Step 1: Prepare the Cake

• Bake Cake: Follow the instructions on the red velvet cake mix box. Preheat your oven and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Prepare and bake the cake accordingly.
• Cool Slightly: Allow the cake to cool for about 10-15 minutes after baking.

Step 2: Make the Poke Holes

• Poke Holes: Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes throughout the cake, spacing them about an inch apart.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

• Mix Filling: In a bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until smooth. Allow it to thicken for a few minutes.
• Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Stir in the sweetened condensed milk until smooth and fully integrated.

Step 4: Pour the Filling

• Fill Holes: Evenly pour the filling over the cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes. Let the cake sit for at least 30 minutes to fully absorb the filling.

Step 5: Add the Topping

• Top with Whipped Topping: Spread the whipped topping evenly across the cake.
• Decorate: Garnish with red and green holiday sprinkles and add crushed candy canes for a festive look.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

• Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.
• Serve: Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Variations

• Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle chocolate ganache over the whipped topping for a richer flavor.
• Peppermint Flavor: Mix peppermint extract into the whipped topping for a minty twist.