Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe

Oh, are you in for a treat today! If you’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying the irresistible combination of rich, velvety chocolate, silky custard, and fluffy cake, then this Boston Cream Poke Cake is going to be your new best friend. Trust me, this cake is a showstopper—it’s like taking all the delicious elements of a classic Boston Cream Pie and making them way easier to enjoy. No fancy layers, no complicated steps—just pure, gooey deliciousness that you won’t be able to resist. Picture it: you poke holes into a soft, buttery cake, fill those holes with creamy custard, then top it all off with a luscious chocolate glaze that hardens just perfectly. It’s basically a big hug for your taste buds.

I can already imagine the look on your face when you take that first bite… Yep, it’s that good! This cake is the kind of dessert that has everyone coming back for more, asking “What’s the secret?” Well, my friend, there’s no secret—just great ingredients, love, and a little bit of magic in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Boston Cream Poke Cake

This isn’t just any cake—it’s a game-changer. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, impressing your guests, or treating yourself to a little something special after a long day, this cake is a showstopper. Here’s why:

Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, surprising your family with a homemade dessert, or satisfying a sweet tooth after a weeknight dinner.

Budget-Friendly: With simple pantry staples, you’re going to create a decadent dessert that feels totally luxurious, without needing to break the bank. You can enjoy a little indulgence for not a lot of cash.

Quick and Easy: No need for complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. With just a few easy steps, you’re well on your way to dessert heaven. Even if you’re new to baking, this one’s foolproof!

Crowd-Pleasing: Imagine your guests’ delight as they dig into a slice of this melt-in-your-mouth cake. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures, and the best part? It’s a guaranteed hit every time!

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Ingredients in Boston Cream Poke Cake

The ingredients are simple, but together, they create a dessert that’s so much more than the sum of its parts. Here’s what you need to bring this beauty to life:

Boxed Cake Mix: This is your base, the soft, buttery foundation that gets all that creamy goodness poured into it.

Vanilla Pudding Mix: This is the custard filling that adds that signature creamy, dreamy texture that makes a Boston Cream Pie so irresistible.

Milk: To help make that smooth, velvety custard.

Whipped Topping: Optional, but oh-so-delicious if you want to add a little extra creaminess on top of your cake.

Chocolate Chips: For the glossy chocolate glaze that hardens to perfection.

Butter: Because everything is better with butter. It adds richness and helps make the chocolate glaze smooth and shiny.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s get into the fun part—making this cake! Don’t worry, the steps are super simple, and the results? Phenomenal.

Step 1: Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven and get that cake mix ready. Follow the instructions on the box to bake your cake, then let it cool for just a bit. You want it cool enough to handle, but still warm enough to absorb all that luscious custard.

Step 2: Poke the Cake
Once your cake is slightly cooled, grab a fork and start poking! Poke holes all over the cake—don’t be shy here, the more holes, the more custard gets to seep in. This is where the magic starts to happen.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard
Now, take your pudding mix, add the milk, and whip it up until it’s thick and creamy. Then, gently pour it over the cake, making sure it fills all those holes. It’s like a big, creamy blanket for your cake. Let it soak in for a few minutes.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Glaze
While your cake is soaking up the custard, melt your butter and chocolate chips together until they’re smooth and glossy. Pour that delicious, silky glaze over the cake, spreading it evenly. It’ll harden to a shiny, crackly layer that is absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Chill and Serve
Pop the cake in the fridge for a little while to let everything set. Once it’s ready, slice it up, and serve. I recommend grabbing a fork immediately because this one doesn’t last long!

How to Serve Boston Cream Poke Cake

This cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even better:

Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a lovely lightness and extra creaminess.

Fresh Berries: Serve with a handful of fresh berries for a bright contrast to the richness of the cake.

Coffee or Tea: Pair it with a warm cup of coffee or tea—something about that combo just works.

Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The more, the merrier!

Additional Tips

  • Prep Ahead: This cake is even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance. It keeps well in the fridge for several days!
  • Customize the Glaze: Want to mix it up? Add a splash of vanilla extract or a bit of espresso powder to your chocolate glaze for a deeper flavor.
  • Make It a Bigger Batch: You can easily double this recipe for a larger crowd. Just make sure you have enough space in your fridge for the cake to chill.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have any left (which I highly doubt), it makes for a delicious snack!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the pudding mix?
A1: Absolutely! You can use a homemade vanilla custard if you’re feeling adventurous. Just make sure to let it cool before pouring it on the cake.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The custard and chocolate glaze will stay creamy and delicious.

Q3: Can I freeze this cake?
A3: I wouldn’t recommend freezing the cake once it’s assembled, but you can freeze the cake part and make the filling and glaze fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Q4: What can I use instead of whipped topping?
A4: You can top it with freshly whipped cream or leave it off entirely—totally up to you!

Q5: Can I make this cake without a box mix?
A5: Yes! If you’re feeling up to it, you can make the cake from scratch using your favorite vanilla cake recipe.

Conclusion

Boston Cream Poke Cake is the kind of dessert that takes “simple” to a whole new level. It’s quick, easy, and completely mouthwatering. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this cake will quickly become a go-to favorite. So, grab your ingredients, get baking, and get ready to wow yourself and your guests with this amazing treat. Trust me, you’re going to love it!

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Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe

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  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking, Refrigeration
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delicious Boston Cream Poke Cake made with yellow cake, creamy vanilla pudding, and topped with rich chocolate ganache.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box yellow cake mix, plus ingredients called for on package
  • 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding
  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 oz bag chocolate chips
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare yellow cake in a 9×13-inch baking pan according to package instructions. Let cool completely.
  2. Once the cake has cooled, poke holes all over the cake using the end of a wooden spoon.
  3. While the cake cools, whisk together the instant pudding, milk, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Before the pudding has a chance to set up and thicken, pour it evenly over the cake. Place in the refrigerator to chill for one hour.
  4. Once the cake has chilled, make the chocolate ganache: Place chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and heat cream until simmering on the stovetop over low heat. (You can also heat it in the microwave.)
  5. Pour hot cream over chocolate chips and let sit for 5 minutes to soften the chocolate. Stir until smooth and let cool for 10 minutes.
  6. Pour chocolate over cake and smooth with a spatula. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours and up to overnight before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Make sure the cake is completely cooled before poking holes to prevent the pudding from melting into the cake too quickly.
  • If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use whole milk instead of 2% or skim milk for the pudding.
  • This cake is best served chilled, so make sure to let it sit in the fridge for the recommended time.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

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