Eggnog Poke Cake Recipe for a Festive Holiday Treat

When winter rolls in, cake that tastes like eggnog is the best thing to have by the fire. This cake is creamy, spiced, and lets you soak your cake with a tasty mixture. Its fun to poke holes and pour in eggnog so every bite has flavor. Friends will love how moist it is, and its real easy to make. Whether you do christmas dinner or a new years party, this dessert will be the star.

Poke cakes is known for their soft and moist texture. You bake a cake, then you poke holes all over with a spoon handle, then you pour a sweet mix into the holes so the cake get flavour in every bite. When you combine eggnog with a poke cake, you get a yummy treat with holiday vibes. Its more than just a cake, its a centerpiece for your table that look like you fussed but was real simple.

What is Eggnog Poke Cake?

Eggnog poke cake is a dessert that melds creamy eggnog flavour with the fun of a poke cake. A poke cake are a cake you bake then poke holes in, then drizle a sweet liquid on top so the cake soak it up. The liquid can be condensed milk or flavors, but here we use eggnog. Its so easy and kids love the way you see the holes fill up.

Eggnog itself have a long history, especially around christmas time. This drink is made from milk, cream, sugar and eggs and spiced with nutmeg or cinnamon. People been drinking it since the 1200s, and its always been about warmth and festivity in cold winter nights.

By mixing eggnog with a poke cake, you create a festive treat that taste like the holidays. The cake get super moist, and you get every bite spiced up. Its a playful dessert wich also look impressive on a table full of sweets. You can almost smell the spices when it come out ya fridge.

Ingredients for Eggnog Poke Cake

To make this eggnog poke cake, gather these items:

• For the Cake:
  • 1 box of vanila cake mix (or the flavor you like)
  • 1 cup eggnog
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Filling:
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup eggnog
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• For the Frosting:
  • 1 container (8 oz) whipped cream or Cool Whip
  • Extra nutmeg and cinnamon to sprinkle on top

These simple ingredients come together for a rich dessert that screams holiday time.

Directions for Making Eggnog Poke Cake

Follow these steps to bake your eggnog poke cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch pan with non-stick spray so cake dont stick.
2. Prepare Cake Mix: In a big bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Stir on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and no lumps.
3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes. Test with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, its done. Let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
4. Poking the Cake: Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes about 1–2 inches apart all over the cake.
5. Make the Eggnog Mixture: In another bowl, whisk sweetened condensed milk, eggnog, and cinnamon until smooth.
6. Pour the Mixture: Slowly pour the eggnog mix over the cake, making sure it seeps into each hole.
7. Chill Time: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours, or better yet, overnight. This helps the flavors meld and keeps it super moist.
8. Frost the Cake: Spread the whipped cream or Cool Whip on top for a smooth, creamy layer.
9. Garnish: Sprinkle extra nutmeg on top and maybe add a few cinnamon sticks for looks. Serve cold or let it sit at room temp for a bit.

Enjoy this eggnog poke cake as the finale to any holiday meal. It’ll impress everyone with little fuss.

Tips for Perfecting Your Eggnog Poke Cake

• Use Good Eggnog: A high-quality eggnog makes a big difference in taste and creaminess.
• Try Different Cake Mixes: Vanilla is great, but spice or butter cake mix can add extra depth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap in a gluten-free cake mix and check all labels to keep it safe.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh.
• Mix-Ins: Add chocolate chips or crushed cookies to the batter for a fun twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a warm cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweet flavors.
• Perfect for christmas dessert tables or new years celebrations.
• Presentation: Put it on a pretty platter or in individual cups to make it pop.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough idea per slice:

• Calories: Around 300–350 calories
• Fat: 15–18 grams
• Carbs: 40–45 grams
• Protein: 4–6 grams

Using low-fat or sugar-free products will change these numbers, so keep that in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I make eggnog poke cake from scratch? Yes, you can use a homemade cake recipe—just keep the texture similar to a box mix.
• How long does it last? Up to 4–5 days in the fridge if covered well.
• Can I freeze it? You can freeze the cake (without frosting) for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.
• What if I can't find eggnog? Mix milk, cream, nutmeg, and a bit of vanilla to fake it.
• Is homemade eggnog okay? Definitely. Homemade eggnog often tastes better and adds a personal touch.

Conclusion

Eggnog poke cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s holiday joy on a plate. With creamy flavors and festive spices, it brings warmth to any gathering. Feel free to tweak the recipe and make it your own, then share the smiles with family and friends this season!

eggnog poke cake

This delightful Eggnog Poke Cake is a festive dessert that combines the classic flavors of eggnog with a moist and fluffy cake. Infused with warm spices and topped with a creamy eggnog frosting, this cake is perfect for holiday celebrations and winter gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• 1 9x13-inch baking pan
• multiple mixing bowls
• 1 electric mixer optional
• 1 measuring cups and spoons
• 1 poking tool like a skewer or fork
• 1 whisk
• 1 spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1 box yellow cake mix 15.25 oz
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup eggnog
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup prepared eggnog for poking
• 1 cup whipped topping for frosting
• ½ cup eggnog for frosting
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• to taste ground cinnamon and nutmeg for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the 9x13-inch baking pan.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, 1 cup of eggnog, vegetable oil, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Use an electric mixer or whisk to blend until just combined and smooth.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• While the cake is baking, prepare the eggnog liquid for the poke. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of prepared eggnog and set it aside.
• Once the cake is done baking, let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
• Pour the eggnog mixture over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in.
• In another mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of whipped topping, ½ cup of eggnog, and vanilla extract to make the frosting. Mix until smooth.
• Spread the eggnog frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
• Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
• Before serving, garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and nutmeg for an extra festive touch.

Notes

You can substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream if you prefer.

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of rum extract to the frosting.

This cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.