Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with the scent of pine, twinkling lights adorn every corner, and family gatherings are in full swing. Nothing warms my heart quite like the laughter around the table, and this eggnog poke cake recipe is the perfect centerpiece for those festive moments. Imagine a moist, fluffy cake infused with rich eggnog, just waiting to be soaked in even more creamy goodness. Oh, and don’t get me started on the whipped topping sprinkled with nutmeg and cinnamon—it’s pure bliss! Growing up, eggnog was a staple in our home, and this cake is my way of keeping that delicious tradition alive. Trust me, once you serve this beauty, it’ll become your new holiday favorite!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delightful eggnog poke cake. Trust me, they come together beautifully!
- 1 box yellow cake mix – the base of our delicious cake
- 1 cup eggnog – the star of the show, adding that festive flavor
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil – for moisture and tenderness
- 3 large eggs – make sure they’re at room temperature for better mixing
- 1 cup eggnog (for soaking) – yes, we’re using more eggnog for that dreamy soak!
- 1 cup whipped topping – for a fluffy finish
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – adds a warm, aromatic touch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – a classic holiday spice to enhance the flavor
Now that you have everything, you’re one step closer to a festive masterpiece! Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare the Eggnog Poke Cake Recipe
Get ready to bake this festive delight! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a show-stopping eggnog poke cake that everyone will love.
Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is key because it ensures your cake starts baking evenly right from the get-go. You want that perfect rise, so don’t skip this step!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 cup of eggnog, vegetable oil, and those 3 large eggs. I like to crack my eggs into a separate bowl first to avoid any shell mishaps, just in case! Now, mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. You can use an electric mixer or a whisk if you’re feeling strong. Just make sure there are no lumps—smooth batter is the goal here!
Bake the Cake
Pour your lovely batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, you’re golden! If not, give it a few more minutes, but keep an eye on it.
Poke Holes and Soak
Once your cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This is crucial because we want it to be warm but not too hot to handle. Now, take a fork and poke holes all over the top of the cake. This is where the magic happens! Pour 1 cup of eggnog over the warm cake, letting it soak into those holes. The more it soaks, the more deliciously moist it gets!
Chill and Top
Now, it’s time for the cake to chill out in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This allows all those flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, take it out and top it with a generous layer of whipped topping. Sprinkle with nutmeg and cinnamon for that festive flair. Wow, just look at that! Your eggnog poke cake is now ready to be enjoyed—trust me, it’ll be a hit at your holiday gatherings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s bursting with festive flavors that scream holiday cheer!
- Super easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Each bite is a delightful combination of moist cake and creamy eggnog soak.
- A true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!
- Can be made a day in advance, so you can enjoy more time with family and friends.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings or even a drizzle of caramel for extra sweetness.
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your eggnog poke cake turns out absolutely perfect? I’ve got you covered with some of my favorite pro tips that will elevate your baking game!
- Use Spiced Eggnog: For a richer and more festive flavor, consider using spiced eggnog instead of regular. It adds a wonderful depth that pairs beautifully with the cake.
- Don’t Skip the Chilling: Chilling the cake for at least 2 hours is key! This step allows the eggnog to fully soak in, making the cake extra moist and flavorful.
- Make it Ahead: You can actually make this cake a day in advance! Just keep it covered in the fridge. This not only saves time but also lets the flavors deepen.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
- Have Fun with Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Besides whipped topping, think about adding crushed gingerbread cookies, chocolate shavings, or even a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a twist.
- Check Your Oven: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. If your oven tends to run hot, you might want to check for doneness a couple of minutes early!
With these tips, you’re all set to impress everyone with your eggnog poke cake! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delightful eggnog poke cake. Keep in mind that these values are based on typical ingredients used, so actual values may vary a bit depending on what you choose. But it gives you a good idea of what to expect!
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 3g
This cake is a sweet indulgence, perfect for those festive occasions. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share with loved ones (if you can resist keeping it all to yourself)!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While a yellow cake mix works perfectly, you can experiment with other flavors like white or even spice cake for a fun twist. Just remember, the eggnog will shine through, so pick a mix that complements that festive flavor!
What if I don’t have eggnog?
No worries! You can substitute the eggnog with a mixture of milk and a splash of vanilla extract, or even use a non-dairy milk with a bit of nutmeg and cinnamon for that holiday vibe. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still be delicious!
How long does this cake last?
This eggnog poke cake can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s covered well to keep it fresh. But trust me, it’s so tasty that it probably won’t last that long!
Can I freeze the eggnog poke cake?
Yes, you can! Just wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, and then add the whipped topping just before serving.
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
I love serving this cake chilled straight from the fridge! It’s light, refreshing, and so delightful after a big holiday meal. Just slice, serve, and watch everyone smile as they take their first bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious eggnog poke cake properly is key to keeping it fresh and flavorful. If you have any leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a rare occurrence!), here’s how to do it:
- Refrigeration: Keep the cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. It should stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. The eggnog soak will keep it moist, but it’s best to enjoy it within a couple of days for optimal flavor.
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the cake! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This gentle thawing keeps the texture lovely!
Now, when it comes to reheating, I recommend serving it chilled as it’s meant to be refreshing and light. But if you prefer it slightly warm, you can pop individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it, or the whipped topping might get a bit melty! Whether you serve it cold or warm, it’s bound to be a hit all over again!
Print
Eggnog Poke Cake Recipe: 5 Festive Flavors to Savor
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious eggnog poke cake that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup eggnog (for soaking)
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the cake mix, eggnog, vegetable oil, and eggs.
- Mix until smooth and pour into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then poke holes all over the top with a fork.
- Pour 1 cup of eggnog over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Top with whipped topping, nutmeg, and cinnamon before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use spiced eggnog.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- This cake can be made a day ahead of serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: eggnog poke cake recipe
