Ah, the magic of holiday desserts! There’s just something so special about gathering around the table with family and friends, sharing sweet treats that warm your heart and fill your belly. My absolute favorite during this festive season has to be my eggnog poke cake recipe. It’s like a cozy hug in cake form! Imagine a fluffy yellow cake drenched in creamy, spiced eggnog goodness, topped with a light and airy whipped topping. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one slice! This cake is perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a delightful dessert to enjoy while watching your favorite holiday movie. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the memories we create while sharing it with our loved ones. So, let’s dive into this festive recipe together!
Ingredients for Eggnog Poke Cake
Gather these simple yet delightful ingredients to create your festive eggnog poke cake. I promise, they all come together beautifully!
- 1 box yellow cake mix – the base for our fluffy cake and the perfect canvas for all that eggnog flavor.
- 3 large eggs – these add structure and moisture, making the cake rich and delicious.
- 1 cup eggnog – this is the star of the show! Make sure it’s your favorite brand or homemade for that extra festive touch.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil – this keeps the cake moist and tender, so don’t skip it!
- 1 cup powdered sugar – for that sweet, creamy topping mix that soaks into the cake.
- 1/4 cup milk – it helps to achieve the perfect consistency for our topping mixture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – a little splash of this will elevate the flavor beautifully!
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg – this spice brings that classic holiday warmth and aroma to the cake.
- 1 cup whipped topping – light and fluffy, it crowns our cake perfectly for a festive finish.
How to Prepare Eggnog Poke Cake
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get to the fun part—making this scrumptious eggnog poke cake! I’ll walk you through each step so it’s as easy as pie. Trust me, you’re going to love this process!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the cake rise evenly and bake perfectly. So, don’t skip this step! Your kitchen will start to smell amazing as it warms up.
Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 3 large eggs, 1 cup of eggnog, and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil. Grab a whisk or an electric mixer and blend everything together until it’s nice and smooth. You want to mix it just until combined—no need to overdo it! The batter should be thick and creamy, with no lumps. Once that’s done, pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Bake the Cake
Now, pop that beauty into the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes, as ovens can vary a bit. Just imagine the delightful aroma filling your kitchen!
Create Poke Holes
Once your cake is baked and has cooled for about 10 minutes, it’s time for the fun part! Using a fork, poke holes all over the top of the cake. This step is crucial because it allows the creamy topping mixture to soak in, making every bite extra moist and flavorful. Don’t be shy—poke enough holes to really let that goodness seep in!
Prepare the Topping Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Mix it until it’s smooth and creamy. This mixture is going to be drizzled over the cake, adding a sweet and spicy element that’s just divine!
Assemble the Cake
Now, pour that lovely mixture over the cake, making sure it gets into all those holes you poked earlier. Spread it out gently with a spatula to cover the top evenly. Finally, take your 1 cup of whipped topping and spread it over the cake to create a fluffy crown. It’s looking gorgeous, isn’t it?
Chill and Serve
For the final touch, refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the cake to soak up that delicious topping. When you’re ready to serve, cut it into generous slices and enjoy the festive cheer! Don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra nutmeg on top for that perfect finishing touch.
Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Poke Cake Recipe
- Festive Flavor: The rich eggnog and warm nutmeg create a holiday flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a stunning dessert ready to impress your guests.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: This cake is always a hit at parties and gatherings—everyone loves a slice!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it a day in advance, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities.
- Moist and Decadent: The poke holes allow the creamy topping to soak in, ensuring every bite is moist and delicious.
Tips for Success
To make sure your eggnog poke cake turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, let your cake cool completely before poking those holes—this prevents the topping from seeping out too quickly. Also, don’t rush the chilling time; allowing it to chill for at least 2 hours really helps the flavors meld beautifully. If you want to take it up a notch, try using homemade eggnog for a richer taste. And remember, a sprinkle of extra nutmeg on top before serving adds a lovely touch that’ll impress your guests. Enjoy every slice!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each slice of this delightful eggnog poke cake. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sodium: 180mg
Enjoy this festive treat in moderation, and savor every bite!
FAQ About Eggnog Poke Cake Recipe
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! This eggnog poke cake is perfect for making in advance. You can prepare it a day before your event and store it in the fridge. Just remember to give it at least 2 hours to chill, which allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully. It’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready to serve!
What can I substitute for eggnog?
If you don’t have eggnog on hand, don’t worry! You can easily substitute it with a mixture of milk and heavy cream combined with a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of nutmeg. This will give you that creamy texture and festive flavor. You could also use any non-dairy milk if you prefer a dairy-free option; just add a bit of nutmeg and vanilla for that eggnog essence!
How should I store leftovers?
To keep your leftover eggnog poke cake fresh, simply cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, and it should stay delicious for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s well-covered to prevent it from drying out!
Can I freeze this cake?
You can definitely freeze this cake! To do so, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. No need to worry about reheating—this cake is best served chilled!
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Eggnog Poke Cake Recipe: 5 Steps to Festive Delight
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and delicious eggnog poke cake perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup whipped topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the yellow cake mix according to package instructions using eggs, eggnog, and oil.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes all over the top of the cake using a fork.
- Mix the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and nutmeg in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.
- Spread whipped topping over the top of the cake.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Top with additional nutmeg for garnish.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: eggnog poke cake recipe
