The holiday season is all about warmth, joy, and of course, delicious desserts that bring us together! And let me tell you, my eggnog poke cake recipe is a festive showstopper that’ll have everyone singing its praises. Imagine a soft, moist cake infused with the creamy, spiced flavor of eggnog, then generously soaked with a luscious topping that seeps into every delicious bite. It’s the perfect treat to share at holiday gatherings, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s get ready to create a dessert that’s not just a cake, but a holiday experience!
Ingredients for Eggnog Poke Cake Recipe
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this festive treat shine! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box yellow cake mix – This serves as the base for your cake.
- 1 cup eggnog – Use fresh eggnog for the best flavor; it’s the star of the show!
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil – This keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 3 large eggs – They help bind everything together beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg – A pinch of this spice adds that classic holiday warmth.
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk – This gives the topping its creamy richness.
- 1 cup whipped topping – For that light and airy finish!
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla enhances all those delightful flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon – Just the right amount to bring in a cozy vibe.
Make sure to have everything on hand before you start baking, and you’ll be in for a delightful treat!
How to Prepare the Eggnog Poke Cake Recipe
Let’s dive into the steps for making this delightful eggnog poke cake! I promise it’s easier than it sounds, and the outcome is absolutely worth it. Just follow along, and you’ll have a festive masterpiece in no time!
Prepping the Cake
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a big mixing bowl and combine the yellow cake mix, eggnog, vegetable oil, eggs, and nutmeg. I like to mix everything with a whisk until it’s super smooth, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once your batter is nice and creamy, pour it into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. It’s going to bake for about 30-35 minutes, but don’t get too cozy yet—we’ll need to check it for doneness!
Baking the Cake
Now, it’s time to bake! Slide that lovely dish into the preheated oven and let it do its magic. Keep an eye on the timer, and when it hits around 30 minutes, grab a toothpick and poke it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, you’re golden! If not, give it a few more minutes. This step is crucial because we want a perfectly baked cake that can hold all that delicious topping later on.
Creating the Poke Holes
Once your cake is done baking (and oh, does it smell heavenly!), let it cool for about 10 minutes. This is the hard part—waiting! After it cools slightly, take a fork and gently poke holes all over the surface of the cake. I usually go for about 20 holes, evenly spaced. This step is super important because it allows the sweetened condensed milk mixture to seep in, making every bite a burst of flavor!
Preparing the Topping
Now, in a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, whipped topping, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy—this shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes. Then, pour this luscious mixture evenly over the cake, making sure to fill those holes with all that goodness. Don’t be shy; use a spatula to spread it around if needed!
Chilling and Serving
Now, here’s the tough part: you’ll need to chill your cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps all those flavors meld together beautifully, trust me! When you’re ready to serve, cut yourself a generous slice and enjoy it as is, or go ahead and top it with a little extra whipped topping for that festive flair. You can even sprinkle a bit of nutmeg or cinnamon on top if you’re feeling fancy!
Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Poke Cake Recipe
This eggnog poke cake is not just another dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and festivities! Here are a few reasons why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe:
- Festive Flavor: The creamy eggnog combined with warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon creates a delightful holiday taste that’s simply irresistible.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps and minimal fuss, you can whip up this cake in no time, making it perfect for busy holiday gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Everyone loves a poke cake! It’s moist, flavorful, and makes for a stunning centerpiece on your dessert table.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare this cake in advance and let it chill, freeing you up to enjoy more time with family and friends!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your own twist with toppings or variations, like a sprinkle of chocolate or a dash of peppermint for an extra festive touch!
Trust me, once you serve this cake, it’ll become a staple at your holiday celebrations for years to come!
Tips for Success
Ready to take your eggnog poke cake to the next level? Here are some pro tips that’ll help you achieve cake perfection and avoid any common pitfalls along the way!
- Use Fresh Eggnog: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh eggnog. If you can, make your own—it’s super fun and so much tastier!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it light and fluffy!
- Check for Doneness: Remember to do the toothpick test! If the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, that’s perfectly fine—it’ll keep baking as it cools.
- Let It Cool: Be patient after baking! Letting the cake cool for about 10 minutes before poking holes is essential. This ensures it holds its shape and doesn’t crumble.
- Chill It Long Enough: Don’t rush the chilling process! The longer the cake chills, the better the flavors meld together. Aim for at least 2 hours, but if you can let it sit overnight, even better!
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Add a sprinkle of crushed gingerbread cookies, a drizzle of caramel, or even a dusting of cocoa powder for a unique twist.
- Store Properly: Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. It’ll be just as delicious the next day—if it lasts that long!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make an eggnog poke cake that’ll impress everyone at your holiday gathering! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content of your delicious eggnog poke cake can help you enjoy it even more! Here’s an estimate of what you can expect per slice:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific portion sizes. Enjoy your cake in moderation, and savor every festive bite!
FAQ About Eggnog Poke Cake Recipe
Got questions about my eggnog poke cake recipe? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my helpful answers.
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is a classic choice, you can experiment with vanilla or even spice cake mix for a fun twist. Just remember that it might change the flavor profile slightly!
What if I can’t find eggnog?
No eggnog? No problem! You can make a simple substitute by mixing together equal parts of milk and heavy cream, adding a splash of vanilla extract, and a pinch of nutmeg. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still be delicious!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just be sure to keep it covered so it doesn’t dry out!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and let it chill in the fridge. In fact, letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to meld even more!
What toppings can I use?
Get creative! You can top your cake with extra whipped topping, a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon, or even crushed cookies for added texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try drizzling some caramel or chocolate sauce on top!
Can I freeze the eggnog poke cake?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing it after adding the topping, as it may alter the texture. However, you can freeze the plain baked cake (before adding the topping) for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving!
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free. Just check the other ingredients to ensure they’re also gluten-free, and you’ll be good to go!
Still have questions? Feel free to reach out! I’m here to help you create the perfect holiday dessert.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delectable eggnog poke cake and now you have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Storing it properly is key to keeping that festive flavor intact! Here’s how to do it:
- Storing Leftovers: Make sure to cover the cake with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out and keeps those delicious flavors locked in. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days—if it lasts that long!
- Reheating: If you prefer your cake slightly warm, you can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave. Just pop a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat it, or you might lose that creamy topping goodness!
- Chilling Again: If you’ve already topped your cake, it’s best served chilled, so don’t worry about reheating the whole thing. Just enjoy your slice straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat!
With these storage tips, you can savor the joy of your eggnog poke cake for days to come. Happy indulging!
Print
Eggnog Poke Cake Recipe: 7 Festive Flavors to Savor
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This eggnog poke cake is a festive dessert perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the cake mix, eggnog, oil, eggs, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes in the cake with a fork.
- In a bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, whipped topping, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Pour the mixture over the cake, filling the holes.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh eggnog for best flavor.
- Top with additional whipped topping if desired.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: eggnog poke cake recipe
