Oh, the holidays! One of my favorite traditions is gathering around with family and friends, sipping on that rich, creamy eggnog. It’s like a warm hug in a glass! Speaking of which, my eggnog poke cake takes that festive spirit and turns it into an absolutely delightful dessert. Picture this: a moist yellow cake soaked in eggnog, creating layers of flavor that are just to die for. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any holiday table. Trust me, this cake is not just a treat; it’s a memory waiting to happen, and everyone will be coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It captures the festive flavor of eggnog in every bite, making it a holiday favorite!
- Super easy to prepare—just mix, bake, soak, and top! Perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- The poke cake method ensures each slice is incredibly moist and flavorful.
- It’s a showstopper dessert that will impress your guests without all the fuss.
- Great for gatherings, as it feeds a crowd—12 generous servings!
- Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead treat.
- The combination of whipped topping and nutmeg adds a delightful creamy finish, perfect for the season.
Ingredients for Eggnog Poke Cake
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 box yellow cake mix (this is your base, easy and delicious!)
- 1 cup eggnog (for mixing into the batter, plus an extra cup for soaking—nothing says holiday like eggnog!)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (this keeps the cake moist and tender)
- 3 large eggs (for that perfect structure and richness)
- 1 cup eggnog (for soaking—trust me, this is where the magic happens!)
- 1 cup whipped topping (for a light and fluffy finish)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated if you’ve got it, for that warm, spicy flavor)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (to sweeten the whipped topping just right)
How to Prepare Eggnog Poke Cake
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab your box of yellow cake mix because we’re about to create some magic! In a large mixing bowl, prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions, but here’s the twist—substitute the water with 1 cup of that delicious eggnog! This little change makes all the difference, trust me. Add in the vegetable oil and the three large eggs, and mix it all together until smooth and creamy. You want it to be lump-free and oh-so-inviting!
Baking the Cake
Now that your batter is ready, pour it into a greased 9×13 inch pan, spreading it out evenly. It’s like a blank canvas waiting for flavor! Pop it into the oven and let it bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Here’s a little tip: you’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This is always my moment of excitement—when I see that toothpick come out just right, I can almost taste the goodness!
Soaking the Cake
Once your cake is baked to perfection, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This is the part where you can really amp up the flavor! Use a fork to poke holes all over the cake—don’t be shy! Then, take that extra cup of eggnog and pour it over the cake, letting it soak into those holes. This step is crucial because it ensures every bite is bursting with that festive eggnog flavor. After you’ve poured the eggnog, cover the cake and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This waiting game is tough, but it’s so worth it!
Finishing Touches
When you’re finally ready to serve, take the chilled cake out of the fridge and add a generous layer of whipped topping on top. This is where it gets fancy! Use a spatula to spread it out smoothly, and then sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg for that perfect holiday flair. It not only looks beautiful but adds that warm, spicy aroma too. Trust me, your guests will be swooning before they even take a bite!
Tips for Success
To make sure your eggnog poke cake turns out perfectly every time, here are my tried-and-true tips:
- Use Freshly Grated Nutmeg: It really elevates the flavor! Store-bought nutmeg can’t compete with the fresh stuff, so if you can, grab a whole nutmeg and grate it just before using.
- Don’t Skip the Chilling Time: This is crucial! Letting the cake chill for at least 2 hours allows the eggnog to soak in fully, creating that moist, flavorful texture we all love.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: If you can, let your eggs and eggnog sit out for a bit before mixing. Room temperature ingredients blend together better, giving you a smoother batter.
- Check for Doneness: Always do the toothpick test! If it comes out clean, it’s ready to come out of the oven. This will help you avoid overbaking, which can dry out the cake.
- Make It Ahead: This cake actually tastes even better the next day! If you can, make it a day ahead of your gathering. Just keep it covered in the fridge after it’s chilled.
- Experiment with Flavors: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of rum or a hint of cinnamon to the batter for an extra kick!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a show-stopping eggnog poke cake that everyone will rave about!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just typical values for our delicious eggnog poke cake. Always check your labels for the most accurate information!
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
So, if you’re indulging in a slice (or two!), you can enjoy it without too much guilt—just remember to savor every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend making the eggnog poke cake a day in advance. It gives the flavors more time to meld together, and trust me, it tastes even better the next day! Just prepare the cake as directed, let it soak in the eggnog, and then cover it well with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Just don’t forget to add the whipped topping and nutmeg right before serving for that fresh, festive touch!
What can I substitute for eggnog?
If you find yourself without eggnog, don’t worry! You can easily make a substitute by mixing together one cup of milk (or a non-dairy alternative) with a tablespoon of sugar and a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon. Stir it well, and voilà—instant eggnog substitute! You can also use any creamy beverage like cream soda or even vanilla almond milk for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
How do I serve eggnog poke cake?
Serving your eggnog poke cake is super simple! Just slice it into generous squares and place them on dessert plates. I love to add an extra dollop of whipped topping on each slice for that creamy goodness. You could also drizzle a bit of caramel sauce or sprinkle some additional nutmeg on top for a nice touch. Pair it with a hot cup of cocoa or a spiced tea for a cozy winter dessert experience. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, so you’ve enjoyed your eggnog poke cake, but now you’ve got some leftovers (if that’s even possible!). No worries, I’ve got you covered! First things first, make sure to store any leftover cake in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It’ll stay delicious for about 3 to 4 days, but trust me, it’s usually gone way before then!
If you find yourself wanting to enjoy a slice later, you can definitely reheat it! Just pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Keep an eye on it though; you want it warm but not hot. You can also serve it chilled if you prefer that refreshing taste. Either way, the flavors will still be fantastic! So go ahead, indulge in that leftover goodness, and enjoy every bite!
Print
Eggnog Poke Cake: 7 Holiday Layers of Pure Delight
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive cake soaked with creamy eggnog and topped with whipped cream.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup eggnog for soaking
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare cake mix according to package instructions using eggnog instead of water.
- Pour batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan.
- Bake for 30-35 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.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Top with whipped topping and sprinkle with nutmeg before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated nutmeg for better flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- For a richer taste, add a splash of rum to the eggnog.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 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: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: eggnog poke cake, holiday dessert, festive cake
