Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe

If you’re a fan of the classic Boston Cream Pie, you’ll absolutely love this easy and delicious twist on the traditional dessert! 🎂 The Boston Cream Poke Cake is a simple, mouthwatering cake that combines layers of fluffy cake, creamy vanilla pudding, and a rich, chocolate glaze. It’s a dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering, from family dinners to birthday parties!

This recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, offering all the flavors of the beloved Boston Cream Pie in a fraction of the time. With just a few basic ingredients, you can make a cake that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this irresistible treat! 😍🍫

Why You’ll Love This Boston Cream Poke Cake 🥳

✅ Rich & Decadent Flavor – A perfect balance of creamy vanilla, fluffy cake, and chocolatey goodness.

✅ Super Easy to Make – No complicated steps! Just poke, pour, and chill.

✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a sweet treat, this cake fits every event!

✅ Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prep this cake in advance and it only gets better with time.

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Key Ingredients 🛒

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Boston Cream Poke Cake. Don’t worry; it’s a simple list of ingredients!

🍰 For the Cake:

• 1 box of yellow cake mix (or your favorite homemade recipe) 🎂
• Eggs, oil, and water (as required by the cake mix instructions) 🍳🛢️💧

🍮 For the Cream Filling:

• 1 package of instant vanilla pudding mix 🧁
• 2 cups cold milk 🥛
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for extra flavor) 🍦

🍫 For the Chocolate Glaze:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream 🍶
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 🍫
• 1 tablespoon butter 🧈

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Step-by-Step Instructions 🔥

Step 1: Bake the Cake 🎂

1️⃣ Prepare the Cake

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Prepare your yellow cake mix according to the instructions on the box. You’ll need the eggs, oil, and water specified in the mix instructions.
• Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake for about 30–35 minutes. Make sure a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.

2️⃣ Cool the Cake

• Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before proceeding to the next step. This ensures that the cake is firm enough to handle the poking without falling apart.

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Step 2: Poke the Cake 🎯

1️⃣ Create Holes in the Cake

• Once the cake has cooled slightly, use the back of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Be sure to poke deep enough so that the filling can seep down into the cake, but not so deep that it falls apart.

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Step 3: Prepare the Vanilla Pudding Filling 🍮

1️⃣ Mix the Pudding

• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and the cold milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes or until the pudding thickens.
• Once the pudding is ready, add the vanilla extract for a little extra flavor if desired.

2️⃣ Spread the Pudding

• Pour the thickened pudding mixture over the poked cake. Use a spatula to gently spread it into the holes, ensuring that the pudding gets into every nook and cranny of the cake.

3️⃣ Chill the Cake

• Place the cake in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1–2 hours. The pudding will set and soak into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.

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Step 4: Make the Chocolate Glaze 🍫

1️⃣ Heat the Cream

• In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Stir occasionally to avoid scorching.

2️⃣ Add Chocolate Chips

• Once the cream is simmering, remove it from the heat and immediately add the semisweet chocolate chips and butter. Stir until smooth and glossy.

3️⃣ Cool Slightly

• Let the glaze cool for about 5–10 minutes to thicken slightly before pouring it over the cake.

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Step 5: Top with Chocolate Glaze 🍩

1️⃣ Pour the Glaze

• Once the glaze is ready, pour it over the chilled cake. Be sure to cover the entire surface and allow the glaze to drip down the sides of the cake for that perfect finish.

2️⃣ Let it Set

• After glazing, place the cake back in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to let the glaze firm up and fully set.

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Serving Suggestions 🍽️

This Boston Cream Poke Cake is absolutely perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving:

🍰 As a Show-Stopping Dessert – Serve it straight from the fridge for a cool, creamy treat at the end of any meal.

🍓 With Fresh Berries – Add some fresh strawberries or raspberries on top for a pop of color and a tart contrast to the sweet richness of the cake.

🍦 With Vanilla Ice Cream – Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it even more decadent!

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Storage & Reheating 📦

Storing Leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months, but the glaze may lose its glossy appearance when thawed. It’s best to freeze it without the glaze and add it fresh after thawing.

Reheating Instructions:

• While this cake is best served cold, if you want to warm it slightly, you can microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds.

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Tips & Tricks for Perfect Boston Cream Poke Cake 💡

🔑 Use Full-Fat Milk
For a richer, creamier pudding filling, use whole milk instead of skim or 2%. The extra fat will help achieve that creamy texture we all crave.

🔑 Chill the Cake Long Enough
Be patient and chill the cake for at least 2 hours (or longer). The pudding and glaze need time to set, so don’t rush this step!

🔑 Add Extra Chocolate
If you love chocolate, feel free to add a little more chocolate to the glaze or even sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top for a fancy touch!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 🤔

1️⃣ Can I Use a Different Cake Mix?
Yes! While yellow cake is traditional, you can use any flavor of cake mix you prefer. A chocolate cake mix would work wonderfully for a double chocolate experience!

2️⃣ Can I Use Homemade Pudding?
Of course! If you prefer homemade pudding over the instant kind, go ahead and make your own. Just let it cool to room temperature before pouring it over the cake.

3️⃣ Can I Make This Cake in Advance?
Absolutely! In fact, this cake is perfect for making ahead. It actually tastes better after chilling in the fridge for a day or two, as the flavors have time to meld.

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Conclusion – A Must-Try Dessert! 🎉

The Boston Cream Poke Cake is a simple, indulgent dessert that brings all the flavors of the classic Boston Cream Pie into a fun and easy-to-make treat. 🍰 With its layers of fluffy cake, creamy vanilla pudding, and rich chocolate glaze, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at any event.

Whether you’re serving it at a party, a family gathering, or just enjoying it as a sweet treat at home, this poke cake will not disappoint. Give this recipe a try and get ready for an explosion of flavor with every bite! 😋🍫