Welcome to our blog! Today, we’re bringing you a delightful holiday treat: Eggnog Poke Cake. This cake is perfect for any festive occasion and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With its moist texture and rich eggnog flavor, it’s a must-try for eggnog lovers. Plus, we’ve included variations for those following keto or low-carb diets. Let’s dive into this festive dessert that will make your holiday celebrations even more special.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup eggnog
For the Filling:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding
- 1/2 cup brandy (optional, see note)
- 1 1/2 cups eggnog
- 3 cups whipped topping
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
Preparing the Cake:
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Mix the cake batter: In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and eggnog. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
Preparing the Filling:
- Make the pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, brandy (if using), and eggnog. Whisk until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Fill the cake: Pour the pudding mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. Use a spatula to spread it if necessary.
Topping the Cake:
- Add the whipped topping: Spread the whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake.
- Sprinkle the spices: Sprinkle the cinnamon and nutmeg evenly over the whipped topping.
Chill and Serve:
- Chill the cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Slice the cake and serve chilled. Enjoy the rich, festive flavors of this Eggnog Poke Cake!
Cooking Notes
- Brandy Substitute: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the brandy with additional eggnog or milk.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This cake can be made a day in advance. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
Variations
Keto Eggnog Poke Cake:
For those following a keto diet, here’s a low-carb version of our Eggnog Poke Cake.
Ingredients:
- Cake: Use a keto-friendly cake mix or make your own using almond flour, coconut flour, and a sugar substitute like erythritol.
- Pudding: Use a sugar-free instant pudding mix and replace the eggnog with a homemade keto eggnog (made with heavy cream, almond milk, and a sugar substitute).
- Topping: Use a sugar-free whipped topping.
Instructions:
- Prepare the keto cake batter: Follow the instructions on your keto cake mix or make your own batter using keto-friendly ingredients.
- Bake and poke: Bake the cake as instructed, poke holes, and prepare the keto-friendly filling.
- Fill and top: Pour the keto-friendly pudding mixture into the holes, spread the sugar-free whipped topping, and sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Low-Carb Eggnog Poke Cake:
For a low-carb variation, follow the keto version but use a low-carb cake mix and regular whipped topping (if your diet allows).
Eggnog Poke Cake is a wonderful dessert that captures the essence of the holiday season. Whether you stick with the traditional recipe or opt for the keto or low-carb versions, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its rich eggnog flavor, combined with the creamy pudding and fluffy whipped topping, makes it an irresistible treat. Try it out for your next holiday gathering and watch your guests rave about this festive delight!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this cake without alcohol?
Yes, you can omit the brandy and replace it with additional eggnog or milk for a non-alcoholic version.
2. How long can I store Eggnog Poke Cake?
Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed within this time frame for optimal freshness.
3. Can I freeze Eggnog Poke Cake?
It’s not recommended to freeze this cake as the pudding and whipped topping may not maintain their texture upon thawing.
4. Can I use homemade eggnog?
Absolutely! Homemade eggnog can be used and will add a rich, personalized touch to your cake.
5. What if I don’t have instant pudding mix?
You can make your own vanilla pudding from scratch or use a cook-and-serve pudding mix, just ensure it’s thick enough to seep into the cake holes properly.
6. Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, you can use dairy-free eggnog and whipped topping to make this cake suitable for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.
7. How can I make this cake more festive?
You can add holiday sprinkles on top of the whipped topping or incorporate some rum extract into the batter for an extra festive flavor.
Enjoy baking and indulging in this delectable Eggnog Poke Cake! Happy Holidays!
