If you love the classic Boston Cream Pie, then get ready to fall in love with this Boston Cream Poke Cake. It’s like taking all the delicious layers of that beloved dessert and turning them into an easy, decadent cake that everyone can enjoy. Plus, it’s super easy to make! Imagine moist cake, rich vanilla pudding, and a glossy chocolate topping – what’s not to love? Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one again and again.
Why You’ll Love Boston Cream Poke Cake
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: This cake is perfect for any occasion – birthdays, potlucks, or just a sweet treat to satisfy your dessert cravings.
Budget-Friendly: Using simple, store-bought ingredients means you can make this cake without breaking the bank. The result? A bakery-worthy dessert at home.
Quick and Easy: You don’t have to be a baking expert to make this. With a few easy steps, you’ll have a dessert that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Customizable: Want to tweak the recipe? You can easily swap the cake flavor, make it with different pudding, or even add extra toppings like whipped cream or fruit.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this cake: it uses just a handful of ingredients, but the combination creates a flavor-packed dessert everyone will love. Let’s break it down:
Yellow Cake Mix: The base of the cake. It’s soft, fluffy, and so easy to work with. If you have a favorite homemade recipe, feel free to swap it in!
Vanilla Pudding: This gives the cake that iconic Boston Cream Pie flavor. The pudding makes the cake moist and adds a rich, creamy texture.
Chocolate Ganache: A silky smooth chocolate topping that takes this cake from simple to sensational. It’s indulgent and rich, just like the best chocolate desserts.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and gives your cake the right texture.
Bake the Cake: In a large bowl, prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Poke the Cake: Once the cake is baked and slightly cooled, take a fork and poke holes all over the surface. The holes should go about halfway into the cake.
Prepare the Pudding: While the cake cools, prepare the vanilla pudding according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, gently pour the pudding over the cooled cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes.
Make the Ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and stir until smooth and glossy.
Top the Cake: Pour the chocolate ganache over the pudding-covered cake and spread it evenly. Let the cake chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the layers to set.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice up this decadent Boston Cream Poke Cake, serve, and enjoy! It’s the kind of dessert that feels special but is so simple to make.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350
(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (including chilling time)
How to Serve Boston Cream Poke Cake
This cake is a dessert all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. If you’re looking to serve it with sides, here are a few ideas:
- A fresh fruit salad to balance the richness of the cake.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- A light whipped cream topping for some added fluffiness.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Let the cake cool completely before adding the pudding and ganache to prevent them from melting into the cake.
- If you like a stronger chocolate flavor, you can use dark chocolate chips for the ganache.
- This cake keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for leftovers!
FAQ’s
- Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! Chocolate or even a spice cake mix would work wonderfully if you want to mix things up. - Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake actually gets better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, so it’s perfect for making the day before. - Can I use homemade pudding instead of the boxed kind?
Yes, homemade pudding will work just as well. Just make sure it’s thickened to the right consistency before pouring it over the cake. - How long should I chill the cake?
You’ll want to chill it for at least 2 hours to let the pudding and ganache set properly. - Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. When you’re ready to serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. - What should I do if the cake is too moist?
If your cake ends up too moist, make sure the pudding is thick enough before pouring it over the cake. It may also help to let it chill a little longer. - Can I add toppings to the cake?
You can! Try adding fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut for extra texture. - How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in the fridge, covered tightly. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. - Can I make this without the chocolate ganache?
Yes, you can make it with just the pudding if you prefer a lighter version. But trust me, the chocolate ganache really makes it special! - How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can use a sugar-free cake mix and pudding to reduce the sweetness, but it will still be delicious!
Conclusion
This Boston Cream Poke Cake is the perfect way to bring a little indulgence to your next gathering or weeknight treat. With its easy prep, comforting flavors, and gorgeous layers, it’s sure to become a go-to dessert in your recipe collection. So go ahead, give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
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Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Boston Cream Poke Cake is a delicious and easy dessert that combines the flavors of a traditional Boston cream pie with the convenience of a poke cake. The cake is soaked in a creamy vanilla pudding filling and topped with a rich chocolate ganache.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the yellow cake according to the instructions on the box. Allow the cake to cool slightly and then poke holes in it using the end of a wooden spoon.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until thickened. Pour the pudding over the cake, filling the holes.
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until hot, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Stir until smooth to make the ganache.
- Spread the chocolate ganache over the pudding layer, covering the entire cake.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- You can use store-bought cake mix for convenience, or make your own yellow cake from scratch.
- For a richer chocolate topping, use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet.
- If you prefer a thicker ganache, reduce the amount of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg