Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe

If you love Boston cream pie, then you’ll absolutely adore this Boston Cream Poke Cake! It takes all the delicious flavors of the classic dessert—moist vanilla cake, rich pastry cream, and silky chocolate ganache—and turns them into an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing treat. This poke cake version eliminates the need for complicated layering while still delivering the same luscious texture and taste.

The beauty of a poke cake is how the filling seeps into every bite, ensuring that every forkful is packed with creamy goodness. Instead of making a traditional pastry cream, we use an easy vanilla pudding filling that creates the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. The top is finished with a glossy, thick chocolate ganache that melts in your mouth, just like the chocolate glaze on a Boston cream pie.

One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is to make. With the help of a boxed cake mix, you can achieve a bakery-quality dessert with minimal effort. It’s the perfect choice for potlucks, birthdays, and family gatherings where you need something that looks impressive but is easy to prepare.

This cake is also incredibly versatile. You can make it ahead of time, allowing the pudding to fully soak into the cake for an even better texture. It tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal dessert for entertaining or meal prepping.

The combination of light, fluffy cake, creamy pudding, and rich chocolate makes this dessert irresistible. It has all the indulgence of a Boston cream pie without the hassle of making a delicate sponge cake from scratch. If you’ve never made a poke cake before, this is the perfect place to start!

Whether you’re serving it at a special event or just treating yourself to a slice of heaven, this Boston Cream Poke Cake is guaranteed to impress. The layers of flavor and texture make it an unforgettable dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe!

Servings

• Yield: 12 servings

Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, and water)
• 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
• 3 1/2 cups cold milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Bake the Cake: Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake as directed. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
2. Poke the Cake: Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake, making sure to go deep enough to allow the filling to seep in.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened. Pour the pudding over the cake, spreading it evenly so it fills the holes. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the pudding to set.
4. Make the Chocolate Ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips and butter in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Top the Cake: Pour the ganache over the chilled cake, spreading it evenly to cover the surface. Refrigerate for another hour, or until the ganache is set.
6. Serve & Enjoy: Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy this creamy, chocolatey, and utterly irresistible Boston Cream Poke Cake!

Tips

• For extra moisture, brush the cake with a little milk before adding the pudding.
• Let the cake chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to enhance the flavor and texture.
• Use homemade pudding for an even richer taste.
• For a twist, try using chocolate pudding instead of vanilla.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover tightly to keep the cake fresh.

Summary

Boston Cream Poke Cake is the perfect blend of moist vanilla cake, creamy pudding filling, and decadent chocolate ganache. This easy-to-make dessert is great for any occasion, and its make-ahead nature makes it a stress-free treat. Try it today and enjoy the classic Boston cream flavors in a simple yet indulgent poke cake!