a creamy frosting. The perfect blend of sweetness and spice makes this cake a delightful treat for Christmas and other special occasions.

Ingredients

Cake

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup molasses
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup hot water

Poke Filling

  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk

Frosting

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until it's light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses, followed by the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is incorporated before adding the next.
  4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the hot water. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  6. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  7. While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the top using the handle of a wooden spoon. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the top, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
  8. Allow the cake to cool completely.
  9. For the frosting, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form. Spread this evenly over the cooled cake.
  10. Optional: Garnish with sprinkles, crushed gingerbread cookies, or a dusting of cinnamon for an extra festive touch.
  11. Slice and serve. Enjoy your delicious Gingerbread Poke Cake!

Notes

This Gingerbread Poke Cake is not only a delicious dessert to indulge in, but it also fills your kitchen with the heartwarming aroma of Christmas spices. It's a perfect addition to your holiday menu, sure to impress your family and guests. Happy baking!

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 570Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 420mgCarbohydrates: 85gNet Carbohydrates: 83gFiber: 2gSugar: 64gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: 7g
A flavorfully spiced gingerbread version of poke cake!
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