Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13‑inch pan with non‑stick spray or butter, and set it aside. Check the back of your cake mix box for the standard bake time for a 9×13 pan so you can adjust accordingly.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, instant pudding, sour cream, canola oil, eggs, and whole milk. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to blend until smooth and well combined. The pudding and sour cream make this batter thicker than usual, giving the cake a super moist and tender crumb.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared 9×13 pan. Bake in the preheated oven for the time listed on the back of the cake mix box, plus about 10 extra minutes. This longer baking time helps ensure the cake sets properly with the added pudding and sour cream.

Step 4: Poke the Cake

Once the cake is baked through and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Use the blunt end of a wooden spoon or a thick skewer to gently poke holes all over the warm cake. These holes will allow the sweetened condensed milk to soak deep into the cake for rich flavor and moist texture.

Step 5: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk

Slowly pour the 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk over the cake, making sure it gets into the holes you poked. Tilt the pan or use a spoon to help spread the milk evenly. This step is what transforms the cake into a truly luscious poke cake.

Step 6: Chill the Cake

Place the cake in the fridge to cool while you prepare the frosting. Let it chill for at least 10 minutes, which helps the milk soak in and the cake begin to set up before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium‑high speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. The frosting should be smooth with no lumps.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Remove the chilled cake from the fridge and spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or knife. Make sure the layer is smooth and even so every slice looks beautiful.

Step 9: Add Sprinkles

Finish the cake with a generous sprinkle of Christmas sprinkles or cheerful decorations such as edible glitter or colorful holiday candy accents. This step is optional, but it makes the cake extra festive and fun.

Step 10: Final Chill

Return the cake to the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps the flavors meld and makes slicing easier. When ready to serve, slice into squares and enjoy!