If you want a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is irresistible, this Boston Cream Poke Cake is the perfect choice! With its soft yellow cake, rich vanilla custard filling, and silky chocolate ganache, every bite melts in your mouth.
This one-pan delight is ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and indulgent. Trust us—once you serve this, everyone will be asking for seconds!
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Why This is One of Our Favorite Desserts
Growing up, I had a soft spot for any dessert with a creamy filling—especially Boston Cream Pie. The idea of a “pie” that was actually a cake, layered with velvety custard and topped with rich chocolate, always fascinated me. One bite, and I was hooked!
👉 Related: Try our most decadent chocolate desserts here!
Although I loved baking from a young age, custard-based treats like Classic Crème Brûlée and Silky Flan seemed intimidating at first. If only I had discovered this Boston Cream Poke Cake back then! It’s a foolproof way to enjoy those same delicious flavors without any complicated steps.
Even now, as an experienced baker, I still appreciate a good shortcut. I often rely on boxed cake mixes and simple baking hacks—because if it tastes amazing and saves time, why not? My Lemon Bars start with a mix, and they disappear in no time!
For this recipe, I wanted at least one homemade component to enhance the flavor, so I opted for a from-scratch chocolate ganache. Of course, if you’re in a rush, you can swap it for store-bought chocolate frosting or even chocolate fudge drizzle—but trust me, the ganache is worth the extra step!
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Cake
This Boston Cream Poke Cake comes together with just a few simple ingredients. While we’re using a boxed yellow cake mix for convenience, the homemade custard and ganache take it to the next level!
- Yellow cake mix – Plus the ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water).
- Instant vanilla pudding mix – Be sure to use instant, not the cook-and-serve variety!
- Milk & vanilla extract – Essential for making the pudding extra creamy and flavorful.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – The key to a rich, glossy ganache.
- Heavy cream – Creates that silky-smooth chocolate topping.
- Light corn syrup (optional) – Helps keep the ganache shiny, but you can swap it with a little butter if preferred.
- For the best homemade ganache, use quality chocolate like the one in our Double Chocolate Sourdough Bread—it makes all the difference in deep, rich flavor!
Helpful Kitchen Tools:
✔ Hand mixer – For mixing the cake batter and pudding effortlessly.
✔ 13×9 baking dish – The perfect size for this poke cake.
✔ Whisk – To ensure a smooth, lump-free custard.
✔ Mixing bowls – You’ll need a few for the batter, pudding, and ganache.
How to Make This Amazing Cake
Making this Boston Cream Poke Cake is as simple as baking a cake, poking some holes, and layering on the deliciousness! Here’s how to do it step by step:
1️⃣ Bake the cake – Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package directions and bake it in a 13×9 pan. Let it cool slightly.
👉 Tip: A slightly warm cake absorbs the filling better!
2️⃣ Poke the holes – Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake. You want them deep enough so the pudding can seep in.
🛠 The more holes, the more custard flavor in every bite!
3️⃣ Make the pudding – Whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Before it starts to thicken, pour it evenly over the cake, making sure it fills the holes.
4️⃣ Prepare the chocolate ganache – Heat heavy cream until warm (but not boiling), then pour it over semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and glossy. If using corn syrup or butter, mix it in for an extra silky finish.
5️⃣ Assemble and chill – Pour the chocolate ganache over the pudding layer, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to let all the flavors meld together.
Hosting a party? Serve your Boston Cream Poke Cake alongside a savory snack like this Chex Mix Recipe (Oven) for the ultimate sweet-and-salty combo!
👉 Trust me, patience pays off—the cake gets even better after sitting overnight!
Once it’s fully set, slice and enjoy a dessert that tastes just like classic Boston Cream Pie—but even easier to make!
👵 Grandma Mary Wilson’s Tip for the Perfect Boston Cream Poke Cake
If there’s one thing Grandma Mary Wilson always said about making the perfect poke cake, it’s this:
“Let the pudding soak in, don’t rush it! A little patience makes all the difference.”
After pouring the pudding over the cake, give it a few gentle taps on the counter. This helps the custard settle into every hole, ensuring each bite is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. And if you have the time, let it chill overnight—because just like Grandma always knew, good things come to those who wait!
If you try this Boston Cream Poke Cake recipe, please rate it and leave a comment below! Your feedback helps other readers decide if this is the perfect dessert for them.
Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @topfreerecipes so I can see your delicious creations! I love seeing how your cakes turn out. Happy baking! 🍰✨
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Boston Cream Poke Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Boston Cream Poke Cake is a decadent and easy-to-make dessert! A moist yellow cake is filled with creamy vanilla custard and topped with silky chocolate ganache. Perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you’re craving a classic Boston Cream Pie in cake form!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, and water)
For the Custard Filling:
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (or 1 tablespoon butter for shine)
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package instructions in a 13×9-inch pan. Let it cool slightly.
- Poke the Holes: Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
- Make the Pudding: Whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Before it thickens, pour it evenly over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes.
- Prepare the Ganache: Heat the heavy cream until warm (but not boiling) and pour it over the chocolate chips. Stir until smooth, then mix in corn syrup or butter for extra shine.
- Assemble & Chill: Pour the chocolate ganache over the pudding layer, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve & Enjoy: Slice and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture!
Notes
- Letting the cake sit overnight enhances the flavors.
- If you prefer homemade custard, you can substitute it for the pudding mix.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Boston Cream Poke Cake