Eggnog Poke Cake
This easy Eggnog Poke Cake starts with a simple yellow cake mix soaked in creamy spiced vanilla pudding for the perfect holiday dessert. Light, fluffy, and full of warm nutmeg flavor, no actual eggnog needed!
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 138kcal
Cost: Recipe $5.68 / Serving $0.47
Equipment
- 9×13 baking pan
- Wooden Spoon (for poking holes)
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix, plus ingredients called for on the package ($1.90)
Eggnog Pudding Filling
- 2 boxes (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix ($1.96)
- 3 cups cold milk ($0.48)
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground nutmeg ($0.12)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon ($0.04)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ($0.04)
- ¼-½ teaspoon rum extract, optional ($0.14)
Topping
- 1 tub (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed ($0.98)
- Ground nutmeg, for dusting ($0.02)
Instructions
- Bake the cake. Prepare and bake the yellow cake according to package directions in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Let cool for about 10 minutes until warm but not hot.
- Poke holes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke deep holes evenly across the cake.
- Mix the pudding. Whisk the pudding mix, milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and rum extract if using until slightly thickened but still pourable.
- Fill the cake. Slowly pour the pudding mixture over the warm cake, spreading it so it sinks into the holes. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Top and chill. Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake and dust lightly with nutmeg. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours if time allows.
Notes
- Warm cake. Pouring the pudding over a warm cake helps it sink deeper for a creamier texture.
- Pudding texture. The mixture should be slightly thickened but pourable so it fills the holes properly.
- Chilling. One hour is the minimum, but longer chilling improves flavor and structure.
- Make ahead. This dessert sets beautifully overnight and is ideal for holiday prep.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 138kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 43mg | Potassium: 111mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 167IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 0.2mg
