Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe

“`html

If you have a soft spot for nostalgic desserts that deliver rich flavors in every bite, then you are going to adore this Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe. It’s like the classic Boston Cream Pie reimagined as a super moist, indulgent cake that soaks up luscious vanilla pudding and finishes with a smooth, shiny chocolate ganache. Easy enough for any baker but impressive enough to wow your friends and family, this cake has just the right balance of sweet, creamy, and chocolatey goodness that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each chosen to create that perfect harmony between fluffy cake, creamy filling, and rich chocolate topping.

• Yellow cake mix: The base of our cake that provides a moist and tender crumb, saving you time and effort without sacrificing flavor.
• Half and half: Adds creamy richness to both the cake batter and pudding, ensuring decadence throughout.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together while boosting the cake’s structure and softness.
• Salted butter (melted): Introduces a subtle buttery flavor and keeps the cake delightfully tender.
• Instant French vanilla pudding mix: The secret to that velvety, luscious filling that soaks into every crevice of the cake.
• Heavy cream: The key to creating a silky smooth chocolate ganache with luxurious texture.
• Dark chocolate chips: Bring depth and a bittersweet contrast to the sweetness in the cake, perfectly finishing the dessert.

How to Make Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray. This ensures your cake slides out easily later and starts the baking process on the right foot.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the yellow cake mix, one cup of half and half, the eggs, and the melted butter. Mix until everything is fully combined, about two minutes. This creates a smooth, creamy batter that bakes into a tender, fluffy cake.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This is your golden ticket to a perfectly cooked cake that’s ready for the soaking step.

Step 4: Create Poke Holes for Maximum Flavor

Once the cake is out, use the back of a wooden spoon or another rounded tool to poke holes all over the surface. These aren’t just little pinpricks—make them nice and deep so the next layer sinks in and soaks up all the deliciousness.

Step 5: Prepare the Vanilla Pudding Filling

Take the remaining four cups of half and half and whisk in the two boxes of instant French vanilla pudding mix. Don’t wait for the pudding to thicken; pour it immediately over the warm cake so it seeps down into the holes, turning every bite creamy and flavorful.

Step 6: Chill and Set the Pudding

Spread the pudding evenly over the cake and refrigerate for twenty minutes. This helps the pudding to firm up and meld beautifully with the cake beneath.

Step 7: Whip Up Your Chocolate Ganache

Heat the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until hot but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over the dark chocolate chips in a separate bowl, let it sit for a minute, then stir gently until smooth and glossy. This silky ganache is going to take your cake from tasty to show-stopping.

Step 8: Spread the Ganache and Chill

Pour the ganache evenly over the chilled pudding layer and use a spatula to spread it out. Refrigerate the whole cake for at least two hours—overnight is even better—so the ganache sets delightfully firm and everything melds together perfectly. Remember, serve this cake cold for that signature Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe experience.

How to Serve Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your already stunning dessert with a few classic touches like a dusting of powdered sugar, a handful of fresh raspberries for tartness, or even a few chocolate shavings sprinkled on top to add texture and an extra hit of cocoa richness.

Side Dishes

Since this cake is a rich dessert, pair it with light, fresh accompaniments like a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or some sliced seasonal fruit to balance the indulgence and refresh your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, serve individual slices in clear glass dessert dishes or jars layered with extra whipped cream or vanilla custard on the side. You can also cut the cake into squares and stick in fun mini flags or chocolate-dipped spoons for a whimsical touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover your Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to three days, making it perfect for leftovers or making ahead for a gathering.

Freezing

If you want to save this cake for later, wrap it well in multiple layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving to preserve the texture and flavor of the pudding and ganache layers.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer it slightly less chilled, allow slices to sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can affect the pudding’s texture and the ganache’s smooth finish.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade yellow cake instead of mix?

Absolutely! Homemade yellow cake is a great alternative if you prefer from-scratch baking. Just make sure your batter is similar in consistency to the mix so the pudding can soak in nicely.

What if I don’t have French vanilla pudding mix?

You can substitute with regular vanilla pudding mix or even homemade vanilla custard. Just keep in mind that French vanilla has a richer flavor that complements this poke cake beautifully.

Can I use milk instead of half and half?

Using milk is possible, but half and half gives the cake and pudding the creamy richness that makes it so luxurious. If you use milk, consider adding a little extra butter to keep the moist texture.

How long should the cake be refrigerated before serving?

For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the cake for at least two hours, though overnight chilling makes it even better as all layers meld beautifully.

Is it okay to use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate chips?

Milk chocolate will make the ganache sweeter and less intense, which some might prefer. Dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the cake and pudding perfectly, but feel free to use what you like!

Final Thoughts

This Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe is a wonderful celebration of classic flavors that’s easy enough to whip up any day but special enough for holidays and parties. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert that invites smiles and second helpings. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite go-to sweet treat.

“`

Print