Eggnog Poke Cake Recipe - Easy Dessert Recipes (2024)

Why You’ll Love this Poke Cake Recipe:

• Easy-to-make: What’s easier than an instant vanilla pudding mix? Just pour in the eggnog to create the delicious eggnog pudding that lathers onto and into this delicious pudding poke cake!
• Full of flavor: This eggnog cake is filled with pumpkin spice, eggnog, vanilla and a garnish of extra flavor by adding cinnamon on top if you desire!

What is a poke cake?

A poke cake is an invention of the 1970s that features a regular cake with dozens of holes poked in the top to allow the topping (be it pudding, pastry cream, Jell-O, etc.) to sink into the cake, creating pockets of flavor.

How can I add even more eggnog flavor to eggnog poke cake?

For more eggnog flavor, replace the milk with store-bought eggnog! You can also use homemade, but it can change the consistency of the pudding.

Can I make eggnog poke cake with homemade cake and pudding?

Absolutely! You can make this cake using your favorite white or yellow cake recipe; simply add the pie spice to the batter. Try my homemade wedding cake recipe! You can also use homemade pudding. Simply replace the milk with eggnog.

Can I make an “adult” version of eggnog poke cake?

Absolutely! You can use about 2-3 tablespoons of alcohol per cup of eggnog in the pudding. If you don’t have pre-spiked eggnog you can substitute out about ⅓ cup of the eggnog for the alcohol of your choice instead. You could also add a teaspoon of rum extract to the cake batter when mixing it up to add a bit more of that rum flavor. Another option is to brush the hot cake with a rum syrup, which will add flavor and moisture to your cake.

How do I make holes in eggnog poke cake?

Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke large, deep holes about ¾ of the way through the cake. Do not poke the holes all the way through or the filling will seep out when the cake is cut.

Why hasn’t my pudding set?

If the pudding hasn’t set after an hour of refrigeration, let it chill for an additional 30 minutes. After this point, if it’s still not set, you may have added a bit too much milk. Make sure to carefully follow the recipe to avoid this issue.

This eggnog poke cake is a great make ahead dessert. Make the entire without the topping up to 3 days in advance of serving. Cover tightly with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface of the pudding to prevent it from forming a skin. Top with whipped topping just before serving.

• You can also use yellow cake mix instead of white, but the color of the cake will change.
• ou can use any combination of holiday spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and cloves in place of the pumpkin pie spice.
• You can substitute water for the milk in a pinch, though it won’t taste quite as rich. You can also use store-bought eggnog if you want to increase the flavor. Be cautious with homemade eggnog as it may change the consistency of your cake.
• For alcoholic pudding, substitute out about ⅓ cup of the eggnog for the alcohol of your choice instead.
• You can substitute another neutral oil such as canola or avocado in place of the vegetable oil if you wish.
• You can also use cheesecake, white chocolate, or french vanilla pudding mix to change things up a little.
• This recipe tastes especially delicious when made with homemade eggnog, but you can definitely use eggnog from the store as well.
• You can use whipped cream in place of the whipped topping, but it will not last as long.

• When poking holes in the cake, try to make sure they are evenly spaced so each slice has pudding in it.
• Pour the pudding the while cake is still slightly warm. If it gets too thick, it won’t seep in!
• If the whipped topping is in the freezer, remember to let it thaw before spreading it on top of the cake.

More Christmas Cake Recipes!

• Eggnog Sheet Cake
• Gingerbread Bundt Cake
• Chocolate Angel Food Cake
• Pecan Pie Cheesecake
• Magic Custard Cake