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Creamy Eggnog Poke Cake

creamy eggnog poke cake - featured image

This festive Creamy Eggnog Poke Cake is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert featuring a tender yellow cake infused with eggnog pudding and topped with whipped cream and holiday spices. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, it delivers nostalgic holiday flavors in every creamy bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
  • 1 cup eggnog
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)
  • 2 cups cold eggnog
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tub whipped topping (8 oz, e.g., Cool Whip)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for garnish)
  • Optional: festive sprinkles, crushed gingersnaps, or white chocolate shavings

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray or butter. If using a glass pan, reduce oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, eggnog, vegetable oil, eggs, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, scraping the bowl halfway.
  3. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
  4. Let cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Using a fork or wooden skewer, poke holes all over the cake, spacing about 1 inch apart.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix, cold eggnog, and cinnamon for about 2 minutes until thickened.
  6. Pour pudding filling evenly over the poked cake, using a spatula to spread and gently press into the holes.
  7. Cover pan loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best).
  8. Spread whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake. Sprinkle with ground nutmeg and optional festive toppings.
  9. Slice into squares and serve cold.

Notes

For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, substitute cake mix and eggnog as needed. Chill cake overnight for best flavor and texture. Poke deep holes for maximum filling absorption. Add a splash of rum or bourbon for an adult version. If pudding is too thick, add a splash more eggnog. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: eggnog poke cake, Christmas dessert, holiday cake, easy poke cake, festive dessert, creamy cake, eggnog recipe