Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday dessert: eggnog poke cake! This fluffy, festive cake is like a warm hug in dessert form, bursting with all those cozy holiday flavors we love. I remember the first time I made it; the smell of nutmeg and eggnog wafting through the kitchen was pure magic! It’s the kind of cake that not only looks beautiful on your holiday table but also brings everyone together, with each slice soaked in sweetened condensed milk that makes it incredibly moist and delicious. Seriously, once you take a bite, you’ll be dreaming of this cake long after the holidays are over. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one!
Ingredients for Eggnog Poke Cake
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this festive eggnog poke cake shine! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (any brand will do, just make sure it’s the standard size)
- 1 cup eggnog (the star of the show—go for the good stuff, full of that holiday flavor!)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (this keeps it moist and delicious)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature is best for mixing)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated if possible, it really makes a difference)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (this is what makes it a poke cake, trust me)
- 1/2 cup whipped topping (for that creamy finish)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (to sweeten the whipped topping a bit)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (adds a lovely warm spice on top)
Make sure to gather these ingredients before you start—nothing worse than realizing you’re out of eggnog halfway through! Happy baking!
How to Prepare Eggnog Poke Cake
Now, let’s dive into making this delightful eggnog poke cake! It’s super easy, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how delicious it turns out. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a festive treat ready to impress everyone!
Preheat and Mix
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it helps the cake rise beautifully and bake evenly. While that’s warming up, grab a large bowl and combine your yellow cake mix, eggnog, vegetable oil, eggs, and nutmeg. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and lump-free. It’s such a simple step, but the aroma that fills your kitchen as you mix is just heavenly!
Bake the Cake
Pour your batter into a greased cake pan, making sure it’s evenly spread out. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—no batter should cling to it! Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This is a great time to get all the holiday music playing while you wait!
Create the Poke Holes
After your cake has cooled slightly, it’s time for the fun part! Use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Don’t be shy with this—make those holes deep enough to let the flavor seep in! This step is super important because it allows the sweetened condensed milk to soak into the cake, making it incredibly moist and flavorful.
Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Now, pour that luscious sweetened condensed milk over the cake, making sure to fill all those little holes you just made. I like to take my time with this step, gently pouring to ensure every bit of the cake gets that rich flavor. Trust me, this is what makes the cake so irresistibly delicious and keeps it extra moist!
Finish with Toppings
Once the cake has completely cooled, it’s time to add the finishing touches! Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake, covering it completely for that beautiful presentation. Then, sprinkle powdered sugar and a dash of cinnamon on top for a festive flair. The powdered sugar adds a hint of sweetness while the cinnamon brings that warm holiday spice. Now, step back and admire your handiwork—you’ve just created a stunning holiday dessert that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Poke Cake
This eggnog poke cake is a total showstopper for your holiday gatherings, and here’s why you’re going to adore it:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a festive dessert ready in no time. Perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Moist and Flavorful: The sweetened condensed milk seeps into the cake, making each bite incredibly moist and bursting with eggnog flavor.
- Impressive Presentation: The whipped topping and sprinkle of powdered sugar create a stunning cake that looks as good as it tastes.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking or add festive toppings like crushed peppermint or chocolate shavings!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or a cozy family gathering, this cake fits right in and is sure to please everyone.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify—talk about a win!
Trust me, once you try this cake, you’ll be making it again and again throughout the holiday season!
Tips for Success with Eggnog Poke Cake
Want to make sure your eggnog poke cake turns out absolutely perfect? Here are my top tips to ensure you achieve the best results every time!
- Make It Ahead: If you can, prepare the cake a day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and it’ll be even more moist and delicious when you serve it!
- Adjust the Spices: Don’t hesitate to tweak the nutmeg and cinnamon to suit your taste. If you like a stronger spice flavor, add a touch more—it’s all about what you love!
- Use High-Quality Eggnog: The quality of your eggnog really makes a difference. Go for a rich, creamy brand that you enjoy drinking; it’ll elevate the cake’s flavor!
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding crushed cookies, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce on top of the whipped topping for a fun twist!
- Check for Doneness: When baking, always check for doneness a few minutes early. Ovens can vary, and you don’t want to overbake the cake!
- Cool Completely: Let the cake cool completely before adding the whipped topping. This helps it maintain that lovely texture without melting the topping.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress your friends and family with this delightful holiday dessert! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information for Eggnog Poke Cake
When it comes to enjoying this festive eggnog poke cake, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per slice (based on a yield of 12 servings):
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 51g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 28g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind, these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, like the brand of eggnog or whipped topping. It’s always a good idea to read the labels for the most accurate information. But hey, when it’s the holidays, a little indulgence is totally worth it, right? Enjoy every delicious bite!
Frequently Asked Questions about Eggnog Poke Cake
Got questions about making the perfect eggnog poke cake? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my answers to help you navigate your baking adventure.
Can I use homemade eggnog for this cake?
Absolutely! Homemade eggnog can add an extra touch of flavor and richness to your cake. Just make sure it’s well-chilled before mixing it in.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep for about 3-5 days, but trust me, it’s so good, it might not last that long!
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. The texture will still be delicious!
What can I substitute for the whipped topping?
If you want a homemade touch, feel free to whip up some heavy cream with a bit of sugar until it forms soft peaks. It’s a lovely alternative and tastes fantastic!
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You sure can! Just swap the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free version, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free eggnog poke cake that everyone can enjoy!
How can I enhance the flavors?
To really amp up the eggnog flavor, consider adding a splash of rum extract or a sprinkle of vanilla extract to the batter. It gives it a lovely depth and holiday warmth!
Is this cake suitable for kids?
Definitely! It’s a delightful dessert that kids love, especially with the sweetened condensed milk soaking into the cake. Just be mindful if you’re adding any alcohol flavorings—stick to extracts for the little ones!
Hopefully, that clears up any questions you might have! Enjoy making this festive treat, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions along the way!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious eggnog poke cake properly is key to keeping it fresh and tasty for days to come! To store leftovers, simply cover the cake with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every slice, and this cake gets even better as it sits!
If you find yourself with leftover cake (which is rare, but it happens!), freezing is a great option. Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy a slice of holiday magic whenever you crave it! The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. No need to reheat it; it’s best served chilled, and the flavor will still be fantastic!
So, whether you’re enjoying it fresh or saving some for later, you can feel good knowing you’ve got a delightful treat at your fingertips! Happy baking!
Print
Eggnog Poke Cake: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Festive Dessert
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and moist eggnog poke cake infused with holiday flavors.
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
- 1/2 cup whipped topping
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggnog, oil, eggs, and nutmeg.
- Mix until smooth and pour into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes in the cake using a fork.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk over the cake, filling the holes.
- Cool completely, then spread whipped topping over the cake.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar and cinnamon before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste.
- Make it a day ahead for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: eggnog poke cake, holiday dessert, festive cake
