Do you love poke cake? If you haven’t tried it before, let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! This unique cake gets its name because you poke holes all over it, allowing the delicious filling to seep into the sponge and elevate every bite. And today, I have an extra special treat for you – Eggnog Poke Cake, a festive and oh-so-tasty dessert that will delight your taste buds.

What makes this cake extra special is the addition of eggnog. We start with a box of white cake mix to keep things easy and add a twist to the classic recipe. Instead of just eggs and oil, we incorporate rich and creamy eggnog into the batter. The result? A moist and flavorful cake that will make your mouth water.

Once the cake is baked to a beautiful golden brown, it’s time for the fun part – poking holes! You can use the end of a wooden spoon to create just the right size holes, ensuring that the filling gets evenly distributed without overwhelming the cake’s texture.

Now, let’s talk about the filling because that’s where the magic happens. This luscious filling combines eggnog, instant vanilla pudding, and a touch of brandy for added richness (don’t worry, you can skip the brandy if you prefer). The mixture is poured over the cake, seeping into every nook and cranny, infusing it with irresistible flavor.

To finish off our Eggnog Poke Cake, we prepare a heavenly whipped topping sprinkled with cinnamon and nutmeg. This creamy and aromatic layer adds the perfect finishing touch, making every slice a delightful winter treat.

Recipe (Serves 10-12)

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes

Cake

• 1 box white cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup eggnog

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

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the cake mix, eggs, oil, and eggnog. Pour into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, approximately 20-25 minutes.
3. Once the cake has cooled, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over it.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding, brandy (if using), and eggnog. Before the pudding thickens, pour it evenly over the cake. Place the cake in the refrigerator to chill for at least 15 minutes, but ideally one hour.
5. Gently stir the cinnamon and nutmeg into the whipped topping and spread it evenly over the top of the cake.
6. Slice, serve, and savor every blissful bite of this festive delight!

Note: If you prefer not to use brandy, simply replace it with an equal amount of eggnog.

Let the magic of this Eggnog Poke Cake bring joy and flavor to your holiday season. Adapted from a recipe by A Few Shortcuts, this sweet treat is guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Enjoy!