Oh, let me tell you about the magic of eggnog poke cake! This dessert is like a warm hug on a chilly holiday evening, with its rich and creamy flavor that just screams festive cheer. I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering—it was a total hit! The cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the eggnog soaking in, and it just melts in your mouth. Seriously, every bite is like a little celebration! The combination of nutmeg and whipped topping adds that perfect holiday touch, making it a go-to for Christmas dinners. Trust me, once you bring this beauty to your table, everyone will be asking for seconds (or thirds!). It’s not just a dessert; it’s a sweet memory waiting to happen!
Ingredients List
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Prepare Eggnog Poke Cake
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making this delightful eggnog poke cake! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll feel like a baking wizard by the end. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that lovely golden brown color on your cake.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 cup of eggnog, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 3 large eggs, and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg. Don’t be shy—mix it all together until it’s smooth and well blended. You want to see that beautiful, creamy batter!
- Now, grab a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and pour your batter in. Give it a little shake to spread it evenly—no need for perfection, just get it nice and level.
- Pop that pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Ah, the smell wafting through your kitchen is going to be heavenly!
- Once baked, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. This is important, so be patient!
- After it has cooled a bit, take a fork and poke holes all over the top of the cake. I usually go for a good dozen pokes—this is where all that extra eggnog will soak in, making it super moist!
- Now, pour a little more eggnog over the top, letting it seep into those holes. It’s like a little shower of festive flavor!
- In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of whipped topping, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. This is the icing on the cake, literally!
- Spread this delicious whipped topping mixture over the cooled cake. Oh, it’s going to look gorgeous!
- Finally, pop the cake in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps all those flavors meld beautifully. Trust me, you’ll want to let it chill!
And there you have it! Your eggnog poke cake is ready to impress your family and friends. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Ideal for holiday gatherings; it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will adore.
- Incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to the eggnog soaking in.
- Can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends.
Tips for Success
Now, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your eggnog poke cake turns out absolutely perfect! First off, don’t skip the cooling step—allowing the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan is key. This helps it set and makes it easier to poke those holes without it falling apart.
When it comes to baking, every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. I recommend checking for doneness at around 28 minutes if you’re unsure. The cake should be golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. If it’s still a bit gooey, give it another minute or two.
And let’s not forget about chilling! I usually let mine sit in the fridge for a good 4 hours if I can—this extra time really allows the flavors to meld and gives you that fabulous moist texture. If you can, make the cake a day ahead; it gets even better overnight! Just be sure to cover it well to keep it fresh.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to play around with toppings! A sprinkle of extra nutmeg or cinnamon on top before serving can elevate the festive vibe. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! This eggnog poke cake serves up some tasty nutrition, making it a delightful addition to your holiday spread. Each slice has approximately 250 calories, with 10 grams of fat and 3 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 36 grams of carbohydrates and 20 grams of sugar in every bite. Just keep in mind that these values are estimates, and they can vary based on specific ingredients used. So, enjoy your slice of festive goodness without too much worry—it’s all about balance, right?
FAQ Section
I’ve got you covered with some of the most common questions about our delicious eggnog poke cake! It’s always good to have all your bases covered when baking, especially during the busy holiday season.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While I love the classic yellow cake mix for its buttery flavor, you can experiment with other mixes too. A spice cake mix would add a lovely depth with hints of cinnamon and clove, perfect for the holidays. A white cake mix is another option if you prefer something lighter. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will shift slightly, but it’ll still be a hit!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your eggnog poke cake fresh, store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or pop it in an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious for about 3-5 days. Trust me, it’s just as tasty after a day or two—if it lasts that long!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
You bet! This cake is actually perfect for making ahead. You can bake it a day or two in advance, just remember to let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours once you’ve added the whipped topping. This gives the flavors time to meld beautifully. Just be sure to cover it well so it doesn’t dry out. You’ll be the holiday hero with this easy make-ahead treat!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your eggnog poke cake, pairing it with the right beverages and treats can elevate the whole experience! I love serving mine with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm spiced chai tea. The rich flavors of the cake mingle beautifully with the warmth of these drinks—trust me, it’s a match made in holiday heaven!
If you’re feeling extra festive, consider adding some holiday-themed desserts on the side. A few gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark can bring that classic holiday spirit to the table. For a fun twist, you could even serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures. Whatever you choose, just know that this eggnog poke cake is going to steal the show, and your guests will be raving about it for days!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious eggnog poke cake is super simple! Just make sure to keep it in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay tasty for about 3-5 days, and trust me, it’s just as scrumptious on day two or three—if it lasts that long!
Now, when it comes to reheating, I recommend enjoying it straight from the fridge, as the coolness complements the flavors perfectly. However, if you prefer it slightly warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it—nobody wants a dry cake! Enjoy your festive treat, and watch it disappear in no time!
Drucken
Eggnog Poke Cake: 7 Reasons You’ll Adore This Festive Delight
- Gesamtzeit: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Eggnog poke cake is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for the holiday season.
Zutaten
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the cake mix, eggnog, vegetable oil, eggs, and nutmeg.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then poke holes in the top with a fork.
- Pour additional eggnog over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
- In another bowl, mix whipped topping, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Spread the whipped topping mixture over the cooled cake.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Best served chilled.
- Can be topped with extra nutmeg or cinnamon for flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 20g
- Natrium: 200mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 2g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 36g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 40mg
Keywords: eggnog poke cake, holiday dessert, festive cake
