Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with the scent of pine, twinkling lights brighten our nights, and the kitchen buzzes with excitement. One of my absolute favorite holiday desserts has to be this eggnog poke cake. Trust me, it’s a showstopper! This cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate, infused with the creamy, spiced goodness of eggnog that just screams festive cheer.
Imagine cutting into a soft, moist cake that’s been lovingly soaked in a luscious eggnog mixture. Each slice is a perfect blend of sweetness and spice, making it a delightful treat for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Plus, who doesn’t love a dessert that practically makes itself? With simple ingredients and an easy preparation method, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe year after year. So, let’s dive in and get ready to impress your friends and family this holiday season with the best eggnog poke cake you’ll ever make!
Ingredients List
Before we get started, let’s gather our ingredients for this delightful eggnog poke cake. Trust me, having everything ready makes the process so much smoother!
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup eggnog (the fresher, the better!)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for that warm, holiday spice)
- 1 cup whipped topping (because who can resist a fluffy finish?)
Got everything? Awesome! Let’s get ready to whip up this festive treat that’s sure to wow everyone at your holiday gatherings!
How to Prepare Eggnog Poke Cake
Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy and dive into making this eggnog poke cake! I promise you, it’s easier than it sounds, and I’ll guide you through each step. Just follow along, and you’ll have a festive masterpiece in no time!
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because a properly preheated oven ensures your cake bakes evenly. While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a good greasing. I like to use a bit of cooking spray or butter to make sure nothing sticks. Trust me, you want every slice to come out perfectly!
Mixing the Batter
Now, in a large bowl, let’s combine the star players: the cake mix, eggnog, eggs, and vegetable oil. I like to use an electric mixer for this part, but a whisk works just fine if you’re feeling strong! Mix until everything is smooth and well blended – it should only take a couple of minutes. Don’t worry if it looks a little thick; that’s completely normal!
Baking the Cake
Once your batter is smooth, pour it into the greased baking pan. Make sure to spread it out evenly so it bakes up beautifully. Now, pop that pan into the oven and set a timer for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end, as every oven can be a little different!
Poking and Soaking
When your cake is out of the oven and has cooled for about 10 minutes, it’s time for the fun part! Using a fork, poke holes all over the top of the cake—don’t be shy! This is what allows the eggnog mixture to soak in and flavor every delicious bite. Now, in a separate bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg until it’s nice and smooth. Pour this heavenly mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into those holes. Mmm, can you smell the holidays already?
Chilling and Topping
After you’ve soaked the cake, pop it into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows all those flavors to meld together and makes the cake extra moist. Just before serving, dollop on that whipped topping for a light and fluffy finish. You can even sprinkle a little extra nutmeg or cinnamon on top for that festive flair. And voilà! Your eggnog poke cake is ready to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy dessert that comes together in no time—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- The creamy, spiced flavor of eggnog makes every bite feel like a warm hug on a chilly day.
- This cake is incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to that soaking process—trust me, it’s a game changer!
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have your friends and family coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
- Perfect for potlucks and gatherings, it’s easy to transport and serve directly from the baking pan.
- Customization is a breeze! Feel free to add your favorite spices or toppings to make it your own.
- This eggnog poke cake is a delightful way to bring festive cheer to your dessert table—who can resist that?
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your eggnog poke cake turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to elevate your baking game and impress your guests:
- Use Fresh Eggnog: For the best flavor, always go for the freshest eggnog you can find. It makes a world of difference in taste!
- Add Extra Spices: Feel free to experiment! A pinch of cinnamon or allspice can add an extra layer of warmth and holiday cheer to your cake.
- Let it Chill: Don’t rush the chilling time. Allowing the cake to soak in the eggnog mixture for a full 2 hours (or even longer, if you can wait) brings out the best flavors.
- Serve Cold: This cake is best served chilled. It’s refreshing and gives that delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience!
- Garnish Creatively: Top with caramel sauce, crushed graham crackers, or even a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for a delicious twist!
- Make it Ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge, and you’ll save time on the big day.
With these tips, you’ll create a stunning eggnog poke cake that’s sure to be the star of your holiday dessert spread. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! While I always say that desserts are meant to be enjoyed without counting, it’s good to have an idea of what you’re indulging in. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one slice of this delightful eggnog poke cake:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, life’s too short to skip dessert, right? Enjoy every delicious bite of your eggnog poke cake without too much worry!
FAQ Section
Can I use homemade eggnog instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade eggnog can add a personal touch and richness to your eggnog poke cake. Just make sure it’s nice and creamy for the best results!
What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch baking pan?
No worries at all! You can use any similar-sized baking dish. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary slightly depending on the pan you choose.
Can I add extra flavors to the cake?
For sure! You can mix in some chocolate chips or even a splash of rum extract for an adult twist. Get creative—this cake is flexible!
How long does the cake last in the fridge?
This eggnog poke cake will stay fresh in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days, if it lasts that long! Just make sure it’s covered to keep it moist and delicious.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. It’s a great way to have a festive treat on hand!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to keep that delicious eggnog poke cake fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible! If you happen to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is rare because it’s so good), you’ll want to store it properly to maintain all that moist goodness.
First off, make sure the cake is completely chilled before covering it. You can cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. If you want to keep it extra fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay delicious for about 4 to 5 days. Just remember to keep it covered to lock in that delightful flavor!
If you want to enjoy this festive treat later on, you can also freeze it! Just slice it up and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. No need to reheat—this cake is best served chilled, so you can enjoy it as a refreshing dessert!
With these storage tips, you can savor the joy of your eggnog poke cake even days after making it. Happy indulging!
Imprimer
Eggnog Poke Cake: 7 Reasons to Love This Festive Delight
- Temps Total: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A delicious eggnog poke cake perfect for the holiday season.
Ingrédients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup eggnog
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup whipped topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix cake mix, eggnog, eggs, and oil until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes in the cake with a fork.
- In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and nutmeg.
- Pour the mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Top with whipped topping before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh eggnog for best flavor.
- Add cinnamon for extra spice.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 180mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 36g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: eggnog poke cake, holiday dessert, festive cake
