Oh, the holidays! There’s just something magical about this time of year, and what better way to celebrate than with a slice of eggnog poke cake? This festive dessert is like a warm hug on a chilly day, filled with the cozy flavors of eggnog that we all know and love. I remember the first time I made it—I was immediately swept away by the creamy, dreamy goodness and how it made my whole kitchen smell like Christmas! Trust me, this cake is a showstopper for your holiday gatherings, and it’s so easy to whip up. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients for Eggnog Poke Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix – This is the base of our cake, giving it a light and fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the eggnog.
- 1 cup eggnog – This isn’t just for sipping! We’ll use it to replace the water in the cake mix, infusing it with that delicious holiday flavor.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil – This keeps the cake moist and tender, making every bite a delight.
- 3 large eggs – These are essential for binding everything together and adding richness to the cake.
- 1 cup eggnog (for soaking) – We’ll pour this over the cake after baking to ensure it’s extra flavorful and moist throughout.
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix – This adds a creamy layer of sweetness and a wonderful texture on top of the cake.
- 2 cups whipped topping – For a light, airy finish that brings the whole dessert together.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – A classic holiday spice that we’ll sprinkle on top for that festive touch!
How to Prepare Eggnog Poke Cake
Preheat and Prepare the Cake
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want it nice and warm for that cake to rise beautifully! While that’s heating up, grab your box of yellow cake mix and a mixing bowl. Follow the package instructions, but here’s the twist: substitute water with 1 cup of eggnog. It’s going to amp up the flavor, trust me! Mix it all up until it’s smooth and creamy, and then you’re ready for the next step.
Baking the Cake
Now, pour that luscious batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to spread it evenly with a spatula to ensure it bakes uniformly. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Just be careful not to overbake—nobody wants a dry cake!
Soaking the Cake
Once the cake is done, let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. Here comes the fun part! Use a fork to poke holes all over the top. This allows the eggnog to soak in beautifully. Now, pour that remaining cup of eggnog over the cake, making sure it seeps into those holes. Give it a few minutes to absorb all that delicious eggnog goodness.
Preparing the Topping
While the cake is soaking, grab another bowl and mix the instant vanilla pudding with 2 cups of eggnog until it’s nice and smooth. This creamy layer is going to add a delightful finish on top of the cake. Once your cake has soaked up the eggnog, spread that pudding mixture over the top evenly.
Final Touches
Now, let’s bring this beauty together! Top the cake with 2 cups of whipped topping for that light, fluffy finish. Don’t skimp on the whipped cream, it adds a dreamy texture! Finally, sprinkle with a little ground nutmeg for that extra festive flair. Pop the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling time is crucial—it lets all those flavors meld together. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: The rich, creamy eggnog flavor makes this cake the perfect holiday treat that everyone will adore.
- Simple Preparation: With just a few easy steps, you can have a stunning dessert ready to impress your guests!
- Crowd-Pleasing: This cake is always a hit at parties and gatherings, bringing smiles and joy to everyone who tries it.
- Make-Ahead: It’s perfect for prepping ahead of time—just pop it in the fridge and it’s ready when you are!
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the toppings or pudding flavors for a personal twist that makes it your own.
Tips for Success
To ensure your eggnog poke cake turns out perfectly, here are a few tips I swear by! First, make sure your eggs and eggnog are at room temperature before mixing—they blend together much better that way. If you want to mix things up, try using different flavored pudding mixes like butterscotch or even chocolate for a unique twist! Don’t forget to tightly cover the cake in the fridge; this helps keep it moist and flavorful. And if you’re a fan of spices, a dash of cinnamon in the pudding or on top adds a lovely warmth. Enjoy the baking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a typical breakdown for a slice of this delightful eggnog poke cake:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
This will give you a rough idea of what to expect when you indulge in a slice of this festive treat! Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ About Eggnog Poke Cake
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This eggnog poke cake actually benefits from sitting in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for parties or gatherings.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure it’s covered well so it stays moist and delicious!
Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
Yes! Feel free to get creative with your pudding flavors. Butterscotch or caramel pudding would pair wonderfully with the eggnog, or even chocolate for a fun twist!
What can I serve with eggnog poke cake?
This cake is delightful on its own, but if you want to elevate it, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a little extra indulgence!
Can I freeze eggnog poke cake?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cake before adding the toppings. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your delightful eggnog poke cake, I’ve got a few tasty ideas to elevate the experience! A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich cake. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle some warm caramel sauce on top for a sweet touch that complements the eggnog flavor beautifully. For a little crunch, consider serving it alongside some spiced nuts or gingerbread cookies; they add a festive flair and texture. And don’t forget a sprinkle of extra nutmeg or cinnamon on top for that holiday spirit—your guests will love it!
Print
Eggnog Poke Cake: 7 Cozy Reasons to Indulge This Holiday
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Eggnog poke cake is a festive dessert infused with eggnog flavor and topped with whipped cream.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup eggnog (for soaking)
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups whipped topping
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions, using eggnog instead of water.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes in the cake using a fork.
- Pour 1 cup of eggnog over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
- In a bowl, mix the instant pudding with 2 cups of eggnog until smooth.
- Spread the pudding mixture over the cake.
- Top with whipped topping and sprinkle with nutmeg.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can substitute with other flavored pudding mixes.
- Add cinnamon for extra flavor if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: eggnog poke cake, holiday dessert, festive cake
