‘Tis the season for all things treat-tastic and delicious! One of my favorite go-to and easy treats is a poke cake. I love how you can take an ordinary yellow cake mix and spice it up with literal spices or other delicious ingredients to create a super fun poke cake.
In this holiday season, let’s dive into the delightful world of eggnog poke cakes. Using cake mix as a base, a few simple ingredients, and the rich flavor of real eggnog, we can whip up a scrumptious and festive dessert in no time.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box of white cake mix
- Ingredients listed on the box (oil, water, eggs)
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tsp rum extract
For the Eggnog Filling
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp rum extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup eggnog
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 8 oz COOL Whip topping
Equipment Needed
For this delightful Eggnog Poke Cake recipe, you will need the following equipment:
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Wooden skewer or fork for poking holes
- Saucepan
- Jar for storing caramel sauce
Having these essential tools at hand will make the process of creating this delicious cake a breeze.
Preparation Steps
Prepping the Baking Pan
I start by preheating the oven to 350F and greasing the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan. This ensures that the cake doesn’t stick and comes out effortlessly after baking.
Mixing the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, I combine the vanilla cake mix, eggnog, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and a hint of nutmeg. Using an electric mixer, I blend the ingredients on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth. Then, I pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake it in the preheated oven for about 26-28 minutes.
Baking the Cake
Baking the cake is a crucial step in creating a delectable eggnog poke cake. Ensuring the cake is moist and perfectly baked will elevate the overall taste and texture of the dessert.
Testing for Doneness
To check if your eggnog poke cake is ready, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake after baking. If the toothpick comes out clean, with no batter sticking to it, your cake is done. Ensure the cake is fully baked to enjoy a moist and delicious treat.
Making the Eggnog Filling
To create the luscious eggnog filling for your poke cake, you’ll need to follow these simple steps:
1. Prepare the Instant Eggnog Pudding
In a mixing bowl, combine the instant eggnog pudding mix with cold milk. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the pudding mix is fully dissolved and the mixture thickens. Set it aside for a few minutes to allow it to set slightly.
2. Add Eggnog Flavoring
For an extra burst of eggnog flavor, stir in a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of ground nutmeg into the pudding mixture. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
3. Fill the Cake
Once the cake has cooled slightly but is still warm, use the end of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the cake’s surface. Pour the prepared eggnog pudding mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes and covers the top evenly.
4. Refrigerate the Cake
After filling the cake with the eggnog pudding, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling the cake allows the pudding to fully set and infuse its rich eggnog flavor into every bite.
By following these steps, you’ll infuse your poke cake with a decadent eggnog filling that perfectly captures the essence of the holiday season.
Assembling the Eggnog Poke Cake
Creating the Holes
To create the perfect canvas for the eggnog filling to seep into, begin by allowing the baked cake to cool to the touch. Using the rounded end of a wooden spoon, evenly poke holes across the entire cake, ensuring they go almost all the way to the bottom of the pan. These holes are crucial for the decadent flavors of the eggnog mixture to infuse every bite of the cake.
Filling the Holes
Carefully pour the prepared eggnog pudding mixture over the cake, ensuring it fills each hole generously. To help the filling penetrate deeply into the cake, lightly tap the pan on a flat surface so that the eggnog goodness can work its way down. Spread the remaining pudding in a thin layer over the top of the cake, creating an additional layer of creamy and flavorful goodness.
Topping and Finishing Touches
Once the eggnog filling is perfectly settled into the cake, it’s time to add the final touches. Prepare the frosting mixture and spread it evenly over the cake, creating a sweet and creamy topping. To enhance the festive flavors, a sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a warm and aromatic finish to the eggnog poke cake. Slice, serve, and indulge in this moist and flavorful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season.
Storing and Serving
Preserving this Eggnog Poke Cake is essential to maintain its delicious flavors and texture. Proper storage and serving techniques will ensure that each slice is as delightful as the first.
Refrigeration Instructions
To keep your Eggnog Poke Cake fresh and flavorful, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake can last up to 5 days when properly refrigerated. Make sure to allow the cake to cool before refrigerating it to maintain its moisture and eggnog-infused taste.
Best Serving Practices
For the best serving experience, allow the Eggnog Poke Cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and enhances the moistness of the cake. Before serving, top the cake with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon for a festive touch. Enjoy each slice chilled for a delightful holiday treat.
Conclusion
Creating an Eggnog Poke Cake is a delightful way to infuse your dessert with rich, festive flavors. The process of poking holes, filling them with eggnog pudding, and adding a creamy frosting results in a decadent treat that is perfect for holiday gatherings. Remember to refrigerate the cake properly to maintain its freshness and enhance the flavors. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious and moist Eggnog Poke Cake that will surely impress your guests. Experiment with different toppings and decorations to make it your own signature dessert. Get ready to savor the taste of the holidays with every bite of this indulgent treat.