Easy Boston Cream Poke Cake: A Heavenly Dessert Experience
Boston Cream Poke Cake is the epitome of dessert perfection. With its moist, buttery yellow cake base, decadent French vanilla pudding filling, and rich, velvety chocolate topping, this treat takes the beloved Boston Cream Pie to new, more accessible heights. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a family gathering, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this dessert is guaranteed to be a hit. It has everything you need—sweetness, creaminess, and just the right amount of chocolatey richness—making it a go-to recipe for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (Prep + Cook)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow butter recipe cake mix (you can choose your preferred brand)
- Ingredients required to make the cake (these are typically water, eggs, and oil, as indicated on the cake mix box)
For the Pudding:
- 2 small boxes of French Vanilla instant pudding (you can substitute with another flavor if preferred)
- Ingredients required to make the pudding (usually milk)
For the Chocolate Frosting (Choose One Option):
- Option 1: Pre-Made Chocolate Frosting
- 1 tub of chocolate frosting (store-bought for convenience)
- Option 2: Homemade Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or about 1/2 lb or 1 1/3 cups)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Optional: Add 1/4 to 1/3 cup more heavy cream if using 12 oz (1 1/2 cups) chocolate chips instead of 8 oz (1 cup)
Each of these ingredients comes together to form the ideal combination of light cake, smooth pudding, and decadent chocolate that will leave everyone asking for more.
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Start by preparing the yellow butter cake mix according to the instructions on the box. You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking pan for this cake. The process typically involves mixing water, eggs, and oil into the cake mix. Once mixed, bake the cake for the time indicated on the box (usually about 25 minutes at 350°F or 175°C). The result should be a golden, moist cake that will form the perfect base for your pudding filling and chocolate topping.
- Make the Pudding: While the cake is baking, prepare the French vanilla instant pudding according to the instructions on the box. You will likely need to whisk the pudding mix with milk, then refrigerate it for a few minutes to let it set. Make sure you give yourself enough time to complete this step while the cake is still baking. Once set, the pudding will be smooth, creamy, and ready to soak into the cake.
- Poking the Cake: After baking, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. While it’s still warm, take the handle of a wooden spoon or any similar object and poke holes into the cake every inch or so. Make sure the holes are deep enough to allow the pudding to soak in but not so large that the cake falls apart. The “poke” effect is crucial because it allows the pudding to infuse the cake with delicious creaminess, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Fill the Cake with Pudding: Once you’ve made your holes, it’s time to fill them with the pudding! Spoon about half of the prepared pudding over the cake, pushing it into the holes you’ve just made. Be gentle but firm, ensuring the pudding reaches all of the holes. Once half of the pudding has been spread across the cake, add the remaining pudding and smooth it out. You should leave some space at the top for the frosting or ganache. The pudding layer is what makes this cake so irresistible—its smooth, silky texture contrasts perfectly with the fluffy cake below.
- Chill the Cake: Now that the pudding is in place, it’s time to let the cake chill. Refrigerate the cake for 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing the pudding to set and the flavors to meld. This also gives the cake time to absorb the pudding, resulting in a moist, flavorful dessert. The cake should be fully chilled before adding the topping, so be sure to plan ahead.
- Chocolate Frosting Options: Once the cake is ready to be topped, you have two frosting options to choose from. Depending on how much time you have and your personal preference, you can opt for a store-bought chocolate frosting or a homemade chocolate ganache.
Option 1: Pre-Made Chocolate Frosting For a quick and easy option, grab a tub of pre-made chocolate frosting. Remove the lid and seal from the frosting, then microwave it for 10-15 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the frosting is pourable. Be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the frosting to separate and become runny. Once it’s smooth and pourable, spread it evenly over the cake. Afterward, refrigerate the cake again for 4 hours or overnight to allow the frosting to set.
Option 2: Homemade Chocolate Ganache For a more indulgent option, you can make your own chocolate ganache. Start by combining the chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 2 minutes, then stir. If the chocolate hasn’t completely melted, continue heating in 1-2 minute intervals until fully melted. Whisk the mixture until it’s smooth and velvety. Once it’s mixed well, allow the ganache to cool for about 5-10 minutes before pouring it over the cake. The ganache will thicken as it cools, so it will form a fudgy, rich topping on top of the pudding. Ensure the pudding has set before adding the ganache to maintain the layers.
- Final Chill: After adding your frosting or ganache, return the cake to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This final chilling step ensures the cake is fully set and allows the flavors to develop, creating a dessert that’s not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious.
Notes
- Different Cake Flavors: You can switch up the cake base to suit your preferences. For example, try a chocolate cake for a double chocolate experience, or a spice cake for a fall-inspired twist.
- Alternative Pudding Flavors: Though French vanilla is traditional, feel free to experiment with other flavors. Chocolate pudding, banana cream, or butterscotch would work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Healthier Variations: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can opt for a sugar-free cake mix and sugar-free instant pudding. You could also substitute the heavy cream in the ganache for a lower-fat option, or use a store-bought low-fat frosting.
- Add-ins for Texture: For an added crunch, try folding in chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) into the pudding before pouring it over the cake. Or, mix in chocolate chips for an extra burst of chocolatey goodness.