Boston Cream Poke Cake is a delightful twist on the classic dessert that will have your taste buds dancing with joy! Imagine a moist vanilla cake, lovingly poked and filled with rich, creamy vanilla pudding, then topped with a luscious chocolate ganache that glistens like a dream. Each bite is a heavenly combination of flavors and textures, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, this cake promises to bring smiles and sweet satisfaction to everyone at the table. Dive in and indulge!
Table of Contents
Boston Cream Poke Cake
Equipment
- 1 9×13 inch baking pan For baking the cake.
- 1 Saucepan For melting chocolate.
- 1 Mixing bowl For preparing pudding.
- 1 Fork For poking holes in the cake.
- 1 Plastic Wrap For covering the cake while chilling.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box Yellow Cake Mix A convenient base for a moist and fluffy cake.
- 3 large Eggs Essential for binding the ingredients and adding richness.
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 1 cup Milk Enhances the cake’s flavor and texture.
Pudding Ingredients
- 1 box Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix Adds creaminess and a rich vanilla flavor.
- 2 cups Milk For preparing the pudding.
Topping Ingredients
- 1 cup Milk Chocolate Chips For a delightful chocolatey surprise in every bite.
- 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream Creates a luscious whipped topping for the cake.
- 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar Sweetens the whipped cream and adds a light texture.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Boosts the overall flavor of the dessert.
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Prepare a box of vanilla cake mix according to package instructions. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let it cool completely.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
- Once the cake is cool, take a fork and poke holes all over the top. Make sure to create enough holes for the pudding to seep in.
Step 3: Prepare the Pudding
- In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups of milk and a box of instant vanilla pudding mix. Stir until it thickens, about 2 minutes. Pour the pudding over the poked cake, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Chill the Cake
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the pudding to set and soak into the cake.
Step 5: Make the Chocolate Topping
- In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1/2 cup of heavy cream over low heat. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Step 6: Top the Cake
- Once the chocolate mixture is ready, pour it over the chilled cake. Spread it evenly to cover the pudding layer.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy your delightful Boston Cream Poke Cake with friends and family!
Video
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbs | 45g |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a delightful twist on the classic Boston cream pie you adore.
- Easy to make, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Each slice is bursting with creamy filling and rich chocolate flavor.
- Great for gatherings, impressing friends and family with minimal effort.
- Leftovers (if any!) stay moist and delicious for days.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Dessert |
| Cuisine: | American |
| Prep Time: | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 50 minutes |
| Dietary: | Vegetarian |
| Serves: | 12 |
| Best Served: | Chilled |
Ingredients
- Yellow Cake Mix – A convenient base for a moist and fluffy cake.
- Eggs – Essential for binding the ingredients and adding richness.
- Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Milk – Enhances the cake’s flavor and texture.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix – Adds creaminess and a rich vanilla flavor.
- Milk Chocolate Chips – For a delightful chocolatey surprise in every bite.
- Heavy Whipping Cream – Creates a luscious whipped topping for the cake.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the whipped cream and adds a light texture.
- Vanilla Extract – Boosts the overall flavor of the dessert.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Get ready to whip up a delightful Boston Cream Poke Cake with these easy steps!
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Prepare a box of vanilla cake mix according to package instructions. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let it cool completely.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
Once the cake is cool, take a fork and poke holes all over the top. Make sure to create enough holes for the pudding to seep in.
Step 3: Prepare the Pudding
In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups of milk and a box of instant vanilla pudding mix. Stir until it thickens, about 2 minutes. Pour the pudding over the poked cake, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Chill the Cake
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the pudding to set and soak into the cake.
Step 5: Make the Chocolate Topping
In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1/2 cup of heavy cream over low heat. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Step 6: Top the Cake
Once the chocolate mixture is ready, pour it over the chilled cake. Spread it evenly to cover the pudding layer.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy your delightful Boston Cream Poke Cake with friends and family!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use a high-quality chocolate pudding for a richer flavor.
- Let the cake cool completely before poking holes to prevent sogginess.
- For extra creaminess, whip the topping with a bit of vanilla extract.
- Chill the cake overnight for the best flavor infusion.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings for a beautiful presentation.
How to Serve
Here are some delightful ways to enjoy your Boston Cream Poke Cake:
- Top with whipped cream for an extra creamy touch.
- Serve with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a fruity contrast.
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce for a decadent finish.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combo.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings for an elegant presentation.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
- Slice into squares and serve at parties for a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing leftovers properly ensures your Boston Cream Poke Cake stays fresh and delicious.
Storing Leftovers
• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For best results, keep it in an airtight container.
Freezing
• Cut the cake into individual slices for easy thawing.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal quality.
Reheating
• Thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
• For a warm slice, use the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.
• Serve warm for the best texture and taste.
FAQs
What can I use instead of eggs in the Boston Cream Poke Cake?
You can substitute eggs with unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture. For each egg, use 1/4 cup of applesauce or mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens. This will help maintain the cake’s moisture and texture.
How can I make the pudding filling from scratch?
To make the pudding filling from scratch, combine 2 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract for flavor. Let it cool before using it in the cake.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! While a yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with chocolate or even a gluten-free cake mix. Just be mindful that the flavor and texture may vary slightly, but it can still be delicious!
How should I store the Boston Cream Poke Cake?
Store the Boston Cream Poke Cake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.