Eggnog Poke Cake

Eggnog Poke Cake is the ultimate holiday dessert! This creamy, rich, and festive cake combines the flavors of classic eggnog with the texture of a moist poke cake. With a delightful eggnog-flavored filling and whipped cream topping, this cake is perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want to indulge in a little seasonal sweetness.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the package)
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Eggnog Filling:

• 1 cup eggnog
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ground nutmeg (for dusting)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the cake batter: In a large bowl, prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package instructions. Add 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the batter to enhance the holiday flavor.
3. Bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and bake according to the package instructions, usually around 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.

2. Poke Holes in the Cake:

1. Poke the cake: Once the cake has cooled slightly, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced and go deep enough to allow the filling to seep in.

3. Make the Eggnog Filling:

1. Mix eggnog filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggnog, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
2. Pour the filling: Slowly pour the eggnog filling over the cake, ensuring that it seeps into the holes. Let the cake absorb the filling while cooling completely.

4. Make the Whipped Topping:

1. Whip the cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
2. Add sugar and vanilla: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
3. Spread on the cake: Once the cake has cooled completely and absorbed the eggnog filling, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the cake.

5. Garnish and Serve:

1. Dust with nutmeg: Lightly dust the top of the cake with ground nutmeg for a festive touch.
2. Chill the cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2-3 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Serve: Slice and serve cold. Enjoy the creamy, eggnog-flavored goodness!

Tips for Success:

• Use homemade whipped cream: Fresh whipped cream makes all the difference in taste and texture. Avoid using store-bought whipped topping for the best results.
• Make ahead: This cake tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Make it a day in advance for a stress-free dessert.
• Eggnog substitution: If you don’t have eggnog, you can substitute it with milk and a little bit of rum extract or vanilla extract for a similar flavor.

 

Eggnog Poke Cake is a festive dessert that will be the star of your holiday table! With its creamy eggnog filling and light whipped cream topping, this cake is the perfect balance of rich, flavorful, and indulgent. The best part is that it’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, giving you more time to enjoy the holiday festivities. This cake is sure to become a new holiday favorite!