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Fluffy Vanilla Cupcakes

Fluffy Vanilla Cupcakes

Nothing says holiday cheer quite like a Christmas Poke Cake Recipe that dazzles with color, flavor, and fun. Imagine a soft, moist cake bursting with vibrant red and green gelatin, topped with creamy whipped topping and sprinkled with festive holiday decorations. Whether it’s a family gathering, a cookie exchange, or a Christmas potluck, this dessert transforms any occasion into a magical celebration. This holiday poke cake recipe is easy enough for beginner bakers, yet impressive enough to wow your guests. By strategically poking the cake and infusing it with flavored gelatin, each bite is infused with moistness and bursts of sweetness, making it a centerpiece-worthy dessert. Why You'll Love This Christmas Poke Cake Recipe Vibrant & Festive: Red and green gelatin creates a visually stunning holiday presentation. Moist & Flavorful: Poking the cake allows gelatin to seep in, resulting in a soft, juicy texture. Quick & Easy: Ready in under 1 hour plus chilling time, perfect for last-minute celebrations. Kid-Friendly Fun: Children can help poke the cake and sprinkle toppings for a hands-on experience. Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples and a store-bought cake mix for convenience. Customizable Flavors: Switch gelatin flavors or cake types to suit your holiday palette. Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepares in advance and chills until ready to serve. Perfect for Sharing: Makes 12 generous servings, ideal for parties and potlucks. Ingredients Cake Base: 1 box white cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed) – white cake allows gelatin colors to pop. Optional substitutions: Yellow cake mix for a richer flavor, or gluten-free cake mix if needed. Gelatin Poke Layer: 1 (3 oz) box red cherry or strawberry gelatin 1 (3 oz) box green lime gelatin 2 cups boiling water (1 cup per gelatin flavor) Topping & Garnish: 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip) – for a creamy, fluffy finish. Red and green sprinkles or crushed peppermint – festive holiday decoration. Pro Tip: Use high-quality gelatin for vibrant color and smooth texture. Avoid overmixing whipped topping to maintain fluffy peaks. Instructions Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake Preheat the oven as directed on your cake mix box. Grease a 9×13-inch pan and pour in the prepared batter. Bake as instructed, typically around 30 minutes. After baking, allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes in the pan to make it easier to poke without breaking. Step 2: Poke Holes for Gelatin Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes about 1 inch apart across the entire cake. These holes will absorb the gelatin, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful. Step 3: Dissolve Gelatin In separate bowls, dissolve the red and green gelatin in 1 cup boiling water each, stirring until fully dissolved. This ensures smooth infusion into the cake without clumps. Step 4: Pour Gelatin into Cake Carefully spoon the red gelatin into half the holes and the green gelatin into the remaining holes. Ensure even distribution for a vibrant holiday pattern. Return the cake to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set. Step 5: Add Whipped Topping & Garnish Once the gelatin has set, spread whipped topping evenly over the surface. Decorate with red and green sprinkles or crushed peppermint for a festive flair. Step 6: Serve Slice into 12 servings and enjoy chilled. Each slice delivers a burst of festive flavor with every bite. Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Poke Cake Recipe How do I make the cake extra moist? Use the gelatin as instructed and avoid overbaking. The gelatin seeps into the cake, locking in moisture. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the cake the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. It stays moist and fresh for up to 2 days. What variations work well for holidays? Try chocolate or yellow cake as a base, or use different gelatin flavors for a personalized twist. Crushed candy canes add extra crunch. Best Ways to Serve Pair this festive Christmas poke cake with: Hot cocoa or coffee for cozy holiday vibes Vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert Fresh fruit for a lighter, refreshing option Check out related recipes: Festive Layered Christmas Cake Holiday Peppermint Bark Dessert Nutrition (per serving) Nutrient Amount % Daily Value* Calories 320 16% Total Fat 14g 18% Saturated Fat 7g 35% Cholesterol 35mg 12% Sodium 210mg 9% Total Carbohydrates 45g 16% Dietary Fiber 1g 4% Sugars 32g — Protein 3g 6% *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Storage & Leftovers Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended due to gelatin texture changes. For best flavor, serve chilled directly from the refrigerator. FAQs Is this cake gluten-free? You can substitute a gluten-free white cake mix to make it safe for gluten-sensitive diets. Can I use sugar-free gelatin? Yes! Sugar-free gelatin works, but it may slightly alter texture and sweetness. Can I make this vegan? Use a vegan white cake mix and non-dairy whipped topping. Ensure gelatin is replaced with agar-agar for a plant-based version. How long should the gelatin set? Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until firm. Overnight setting enhances flavor infusion. Variations for Every Holiday Table Chocolate Christmas Poke Cake: Use chocolate cake mix and chocolate gelatin for a rich twist. Layered Christmas Poke Cake: Make two layers and alternate gelatin colors for visual appeal. Quick Festive Poke Cake: Use pre-made gelatin cups to speed up prep time. Vegan & Dairy-Free: Replace cake mix and whipped topping with vegan alternatives and agar-agar. Kid-Friendly Fun: Top with mini candy canes or holiday sprinkles for extra excitement. Conclusion & Social CTA This Christmas Poke Cake Recipe brings color, flavor, and festive spirit to your holiday table. Its simplicity and vibrant presentation make it an unforgettable dessert that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. Unlock the magic of the holidays with every slice—your guests will be asking for the recipe year after year!

Christmas Poke Cake Recipe: The Ultimate Festive Holiday Dessert

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Introduction A bold Melt-In-Your-Mouth Butter Cookies Recipe delivers everything you crave in a soft, old-fashioned cookie—delicate texture, silky crumb, and pure buttery bliss in every bite. Inspired by classic meltaway butter cookies and whipped butter cookies, this comforting homemade treat comes together with just a few pantry ingredients and guarantees that nostalgic “melts on your tongue” sensation. Whether you’re preparing holiday butter cookies, a Christmas cookie box, or a simple afternoon treat, this tender cookie recipe is here to elevate your baking with effortless charm and irresistible flavor. This comforting cookie formula uses the magic of whipped butter, powdered sugar, and a precise bake time to create a cookie so delicate that it practically dissolves as soon as you take a bite. If you love soft butter cookies, meltaway butter cookies, or old-fashioned buttery treats, this version will quickly become a kitchen favorite. ❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe Ultra-tender texture that creates the signature meltaway crumb. Minimal ingredients and inexpensive pantry staples. Ready in under 20 minutes, ideal for last-minute desserts. Perfect for holidays, Christmas cookie boxes, and gifting. Kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and beginner-friendly. Customizable with extracts, citrus zest, or colored sugar. Works with gluten-free flour blends for dietary needs. 🥣 Ingredients (With Functions & Substitutions) 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) The base of all meltaway cookies—provides richness and creates the melt-in-your-mouth texture. Sub: Salted butter (reduce added salt). 1/2 cup powdered sugar Dissolves quickly, giving the cookie its delicate crumb. Sub: Use superfine sugar for slightly more structure. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds warmth and aroma. Sub: Almond extract, lemon extract, or orange zest. 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour Builds structure without making the cookie dense. Sub: Gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavor. 👩‍🍳 How to Make the Cookies (With Science & Visual Cues) 1. Preheat & Prepare Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lining ensures the cookies bake evenly and prevents spreading. 2. Cream Butter & Sugar Beat butter and powdered sugar for 2–3 minutes until pale and fluffy. Science: This step incorporates air, which creates that delicate, soft, meltaway texture. 3. Add Vanilla Mix in vanilla extract until smooth and evenly distributed. 4. Add Dry Ingredients Stir in flour and salt gently. Important: Do not overmix — overworking the gluten makes the cookies tough instead of tender. 5. Shape the Dough Roll dough into 1-tablespoon balls and place 2 inches apart. Gently flatten with a fork or a glass for the classic look. 6. Bake Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges look slightly golden. Visual cue: Centers should remain pale to stay soft. 7. Cool & Dust Cool 5 minutes on the tray, then transfer to a rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. 🌟 Pro Tips + PAA Questions How do I keep butter cookies from spreading? Use softened—not melted—butter, and chill dough for 10 minutes if your kitchen is warm. Why are my butter cookies crumbly? Too much flour can dry the dough. Spoon and level flour instead of scooping. Can I freeze the dough for later? Yes! Freeze shaped dough balls for up to 3 months; bake straight from frozen. How do I make these cookies extra soft? Cream the butter fully and avoid overbaking. Pale centers = soft cookies. 🍽 Best Ways to Serve Paired with hot cocoa, tea, or coffee Holiday cookie platters Dipped in melted chocolate Sprinkled with colored sugar for festive cookies Used as sandwich cookies with buttercream Internal linking suggestions (you can add on WordPress): Try them with your Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Pair with Strawberries and Cream Shake Recipe 📊 Nutrition (Per Cookie) Calories: 105 Fat: 8g Carbs: 9g Sugar: 3g Protein: 1g (Approximate values) 🧊 Storage & Leftovers Room Temperature: Up to 1 week in an airtight container. Refrigerator: 10–12 days. Freezer (Baked): Up to 3 months. Reheating: Let thaw at room temperature for best texture. ❓ FAQs Can I add chocolate chips? Yes, mini chocolate chips work best for even distribution. Can I flavor the dough? Extracts like almond, lemon, or maple give the cookies a unique twist. Is this Melt-In-Your-Mouth Butter Cookies Recipe gluten-free friendly? Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the closest texture. Can I double the batch? Absolutely. This recipe scales perfectly without adjustments. 🎨 Recipe Variations Holiday Meltaway Cookies: Add red & green sprinkles. Citrus Butter Cookies: Add lemon or orange zest. Almond Meltaways: Replace vanilla with almond extract. Chocolate-Dipped Cookies: Dip edges in melted chocolate. Whipped Butter Cookies: Whip butter for 4 minutes for extra lightness. 💌 Conclusion This bold Melt-In-Your-Mouth Butter Cookies Recipe is the ultimate combination of simplicity, nostalgia, and buttery goodness. Whether you're making them for the holidays, gifting, or craving a classic treat, these tender, soft cookies are guaranteed to win hearts. Save this recipe, bake a double batch, and share the love!

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