Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil, eggs, vanilla pudding mix, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
15.25 ounce box red velvet cake mix, 1 cup water, ⅓ cup vegetable oil, 3 eggs, 3.4 ounce box vanilla instant pudding mix, ¾ cup sour cream
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake according to the cake mix package directions, about 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes.
Poke the Cake:
Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
8 ounces block-style cream cheese
Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, and mix until creamy and well combined.
14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pour the filling over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Spread evenly with a spatula if needed.
Make the Topping:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
8 ounce block-style cream cheese
Fold in the whipped topping until fully combined and fluffy. Mix in the powdered sugar, if using, and vanilla extract.
8 ounce tub whipped topping (Cool Whip), 2 to 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Assemble the Cake:
Spread the frosting evenly over the cake.
Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2–3 hours, or overnight for best results.
Garnish with cake crumbs, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles before serving, if desired.
Notes
The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 1 slice of cake assuming the cake is cut into 20 slices. Actual calories will vary.
Nutrition Facts
Red Velvet Poke Cake
Serving Size
1 slice
Amount per Serving
Calories
287
% Daily Value*
Fat
13
g
20
%
Saturated Fat
5
g
25
%
Trans Fat
0.03
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
3
g
Cholesterol
39
mg
13
%
Sodium
414
mg
17
%
Potassium
241
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
37
g
12
%
Fiber
1
g
4
%
Sugar
28
g
31
%
Protein
8
g
16
%
Vitamin A
163
IU
3
%
Vitamin C
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
189
mg
19
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.