Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe

Who doesn’t love the combination of rich, velvety custard, smooth chocolate ganache, and a moist cake base? The Boston Cream Poke Cake brings all of those irresistible flavors together in one easy, decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Imagine digging into a slice and getting a burst of creamy custard with every bite, topped off with that rich, glossy chocolate layer. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, and trust me, it’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Why You’ll Love Boston Cream Poke Cake

If you’ve ever had the classic Boston Cream Pie, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this poke cake version. It’s a fun and easy twist on the traditional dessert, and here’s why it’s sure to become a go-to favorite:

No-Bake Layers: The poke cake method means you don’t need to worry about complicated assembly. The cake does the work for you by absorbing the delicious custard filling, so every bite is packed with flavor.

Simple and Quick: While it might look fancy, this cake is super simple to put together. With just a few ingredients and some time to chill, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert in no time.

Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake needs a little time to chill and set, making it the perfect make-ahead dessert. You can whip it up the day before a party or family gathering and let it sit in the fridge overnight.

Impressive & Delicious: The combination of the moist cake, creamy custard, and glossy chocolate topping is just as impressive as it is delicious. You won’t believe how easily this cake wows guests or anyone lucky enough to enjoy it.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to bring this Boston Cream Poke Cake to life:

For the Cake

• Yellow cake mix (or homemade if you prefer)
• Eggs
• Water
• Vegetable oil

For the Custard Filling

• Instant vanilla pudding mix
• Whole milk
• Whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

For the Chocolate Ganache

• Heavy cream
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Butter

Instructions

Ready to dive in? Here’s how to make this incredible cake from start to finish:

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly. Make the cake mix according to the instructions on the box (or prepare your homemade yellow cake). Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.

Step 2: Poke the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, use the end of a wooden spoon or a similar utensil to poke holes all over the cake. Don’t be shy—poke the cake generously! The holes will allow the custard filling to soak into the cake for that rich, creamy texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard Filling

In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Once combined, fold in the whipped topping until smooth. You should have a fluffy, creamy custard filling. Spread this evenly over the cooled cake, gently filling in all the holes. Make sure to smooth it out to cover the entire surface.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips and butter until smooth and glossy. Let the ganache cool for a few minutes, then pour it over the custard layer, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This will give the cake time to set and for all those amazing flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cake is chilled and set, slice it into squares and enjoy! Each bite is a delightful mix of moist cake, creamy custard, and luscious chocolate. It’s a dessert dream come true!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 360
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours (including chill time)

How to Serve Boston Cream Poke Cake

This poke cake is best served chilled and can be paired with:

Fresh Fruit: Serve it with some berries or sliced bananas for a fresh, fruity contrast to the rich dessert.

Whipped Cream: If you want to go all out, a dollop of extra whipped cream on top makes this dessert even more indulgent.

Coffee or Tea: A cup of hot coffee or tea would be the perfect beverage to go with this sweet treat.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this Boston Cream Poke Cake:

Make It Your Own: If you love chocolate, feel free to add a little more ganache on top. You can also experiment with different pudding flavors, like chocolate or butterscotch, for a fun twist.

Store Leftovers: Keep any leftover poke cake in the fridge, covered, for up to 4-5 days. It stays moist and delicious!

Make-Ahead: As mentioned, this cake is perfect for make-ahead! You can make it the day before your event, so all you need to do is pull it out of the fridge and serve.

Customizable Cake: If you want to make this a bit more decadent, you can use a homemade cake instead of a mix. Just be sure to let it cool completely before poking holes and adding the custard.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
A1: Absolutely! A chocolate cake mix or even a marble mix could work great if you prefer a different flavor base.

Q2: Can I make this without pudding mix?
A2: The instant vanilla pudding mix helps create that creamy custard texture, so it’s best to keep it. If you want to make a homemade custard instead, there are plenty of recipes online for that.

Q3: Can I use milk alternatives in this recipe?
A3: Yes, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or any other milk substitute in both the cake and the custard filling.

Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A4: While it’s not ideal to freeze the entire cake with the ganache on top, you can freeze the cake itself and then assemble the dessert later when you’re ready to serve.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Make sure it’s covered so the cake stays moist and the ganache doesn’t harden too much.

Q6: Can I make this cake with a different pudding flavor?
A6: Absolutely! Chocolate pudding or butterscotch pudding would be delicious alternatives to the vanilla pudding.

Q7: How do I know when the cake is fully cooked?
A7: Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it’s ready to go!

Q8: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A8: Yes! Just substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert gluten-free.

Q9: Can I make the chocolate ganache in advance?
A9: You can make the ganache ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it slightly before pouring it over the cake.

Q10: How should I serve this cake?
A10: This cake is best served cold, straight from the fridge. You can enjoy it on its own or with a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence.

Conclusion

Boston Cream Poke Cake is the dessert that brings together the best parts of a classic Boston Cream Pie in a super simple, one-pan dessert. With layers of moist cake, creamy custard, and rich chocolate ganache, it’s an irresistible treat that’s bound to please a crowd. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a party, or just as a special treat for yourself, this poke cake is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every decadent bite!

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