Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday dessert: eggnog poke cake! This cake is like a warm hug on a chilly winter night, bursting with that creamy, festive eggnog flavor that just screams “celebration.” I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering. The moment I pulled it out of the fridge, the sweet, spiced scent filled the kitchen, and everyone gathered around, their eyes lighting up! It’s perfect for potlucks or cozy evenings at home, and trust me, it’s always a hit! The way the delicious soak seeps into the cake makes every bite a delightful experience. You’ll find that this cake not only enhances the festivities but also brings everyone together in a warm, nostalgic way. Seriously, it’s a slice of holiday magic!
Ingredients for Eggnog Poke Cake
Gather these simple ingredients to create the ultimate eggnog poke cake! You’ll need:
- 1 box yellow cake mix: This is the base of our cake, bringing sweetness and moisture.
- 1 cup eggnog: Use fresh eggnog for the best flavor—it really makes a difference!
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: This keeps the cake wonderfully moist.
- 3 large eggs: Essential for binding everything together.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: This will sweeten our soaking mixture.
- 1/4 cup milk: Helps to create a smooth soak.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds that warm, inviting flavor.
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg: This is the secret spice that gives it that festive kick!
How to Prepare Eggnog Poke Cake
Now, let’s get into the fun part—making this delightful eggnog poke cake! It’s super simple, so stay with me.
Prepping the Cake
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggnog, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix everything together until smooth and well combined—don’t be shy, give it a good stir! Once the batter is ready, pour it into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This is important for the next steps!
Creating the Eggnog Soak
While your cake cools, let’s whip up that tasty eggnog soak! In a medium bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and nutmeg until it’s all smooth and creamy. After the cake has cooled for those 10 minutes, poke holes all over the surface with a fork. This is where the magic happens! Pour the eggnog mixture evenly over the cake, giving it time to soak into those holes for maximum flavor.
Chilling and Serving
Once you’ve poured the soak, pop the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is crucial, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cake to absorb all that deliciousness. When you’re ready to serve, slice it up, and feel free to top each piece with whipped cream or a sprinkle of nutmeg for that extra festive touch. Trust me, your guests will be coming back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This eggnog poke cake is not just a dessert; it’s a festive experience that everyone will adore! Here’s why you’ll want to make it:
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious cake without breaking a sweat.
- Festive Flavor: The eggnog and nutmeg create that quintessential holiday taste that fills your home with warmth.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, this cake is always a hit at parties and potlucks—everyone loves it!
- Make-Ahead: You can chill it in advance, making it a stress-free option for holiday entertaining.
- Versatile: Top it with whipped cream, sprinkles, or anything festive you like to customize it!
Tips for Success with Eggnog Poke Cake
Here are some handy tips to ensure your eggnog poke cake turns out perfectly every time! First, use high-quality eggnog for the best flavor—trust me, it makes a world of difference! Also, make sure your eggs are at room temperature; this helps the batter mix smoothly. When mixing, don’t overbeat the batter; just combine until smooth to keep the cake light and fluffy. If you can, let the cake cool completely before poking holes to avoid excess crumbling. Lastly, be patient with the chilling time; the longer it sits, the more flavor it absorbs. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! This eggnog poke cake is not only delicious but also gives you a good idea of what you’re indulging in. Each slice has approximately 250 calories, which is pretty reasonable for a dessert this festive! You’ll find about 10 grams of fat, giving it that moist richness, and around 3 grams of protein to keep things balanced. Plus, it packs about 35 grams of carbohydrates, including 20 grams of sugar—so it’s definitely a sweet treat! Keep in mind, these values are estimates, but they’ll help you enjoy your cake mindfully. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ about Eggnog Poke Cake
Got questions about this delightful eggnog poke cake? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get:
Can I use homemade eggnog?
Absolutely! Homemade eggnog can add a personal touch and often tastes even better than store-bought. Just make sure it’s thick and creamy!
How long can I keep leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), you can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cover it well to keep it fresh.
Can I substitute the cake mix?
Sure! If you prefer to make it from scratch, a homemade yellow cake recipe will work beautifully. Just keep the eggnog in the mix!
Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the cake before soaking it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge before adding the soak.
What if I don’t have nutmeg?
No worries! You can use cinnamon as a substitute for a different but still warm flavor. Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your eggnog poke cake is super easy! Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the unsoaked cake—just wrap it in plastic and foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. If you’ve already added the eggnog soak, it’s best enjoyed chilled, so no reheating is necessary! Just grab a slice and dig in; it’s perfect cold!
Z nadrukami
Eggnog Poke Cake: 5 Ways to Ignite Your Holiday Spirit
- Całkowity Czas: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 12 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A moist cake infused with eggnog flavor, perfect for the holiday season.
Składniki
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix cake mix, eggnog, oil, and eggs until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes in the cake with a fork.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and nutmeg in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Uwagi
- Use fresh eggnog for the best flavor.
- Top with whipped cream or additional nutmeg if desired.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 20g
- Sód: 200mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 2g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 35g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Słowa kluczowe: eggnog poke cake
