Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A fun and indulgent twist on the classic Boston Cream Pie
- Layers of soft yellow cake, creamy vanilla pudding, and rich chocolate ganache
- Simple to prepare with store-bought ingredients
- Can be made ahead of time—just let it chill for a few hours
- A crowd-pleaser for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings
- No need to frost, just pour and chill!
- The perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and chocolatey goodness
- Easy to customize with different flavors of cake or pudding
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 box yellow cake mix, plus ingredients called for on the 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
Directions
- Prepare the cake:
Preheat the oven and prepare the yellow cake in a 9×13-inch baking pan according to the package instructions. Allow the cake to cool completely before continuing. - Poke holes in the cake:
Once the cake has cooled, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake. - Make the vanilla pudding:
In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Before the pudding thickens, pour it evenly over the entire cake, allowing it to sink into the holes. Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for 1 hour. - Make the chocolate ganache:
Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat until it begins to simmer (or microwave it until hot). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips, let it sit for 5 minutes, and then stir until smooth. Let the ganache cool for 10 minutes. - Top the cake with ganache:
Once the ganache has cooled slightly, pour it over the chilled cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula. - Chill before serving:
Return the cake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before slicing and serving. The cake will be even more delicious if allowed to set overnight! - Serve and enjoy:
Cut into slices, serve chilled, and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, chocolatey, and cakey goodness.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Chill time: 4 hours
Total time with chilling: 5 hours
Variations
- Chocolate cake: Use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake for a richer flavor.
- Flavored pudding: Try using different pudding flavors, such as butterscotch or chocolate, for a unique twist.
- Add fruit: Layer in some fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries before adding the ganache for a fresh touch.
- Whipped cream topping: Add a light, fluffy whipped cream topping after the ganache has set for extra richness.
Storage/Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This cake is best served chilled.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this cake due to the pudding and ganache layers.
- Reheat: If desired, you can serve this cake at room temperature, but it is best enjoyed chilled.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors like chocolate, marble, or even a lemon cake mix for a unique twist.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, this cake is perfect for make-ahead desserts! It needs to chill for at least 4 hours, but it can be made a day ahead of time for maximum flavor.
Can I use regular pudding mix instead of instant?
It’s best to use instant pudding mix for this recipe, as it sets quickly and doesn’t require cooking. Regular pudding mix will need to be cooked before adding to the cake, which can change the texture.
Can I use whole milk instead of 2%?
Yes, you can use whole milk for a richer, creamier pudding, or any milk substitute of your choice.
How do I keep the ganache from hardening too much?
Allow the ganache to cool for only 10 minutes before pouring it over the cake. If it’s too thick, you can gently reheat it to soften it again.
Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely! You can add whipped cream, sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even fruit to the top of the cake for added flavor and texture.
How long does this cake last in the fridge?
This cake will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, though it’s best when consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
Conclusion
Boston Cream Poke Cake is an easy-to-make dessert that delivers all the rich, creamy goodness of the classic Boston Cream Pie in a fun and accessible way. With its layers of soft cake, vanilla pudding, and chocolate ganache, this dessert is sure to become a favorite at any gathering. Whether for a family dinner or a special celebration, this cake will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Boston Cream Poke Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Boston Cream Poke Cake is a decadent dessert with layers of yellow cake, creamy vanilla pudding, and rich chocolate ganache. It’s an easy-to-make, indulgent twist on the classic Boston Cream Pie.
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix, plus ingredients called for on the 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
- Preheat the oven and prepare the yellow cake in a 9×13-inch baking pan according to the package instructions. Allow the cake to cool completely before continuing.
- Once the cake has cooled, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Before the pudding thickens, pour it evenly over the entire cake, allowing it to sink into the holes. Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for 1 hour.
- Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat until it begins to simmer (or microwave it until hot). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips, let it sit for 5 minutes, and then stir until smooth. Let the ganache cool for 10 minutes.
- Once the ganache has cooled slightly, pour it over the chilled cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Return the cake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before slicing and serving. The cake will be even more delicious if allowed to set overnight!
- Cut into slices, serve chilled, and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, chocolatey, and cakey goodness.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate cake.
Feel free to experiment with different pudding flavors, such as butterscotch or chocolate.
Top with fresh berries or whipped cream for extra flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
