Introduction
Elevate your holiday dessert table with a festive red velvet cake that is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. This indulgent treat combines the rich, velvety texture of red velvet cake with a deliciously creamy topping and delightful Christmas-themed decorations. Perfect for parties or family gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 1 (16-ounce) red velvet box cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box to prepare the cake)
– 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
– 1 (16-ounce) container cream cheese frosting
– 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed
– Green gel food coloring (optional)
– ½ cup red and green M&Ms
– ½ cup white chocolate chips
– Christmas sprinkles
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 50 minutes (including cooling and refrigeration)
Yield
12-16 servings
Instructions
1. Prepare and bake the red velvet cake mix according to the package instructions for a 9×13-inch pan.
2. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely.
3. Using a straw or the back of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the surface of the cake.
4. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
5. Evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of the cake.
6. In a bowl, mix a few drops of green gel food coloring into the thawed Cool Whip until the desired shade is achieved.
7. Spread the green-tinted Cool Whip over the frosting layer.
8. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour, or until ready to serve.
9. Before serving, sprinkle the red and green M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and Christmas sprinkles over the top.
10. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Cake
– Prepare and bake the red velvet cake mix according to the package instructions for a 9×13-inch pan.
Cool the Cake
– Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely.
Poke Holes in the Cake
– Using a straw or the back of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the surface of the cake.
Add Sweetened Condensed Milk
– Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
Frost the Cake
– Evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of the cake.
Color the Cool Whip
– In a bowl, mix a few drops of green gel food coloring into the thawed Cool Whip until the desired shade is achieved.
Add Green Cool Whip
– Spread the green-tinted Cool Whip over the frosting layer.
Chill the Cake
– Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour, or until ready to serve.
Top with Treats
– Before serving, sprinkle the red and green M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and Christmas sprinkles over the top.
Serve
– Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
Storage
– Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Serving Suggestion
– This cake is best served cold, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Customization
– Feel free to adjust the amount of sprinkles or toppings according to personal preference.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Cake Mix
Use the red velvet box cake mix as instructed on the package. Ensure measurements and baking times are followed for the best results.
Creating Holes for Moisture
After the cake has cooled, utilize a straw or the back of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the surface. This helps the sweetened condensed milk penetrate and add moisture.
Applying Frosting Layers
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake, ensuring complete coverage before adding the Cool Whip layer.
Coloring the Cool Whip
In a bowl, mix green gel food coloring into the thawed Cool Whip. Adjust the number of drops until the desired shade of green is achieved.
Chilling the Cake
Refrigerate the cake for a minimum of 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
Decorating the Cake
Once ready to serve, top the cake with red and green M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and Christmas sprinkles for a festive touch.
FAQ
Can I use a different cake mix instead of red velvet?
Yes, other cake flavors can be used, but the flavor and color profile will differ from a traditional red velvet cake.
How can I store the leftover cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is it possible to make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cake can be prepared a day in advance. Just ensure it is refrigerated after decorating.
What can I substitute for Cool Whip?
If desired, homemade whipped cream can be used as an alternative to Cool Whip.
Can I add other toppings to the cake?
Yes! Feel free to get creative with other toppings like nuts, chocolate shavings, or different types of candies.
Conclusion
This delightful red velvet cake infused with sweetened condensed milk and topped with cream cheese frosting and Cool Whip is the perfect festive dessert. Its vibrant colors and layers of flavor make it a showstopper for any holiday gathering. With the addition of M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and colorful sprinkles, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Chocolate Mint Layer Cake
Swap the red velvet cake mix for chocolate cake mix, and add mint extract to the Cool Whip for a refreshing twist. Top with crushed peppermint candies for a festive look.
Pumpkin Spice Cake
Replace the red velvet mix with a pumpkin spice cake mix for a seasonal alternative. Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the top for extra flavor.
Classic Vanilla Dream Cake
Use a vanilla cake mix and top with vanilla frosting and Cool Whip. Add fresh berries and a drizzle of caramel for a deliciously simple dessert.
Rainbow Funfetti Cake
Opt for a funfetti cake mix and mix in colorful sprinkles into the batter. Finish with a layer of vanilla frosting and a generous handful of M&Ms for extra fun.
Coconut Cream Cake
Switch out the cream cheese frosting for coconut frosting and mix in shredded coconut to the Cool Whip. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for added texture.
