Eggnog Poke Cake Recipe

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Eggnog Poke Cake Recipe

Celebrate the holiday season with this luscious Eggnog Poke Cake! A delightful combination of creamy eggnog pudding, light whipped topping, and tender white cake creates a dessert that’s both festive and indulgent. Perfect for Christmas gatherings or satisfying a wintertime sweet tooth, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 box white cake mix
  • 3 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup eggnog

For the Filling:

  • 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
  • ½ cup eggnog
  • ½ cup brandy (optional)

For the Topping:

  • 3 cups whipped topping (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and eggnog. Beat the mixture on medium speed until smooth and glossy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  4. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes evenly across the cake.

Step 2: Prepare the Pudding Filling

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix, eggnog, and brandy (if using) until smooth and slightly thickened.
  2. Carefully pour the pudding mixture over the cake, ensuring the holes are filled. Spread the mixture evenly across the surface with a spatula.

Step 3: Add the Topping

  1. Once the pudding has set into the cake, spread the whipped topping over the entire cake, covering it generously.
  2. Sprinkle ground cinnamon and nutmeg evenly over the whipped topping for a festive touch.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

  1. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results) to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to chill.
  2. Slice into squares and serve cold.

Tips for the Perfect Eggnog Poke Cake

  1. Customizable Booze Level: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, skip the brandy, or substitute with extra eggnog or rum extract for a similar flavor.
  2. Whipped Topping Options: Homemade whipped cream adds an extra layer of indulgence, but store-bought works just as well for convenience.
  3. Decorative Garnish: Add holiday cheer by topping the cake with festive sprinkles, candied pecans, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
  4. Make Ahead: This cake tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal dessert to prepare ahead of time for parties or family gatherings.

Here are some ways to elevate your Eggnog Poke Cake experience or create exciting variations:

Creative Variations

  1. Spiced Rum Twist: Replace the brandy with spiced rum to amplify the holiday flavor.
  2. Chocolate Eggnog Delight: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of white cake for a rich chocolate-vanilla eggnog combo.
  3. Nutty Addition: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or toasted almonds on top of the whipped topping for a delightful crunch.
  4. Cranberry Bliss: Mix in dried cranberries to the batter or sprinkle them on top of the whipped cream for a tart, festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Holiday Garnish: Pair each slice with a drizzle of caramel or a dollop of eggnog custard.
  2. Mini Cakes: Instead of a large cake, bake the batter in cupcake molds for individual servings – perfect for parties!
  3. Warm it Up: For a cozy winter vibe, serve the cake with a hot cup of eggnog, coffee, or spiced tea.

Storage Tips

  1. Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
  2. Freeze: The cake (minus the whipped topping) freezes well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Add the whipped topping after thawing.

Make It a Centerpiece

For a show-stopping dessert table, layer this poke cake in a trifle dish with alternating layers of cake, pudding, whipped cream, and festive sprinkles or fruit. It’s visually stunning and easy to serve.

These ideas can add extra charm to your Eggnog Poke Cake, ensuring it stands out as a holiday favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Cake

The Eggnog Poke Cake is the perfect balance of creamy richness and fluffy lightness. Each bite is infused with the warm, nostalgic flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and eggnog, making it a true holiday favorite. Easy to make yet utterly decadent, this dessert will quickly become a staple at your festive celebrations. Enjoy!

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