Eggnog Poke Cake Recipe

Eggnog poke cake is a delightful holiday dessert that brings the rich, creamy flavors of eggnog into every bite. This moist, festive cake is perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a special treat that’s easy to make and full of seasonal flavor. Here’s how to make this luscious eggnog poke cake step by step.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (or white cake mix)
• Ingredients as listed on the cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for added holiday flavor)

For the Eggnog Filling:

• 1 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

For the Topping:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream (or use an 8 oz container of whipped topping for convenience)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Ground nutmeg, for sprinkling

Equipment Needed:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Wooden spoon or a large straw (for poking holes)
• Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package instructions. Add 1 tsp of ground nutmeg to the batter for an extra festive touch.
• Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake according to the package instructions, usually 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Poke Holes in the Cake

• Using the end of a wooden spoon or a large straw, poke holes evenly across the surface of the cake. Make sure to space them about 1 inch apart.

Step 3: Prepare the Eggnog Filling

• In a bowl, whisk together the eggnog, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
• Pour the eggnog filling over the cake, making sure it fills all the holes. Use a spatula to help spread the mixture evenly if needed.
• Let the cake absorb the filling for at least 1 hour or refrigerate for up to 4 hours for deeper flavor infusion.

Step 4: Make the Whipped Topping

• In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form.
• Add the powdered sugar and ½ tsp vanilla extract, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
• Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cake.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle ground nutmeg on top for a festive finish.
• Slice and serve chilled for the best taste and texture.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve the cake chilled, either plain or with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra holiday flair.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Helpful Notes

• Eggnog Flavor: For an even richer eggnog flavor, use spiced eggnog or add a splash of rum extract to the filling.
• Make Ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
• Substitutions: Substitute whipped topping if you’re short on time for a quicker dessert preparation.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Ina Garten: Suggests adding a bit of freshly grated nutmeg for a more aromatic finish.
• Ree Drummond: Recommends folding a little bit of eggnog into the whipped cream for added depth.
• Martha Stewart: Advises using homemade eggnog if you have the time for an even more decadent experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use a different cake flavor?
Yes, white or spice cake mix are great alternatives for a unique twist.

Q2: What if I don’t have eggnog?
You can substitute eggnog with a mixture of milk, cream, and a bit of rum extract or nutmeg to mimic the flavor.

Q3: Can I make this recipe alcohol-free?
Yes, this recipe is already alcohol-free, but if you want to add a spiked version, include a tablespoon of rum or bourbon in the eggnog filling.

Q4: How do I prevent the whipped cream from melting?
Ensure the cake is fully cooled before adding the whipped cream topping, and chill it immediately after assembly.

Q5: Can I use store-bought whipped topping?
Yes, store-bought whipped topping can be a time-saving substitute for homemade whipped cream.

Q6: What toppings pair well with eggnog poke cake?
Chopped nuts, caramel drizzle, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar can enhance the presentation and flavor.

Q7: How long should I let the cake absorb the filling?
For best results, refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours or overnight to allow the filling to fully soak into the cake.

Q8: Can I use light or low-fat ingredients?
Yes, you can use low-fat sweetened condensed milk and light eggnog, though the cake may be less rich.

Q9: How do I get even holes in the cake?
Use a grid pattern to space the holes evenly, ensuring each piece gets an equal amount of filling.

Q10: Can I add other spices?
Yes, a pinch of cloves or allspice can add a deeper holiday flavor.

Enjoy this creamy, festive eggnog poke cake that’s sure to impress your family and friends at any holiday gathering!