Eggnog Poke Cake

‘Tis the season for cozy desserts, and every bite of this eggnog poke cake is pure holiday magic! 

This recipe transforms the classic holiday drink into a delightfully moist cake. 

Each slice features vanilla cake dotted with tiny pockets of rich eggnog pudding, topped with whipped cream and nutmeg. 

It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or when you simply need a festive pick-me-up. Be sure to make it ahead of time to let the flavors develop overnight!

Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Poke Cake

Festive Taste: A rich, creamy combination of warm spices and eggnog creates a nostalgic holiday dessert experience. It captures the essence of Christmas.

Crowd-Pleaser: The pudding-soaked texture and familiar flavors appeal to eggnog lovers and those who typically avoid drinking it. 

Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to prepare with a boxed vanilla cake mix as the base. It saves time without sacrificing taste or presentation. Plus, it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for holiday gatherings!

Rich, Creamy Texture: Eggnog-infused pudding and whipped topping creates a moist and creamy texture. It soaks into every bite.

Ingredients

• Eggnog: It adds a creamy texture and festive flavor throughout the cake.
  
• Vanilla Cake Mix: The foundation of this recipe. It provides a perfect neutral base to showcase the eggnog flavor. Choose a high-quality mix for the best results.
  
• Vegetable Oil: It creates moisture and tenderness in the cake, helping it stay fresh longer.
  
• Eggs: They provide structure and richness to the cake while helping bind ingredients together.
  
• Ground Nutmeg and Cinnamon: Classic spices add warmth and depth to the cake. Nutmeg is particularly essential for authentic eggnog flavor.
  
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: It creates a creamy, custard-like filling that seeps into the cake holes.
  
• Spiced Rum (Optional): It adds traditional eggnog flavor and subtle warmth to the filling. Omit it for a family-friendly version.
  
• Whipped Topping: This provides a light, creamy finishing touch.

How to Make Eggnog Poke Cake

When it comes to desserts, this is one of the easiest!

1. Prep. Preheat your oven to 350°Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter and set aside.

2. Mix. Add the cake mix, eggnog, vegetable oil, eggs, nutmeg, and cinnamon to a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat at medium speed until combined, about 1-2 minutes. Avoid overmixing; some lumps are okay.

3. Bake. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center is removed cleanly. Remove it from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

4. Poke. Let the cake cool slightly. Then, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes over the entire cake. Space the holes evenly, about 1 inch apart.

5. Prep the pudding. Add the instant pudding mix, eggnog, and rum (if using) to a medium mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes.

6. Fill. Immediately pour the pudding mixture evenly over the warm cake, focusing on filling the holes. Use a spatula to spread the mixture if needed, ensuring it covers the surface of the cake.

7. Chill. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the pudding to set and the flavors to meld.

8. Garnish. Once the cake is chilled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the surface. Sprinkle a light dusting of ground nutmeg on top for garnish.

9. Serve. Slice and serve the cake chilled. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Eggnog Poke Cake

These simple tips will make your cake even more heavenly.

• Room temperature is key. Ensure the eggs and eggnog are at room temperature to help the batter mix evenly and rise better.
  
• Don’t overmix! Mix the cake batter just until combined to avoid a tough, dense cake.
  
• Keep holes even. When poking holes in the cake, ensure they are evenly distributed for the best flavor and texture.
  
• Spice it up. If using rum, choose a spiced variety. Warm it slightly before adding it to help it blend better with the pudding mixture.
  
• Give it ample chill time. Allow the cake to chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight, for the best flavor and texture.
  
• Try fun variations. Try swapping spiced rum for bourbon. Use chocolate or caramel pudding instead of vanilla. Or incorporate holiday spices like cloves or allspice into the batter for a unique twist.

How to Store

Here’s how to keep your leftover cake fresh:

To Store: Cover the eggnog poke cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It tastes best within the first 3 days before it gets too soggy.

To Freeze: Wrap individual slices or the whole cake (without the whipped topping) tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh whipped topping before serving.