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Firecracker Red Velvet Poke Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

firecracker red velvet poke cake - featured image
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A moist and decadent red velvet poke cake with a luscious cream cheese filling and smooth cream cheese frosting, featuring a subtle spicy kick for a unique twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box red velvet cake mix (about 15.25 oz / 432 g)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup buttermilk (240 ml), or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar as substitute
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (120 ml)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60 g), sifted (for filling)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml) (for filling)
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for filling)
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream (30 ml) (for filling)
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113 g), softened (for frosting)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (360 g), sifted (for frosting)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (5 ml) (for frosting)
  • 2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream (30–45 ml) (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine red velvet cake mix, eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and lump-free.
  3. Pour batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  4. Allow cake to cool in pan for about 10 minutes until warm but not hot.
  5. While cake cools, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cayenne pepper (if using), and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
  6. Using a fork or skewer, poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the cake surface.
  7. Spoon cream cheese filling evenly over cake, letting it fill the holes. Spread gently with a spatula to cover the top.
  8. Chill cake in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let filling set and soak in.
  9. Beat softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla extract. Add milk or cream 1 tablespoon at a time until smooth and spreadable.
  10. Spread cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake. Chill again for 15 minutes if a firmer frosting is desired.

Notes

Do not overbake the cake to keep it moist. Use a fork with sturdy tines for poking holes evenly spaced about 1 inch apart. Soften cream cheese and butter before mixing frosting to avoid lumps. The cayenne pepper in the filling is optional and adds a subtle spicy kick. The cake tastes better after chilling for a day as flavors meld. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet poke cake, cream cheese frosting, easy dessert, poke cake recipe, firecracker cake, moist cake, crowd-pleaser dessert

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/firecracker-red-velvet-poke-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert-with-cream-cheese-frosting/