Eggnog Poke Cake

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Ah, the Eggnog Poke Cake! This delightful dessert brings back so many memories of cozy holiday gatherings with family and friends. I remember my grandmother making it every Christmas, her laughter filling the kitchen as the sweet aroma of spices mixed with the creamy eggnog wafted through the air. It felt like a warm hug on a chilly winter evening. This cake isn’t just a treat; it’s a celebration of the season!

This Eggnog Poke Cake is perfect for any holiday occasion. It’s creamy, festive, and super easy to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for my holiday dessert table. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or just want to treat yourself, this cake is sure to impress and bring smiles all around. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it every year!

Why You’ll Love Eggnog Poke Cake

This Eggnog Poke Cake is everything you want in a holiday dessert! It’s creamy, dreamy, and bursting with those classic festive flavors we all adore. The way the eggnog seeps into the cake creates a moist, flavorful treat that feels like a celebration in every bite. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a dessert that’s both easy to make and a total showstopper?

It’s the perfect addition to your holiday gatherings, bringing joy and nostalgia to the table. Just picture it: family and friends gathered around, laughter filling the room, and everyone reaching for a second slice of this delightful cake. With its simple preparation and impressive results, this recipe has become a cherished tradition in my home, and I know it will become one in yours too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this scrumptious Eggnog Poke Cake, you’ll need some simple ingredients that come together to create a festive masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:

• 1 (15.25 ounce) box of vanilla cake mix: This is the base of your cake. Any brand will do, but I love the ones that promise extra moisture for that perfect texture!
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon: This adds a warm, spicy kick that’s essential for that holiday vibe. You can even use freshly grated cinnamon for a more intense flavor!
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Nutmeg is the star here! It gives a distinctive taste that screams “holiday!”
• 4 cups eggnog, divided: Use your favorite store-bought eggnog, or for a richer flavor, homemade is best! Just make sure to reserve 3 cups for the pudding layer.
• ⅓ cup canola or vegetable oil: This keeps the cake moist and tender. You can swap this with melted butter if you prefer a richer taste.
• 3 large eggs: These help bind everything together and give the cake its fluffiness. Make sure they’re at room temperature for best results!
• 2 (3.4 ounce) boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix: This is what makes the cake so creamy and luscious. You can use any flavor you like, but vanilla is classic!
• 1 (8 ounce) tub of whipped topping, thawed: This is the final touch! If you’re feeling fancy, you can whip your own cream for a homemade feel.

Gathering these ingredients is half the fun! They’ll create a deliciously festive cake that will fill your home with amazing holiday scents.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into making this delightful Eggnog Poke Cake! Trust me, it’s easier than it sounds, and I promise the results will be absolutely worth it. Grab your mixing bowls and get ready for a festive baking adventure!

Prepping the Cake

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your cake to bake evenly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Then, add in 1 cup of eggnog, the canola oil, and your eggs. Mix everything together until it’s well combined — I like to use a hand mixer for about 2 minutes, but a whisk works just fine if you’re feeling old-school! Once your batter is smooth, pour it into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This is where the magic starts!

Creating the Pudding Layer

Now, while your cake is cooling, it’s time to whip up that delicious pudding layer! In a separate bowl, take your two boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix and whisk them together with 3 cups of eggnog. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens up nicely — this should only take a couple of minutes. Once your cake has cooled and you’ve let it poke those holes (more on that in a second!), pour the pudding mixture all over the top. Make sure to fill those holes you poked earlier; this is what makes the cake so moist and flavorful! Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring every bite is packed with that creamy goodness.

Final Touches

Once you’ve poured the pudding mixture over the cake, cover it with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just before serving, top it off with your thawed whipped topping — or homemade whipped cream if you’re feeling extra fancy! Slice it up, and get ready for the oohs and aahs as you serve this festive delight!

Variations

The beauty of this Eggnog Poke Cake is its versatility! You can easily put your own spin on it. For a fun twist, try using different flavored pudding mixes like butterscotch or chocolate — they add a whole new layer of flavor that’s just as delicious! You could even switch up the spices; a pinch of ginger or cloves would complement the eggnog beautifully and give it that extra holiday flair.

If you want to add a little crunch, consider folding in some crushed gingerbread cookies or even chopped nuts into the pudding mix before pouring it over the cake. And for those who love a little kick, a splash of rum or bourbon in the eggnog can elevate the flavor profile, making your cake a festive adult treat! The options are endless, so let your creativity run wild!

Serving and Storage Tips

When it comes to serving your Eggnog Poke Cake, you’ll want to cut it into generous squares — about 3×3 inches should do the trick! This size is perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings without overwhelming your guests. I like to serve it chilled, right out of the fridge, which enhances that creamy texture. You can even sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top for an elegant touch!

As for leftovers, if you happen to have any (which is rare, trust me!), you can store them in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to keep it sealed so it stays fresh and delicious. If you want to freeze it, you can do so before adding the whipped topping. Wrap the cake well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it’ll last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight, add your whipped topping, and you’re good to go!

Helpful Notes

Here are some extra tips to ensure your Eggnog Poke Cake turns out absolutely perfect! For a richer flavor, I highly recommend using homemade eggnog if you have the time — it truly elevates the cake and adds a personal touch that everyone will love. If you’re looking to swap out the whipped topping, feel free to use freshly whipped cream instead; it adds a lovely lightness and can be sweetened to your preference.

Also, if you have dietary restrictions, this cake can easily be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix and pudding. Just be sure to double-check the brands for any hidden gluten. Remember, I didn’t include nutritional information separately, but if you’re counting calories, keep in mind that this cake is a treat, and a little indulgence during the holidays is always worth it!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze this Eggnog Poke Cake?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze the cake! Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It will last for about 2 months. Remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

2. What if I don’t have eggnog?
If you don’t have eggnog on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk and cream, adding a bit of vanilla extract and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon for that festive flavor. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still be delicious!

3. Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! While vanilla cake mix works best for this recipe, you can experiment with other flavors like spice cake or even chocolate. Just keep in mind that it’ll slightly change the flavor profile of your cake, but I’m sure it’ll still be tasty!

4. How long can I store leftovers?
You can store leftover Eggnog Poke Cake in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s tightly covered to keep it fresh. If you have it frozen, just follow the thawing instructions mentioned earlier!

5. Can I make this cake a day ahead?
Yes! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my dear friends! This Eggnog Poke Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a heartfelt tradition that brings people together, filling your home with warmth and joy. I can’t wait for you to try it! Whether it’s for a holiday party, a cozy family gathering, or just a sweet treat for yourself, I promise this cake will steal the show.

And hey, I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Did you make any fun variations? Maybe you added some extra spices or switched up the pudding flavor? Share your experiences with me! Let’s keep the holiday spirit alive through our love of baking and delicious desserts. Happy baking, and may your Eggnog Poke Cake bring you as much joy as it has brought to my family!

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