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- 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus required package ingredients) - 1 cup eggnog - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk - 1/2 cup whipped cream cheese, softened - 1 cup whipped topping - 1/4 cup powdered sugar - Additional ground nutmeg and cinnamon for garnish When I make eggnog poke cake, I love using a simple vanilla cake mix. It saves time and still tastes great. Just remember to check the package for any extra ingredients you need. Next, I add 1 cup of rich eggnog. This gives the cake that classic holiday taste. Ground nutmeg and cinnamon are my go-to spices for flavor. They bring warmth and cheer to each bite. For the soaking mixture, sweetened condensed milk is key. It adds sweetness and creaminess. I mix this with more eggnog to soak into the cake. The topping is where I get creative! I mix whipped cream cheese with powdered sugar. Then, I gently fold in whipped topping. This makes it light and fluffy, perfect for spreading over the cake. Finally, I always finish with a sprinkle of nutmeg and cinnamon. It looks festive and adds extra flavor. Now you have all the ingredients for a delightful holiday treat! {{ingredient_image_2}} Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. Dust it lightly with flour to stop the cake from sticking. In a mixing bowl, prepare the vanilla cake mix as the package says. Replace 1 cup of milk with eggnog for a festive twist. Add 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter. Whisk until everything is mixed well. Pour the batter into the greased pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even layer. Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes. To check if it's done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean. Once the cake is baked, take it out of the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use a skewer or a fork to poke holes all over the cake. This helps the soaking mixture soak in. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk with another 1/2 cup of eggnog. Stir until it is smooth. Spread the sweet mixture over the warm cake. Make sure it seeps into all the holes for maximum flavor. In another bowl, beat 1/2 cup of softened whipped cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add 1/4 cup of powdered sugar while mixing. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until it is fluffy and smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the cake. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This helps the cake set and flavors blend perfectly. Before serving, sprinkle on more nutmeg and cinnamon for a festive touch. To get the best cake texture, use room temperature ingredients. This includes eggs and butter. They mix better and create a fluffier cake. Follow the package instructions closely, but remember to swap out one cup of milk for eggnog. The eggnog adds moisture and flavor, making the cake rich and festive. When you poke holes in the cake, do it gently and evenly. Use a skewer or fork to create enough holes for the soaking mix. This helps the cake soak in the flavors well. Pour the sweetened condensed milk and eggnog mix over the warm cake. Make sure it seeps into all the holes. The warm cake absorbs the liquid better, making it extra delicious. Serve your eggnog poke cake on bright holiday plates. This makes it look festive and fun. You can cut it into neat squares for easy serving. For a touch of elegance, add a sprig of fresh mint on top of each slice. This adds color and freshness. For garnishing, dust the top with powdered sugar and sprinkle extra nutmeg and cinnamon. This creates a beautiful snowy effect. You might also place a cinnamon stick on the side of each slice for a charming look. These small details make your cake stand out at any holiday gathering. Pro Tips Use Fresh Eggnog: For the best flavor, opt for fresh homemade or high-quality store-bought eggnog rather than powdered or shelf-stable options. Let the Cake Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool fully before poking holes; this prevents the soaking mixture from running off and ensures even saturation. Chill Before Serving: Chilling the cake for at least 2 hours (or overnight) allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall texture. Garnish Creatively: Get creative with your garnishes! Consider adding whipped cream dollops, cinnamon sticks, or even a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for an extra festive touch. {{image_4}} You can switch the vanilla cake mix for other flavors. Try chocolate or spice cake mix. These swaps give your poke cake a new twist. If you want a dairy-free version, use almond or coconut milk. For whipped toppings, many brands offer non-dairy options. These swaps keep the festive spirit without dairy. For a richer taste, you can add chocolate or caramel. Just drizzle these over the cake before adding the topping. You can also add extra spices. Consider using ginger or allspice for warmth. A splash of vanilla extract boosts the flavor too. These small changes bring new life to your eggnog poke cake, making it even more delightful! To keep your eggnog poke cake fresh, store it in the fridge. First, cover the cake with plastic wrap. This prevents it from drying out and absorbing other odors. If you have leftovers, it’s best to slice the cake before storing. This way, you can grab a piece easily. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Cut it into individual slices and wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag. This will help keep the cake tasty and moist. When you're ready to enjoy, just remove a slice from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. When stored properly in the fridge, eggnog poke cake lasts about five days. You can enjoy its rich flavors for several days after baking. However, if you freeze it, the cake can last for about three months. Keep an eye out for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or if the cake smells off, it’s best to throw it away. Also, if the texture becomes dry or crumbly, it may be past its prime. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety! Can I use homemade eggnog for the recipe? Yes, you can use homemade eggnog. It adds a personal touch to the cake. Just make sure it is thick and creamy for the best flavor. How can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can make this cake a day in advance. Just follow all the steps and refrigerate it. The flavors get better as it sits. What can I serve with eggnog poke cake? Eggnog poke cake pairs well with coffee or hot cocoa. You can also serve it with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for a fun twist. In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious Eggnog Poke Cake. We covered the ingredients, including flavor enhancers and toppings, along with step-by-step instructions for baking and soaking the cake. I shared tips for perfecting the texture, presentation ideas, and different variations to try. Finally, we discussed storage techniques and answered common FAQs. Now you can create a festive treat that impresses everyone. Enjoy baking and sharing this special dessert with your loved ones!

Eggnog Poke Cake

A festive and creamy poke cake infused with eggnog, nutmeg, and cinnamon, topped with a fluffy whipped cream cheese layer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients as required on the package)
  • 1 cup eggnog
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup whipped cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup whipped topping
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • to taste additional ground nutmeg and cinnamon for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray, then lightly sprinkle with flour to prevent sticking.
  • In a mixing bowl, prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the package instructions, but substitute 1 cup of milk with eggnog. To enhance the festive flavor, add the ground nutmeg and cinnamon into the batter, whisking until well combined.
  • Pour the prepared batter into the greased and floured baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula if necessary. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After cooling, use a skewer or fork to poke holes evenly across the cake's surface, creating spaces for the soaking mixture.
  • In a small bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk with an additional 1/2 cup of eggnog and mix until smooth. Pour this sweet mixture over the warm cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes and saturates the cake thoroughly.
  • In another mixing bowl, beat the softened whipped cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar while continuing to mix until well-blended. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is consistent and fluffy.
  • Carefully spread the whipped topping mixture over the entire surface of the cake, ensuring an even layer for a beautiful finish.
  • Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling step allows the cake to set fully and the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Before serving, sprinkle the top of the cake with additional ground nutmeg and cinnamon for an extra touch of holiday cheer.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve slices on festive plates, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Keyword cake, eggnog, holiday dessert