Easy Boston Cream Poke Cake

Introduction

Easy Boston Cream Poke Cake combines the delicious flavors of the classic Boston cream pie with the convenience of a poke cake, making it an absolute game-changer for anyone who loves rich, creamy desserts but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This cake is moist and spongy, with layers of silky vanilla pudding and a glossy, irresistible chocolate ganache on top. It’s every bit as indulgent as the traditional pie, but so much simpler to make.

I first made this cake for a family gathering, and it was an instant hit. The moment I set it on the table, the whole room filled with “oohs” and “aahs,” and within minutes, it was gone. Everyone was amazed that something so simple could taste so decadent. It’s one of those desserts that looks like it took hours to prepare but actually comes together in no time.

What I love most about this Easy Boston Cream Poke Cake is how versatile it is. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you need a show-stopping dessert without all the fuss. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Boston cream pie or just looking for a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings, this cake will definitely deliver. Trust me, it’s going to be your new go-to dessert for any occasion!

Perfect for:

• Potlucks
• Family gatherings
• Celebrations
• Weeknight desserts
• Chocolate lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why you’ll adore Easy Boston Cream Poke Cake:

• Quick and Easy to Make: With a boxed cake mix and simple ingredients, this cake is incredibly easy to put together. It’s perfect for those moments when you need a dessert in a hurry but still want something impressive.
• Delicious Layers: The cake is soft and moist, and the vanilla pudding filling adds a smooth, creamy texture that complements the chocolate ganache topping perfectly.
• No Fancy Skills Required: You don’t need to be a professional baker to make this cake—just poke, fill, and top, and you’re good to go.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake can be made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld together and making it an excellent option for busy schedules.
• Customizable: While the traditional Boston cream flavor is a favorite, you can adjust the fillings or toppings to make it your own.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Chilling Time: 2 hours
• Servings: 12-15 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 320-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Easy Boston Cream Poke Cake:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (and ingredients required on the box)
• 1 package (3.4 oz) vanilla instant pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Ingredient Highlights

• Yellow Cake Mix: The base of this dessert is a classic yellow cake mix, making it incredibly simple to prepare while still delivering a soft, tender crumb.
• Vanilla Instant Pudding: The instant pudding mix creates the creamy custard-like filling that makes Boston cream pie so irresistible.
• Whipped Topping: This adds a light, airy texture that helps balance out the rich pudding and chocolate layers.
• Chocolate Chips: The semisweet chocolate chips form the glossy ganache that crowns the cake with a rich, chocolatey finish.
• Heavy Cream: The heavy cream is essential for making a smooth, silky chocolate ganache that will pour beautifully over the cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Easy Boston Cream Poke Cake:

Bake the Cake:

1. Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven according to the directions on the yellow cake mix box. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the Batter: Follow the package instructions to prepare the cake batter. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for the time specified on the box, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the baking dish for 10 minutes, then use a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake, about 1-inch apart.

Make the Vanilla Pudding Filling:

4. Prepare the Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until the pudding thickens, about 2 minutes.
5. Fill the Cake: Pour the prepared pudding over the cooled cake, filling the holes as much as possible. Spread the pudding into an even layer across the top of the cake. Refrigerate the cake for 2 hours to set the pudding.

Make the Chocolate Ganache:

6. Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer (do not boil).
7. Melt the Chocolate: Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth.
8. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the ganache.

Assemble the Cake:

9. Top the Cake: After the cake has chilled and the pudding has set, pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Allow the ganache to set for about 15 minutes before serving.

Serve:

10. Serve and Enjoy: Once the ganache has set, slice the cake into squares and serve. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving for a decorative touch.

How to Serve

Here’s how to serve your Easy Boston Cream Poke Cake in different ways:

• Chilled: For the best texture and flavor, serve the cake chilled. The pudding will stay creamy and the ganache firm.
• With Fresh Berries: Garnish each slice with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to add a burst of color and a light contrast to the rich cake.
• On Special Occasions: This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or family gatherings. It looks impressive and feeds a crowd.
• With Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for extra indulgence.
• In Individual Portions: Serve in individual bowls or cups for a fun, personal touch at your next dinner party.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to help you perfect your Easy Boston Cream Poke Cake:

• Poke the Cake Carefully: Make sure to poke the cake deep enough to allow the pudding to sink in, but not too deep that it disrupts the structure of the cake.
• Use Full-Fat Milk: For a creamier pudding filling, use full-fat milk instead of skim or 2% milk.
• Cool the Cake Completely: Make sure the cake has cooled before adding the pudding, or the pudding may melt and run.
• Double the Ganache: For extra chocolate goodness, you can double the ganache recipe and pour a thicker layer over the cake.
• Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Recipe Variations

Try these fun variations of Easy Boston Cream Poke Cake:

• Chocolate Cake Base: Swap the yellow cake mix for a chocolate cake mix for a double chocolate treat.
• Caramel Boston Cream Cake: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before adding the ganache for a sweet, buttery twist.
• Peanut Butter Boston Cream Cake: Mix peanut butter into the pudding filling for a peanut butter-chocolate combination.
• Banana Boston Cream Cake: Layer banana slices between the cake and pudding for a fruity twist.
• Coconut Boston Cream Cake: Add shredded coconut to the ganache or pudding for a tropical flavor.
• Lemon Boston Cream Cake: Replace the vanilla pudding with lemon curd for a tangy version of this cake.
• Coffee-Infused Boston Cream Cake: Add a little instant coffee to the cake batter or pudding for a mocha twist.
• Mint Chocolate Boston Cream Cake: Add mint extract to the chocolate ganache for a refreshing minty flavor.
• Mini Boston Cream Cakes: Make individual Boston cream poke cakes in muffin tins or ramekins for a fun twist.
• Sugar-Free Boston Cream Cake: Use sugar-free pudding and cake mix for a lower-sugar option.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: While Boston Cream Poke Cake doesn’t freeze well due to the pudding filling, you can freeze individual slices if needed. Wrap them tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Special Equipment

Here’s some special equipment that will help you prepare your Easy Boston Cream Poke Cake:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: A standard 9×13-inch dish is perfect for this recipe.
• Fork or Wooden Spoon Handle: Use this to poke holes evenly into the cake.
• Mixing Bowls: Use large bowls for mixing the pudding and ganache.
• Spatula: A rubber spatula is ideal for spreading the pudding and ganache evenly over the cake.
• Saucepan: A small saucepan is needed to make the chocolate ganache.
• Whisk: A whisk helps to combine the pudding mix and milk smoothly.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding?
   Yes, you can make homemade vanilla pudding, but the instant pudding is much quicker and works just as well for this recipe.
2. Can I use a different type of cake mix?
   Yes, you can substitute the yellow cake mix with a white cake mix or even a chocolate cake mix for a different flavor base.
3. How long should I chill the cake?
   The cake should be chilled for at least 2 hours to allow the pudding to set and the flavors to meld. You can chill it overnight for the best results.
4. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?
   Yes, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate for a different flavor.
5. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make this dessert gluten-free.

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Conclusion

Easy Boston Cream Poke Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that brings the classic flavors of Boston cream pie to a whole new level of ease. With its soft, moist cake base, rich vanilla pudding layer, and decadent chocolate ganache on top, this dessert is sure to please everyone. It’s the perfect option for family gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.

The beauty of this poke cake lies in its simplicity. You start with a box cake mix, then poke holes in the baked cake and fill them with a luscious vanilla pudding, topping it off with a smooth chocolate ganache. The result is a layered, creamy dessert that’s not only delicious but also easy to make. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your gathering.

I can’t wait to see your Easy Boston Cream Poke Cake creations! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts or any fun twists you added to this dessert!