Easy Boston Cream Poke Cake

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Easy Boston Cream Poke Cake on a rustic table with creamy filling, chocolate glaze, coffee cup, and fork in morning light.

Love Boston Cream Pie but Want an Easier Way?

This Easy Boston Cream Poke Cake gives you the same creamy, chocolatey flavor in a much simpler way. With boxed cake mix, instant pudding, and a smooth ganache, it’s quick to make and always a hit.

What makes this recipe stand out is the added from-scratch option and a clear troubleshooting guide for perfect results every time.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this cake is simple, fast, and full of flavor.

Jump to What You Need

Easy Boston Cream Poke Cake on a rustic table with creamy filling, chocolate glaze, coffee cup, and fork in morning light.
ndulge in this Easy Boston Crhttps://wiamrecipes.com/dubai-chocolate-pistachio-cake/eam Poke Cake fluffy yellow cake filled with smooth vanilla cream and topped with rich chocolate glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat after dinner. Quick to make, beautiful to serve, and always a crowd-pleaser!
  • Ingredients
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • From-Scratch Version
  • Tips and Troubleshooting
  • Flavor Variations
  • Poke Cake History
  • FAQ
  • Final Thoughts

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • Ingredients called for on the box (usually eggs, water, and oil)

For the Pudding Filling:

  • 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 4 cups cold milk

For the Chocolate Ganache:

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Easy Boston Cream Poke Cake on a rustic table with creamy filling, chocolate glaze, coffee cup, and fork in morning light.
Indulge in this Easy Boston Crehttps Poke Cake fluffy yellow cake filled with smooth vanilla cream and topped with rich chocolate glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat after dinner. Quick to make, beautiful to serve, and always a crowd-pleaser!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare the yellow cake mix as directed on the box. Bake in a greased 9×13 inch pan.
  2. Cool the cake for 15 to 20 minutes. While still warm, poke holes all over using the handle of a wooden spoon.
  3. Whisk the pudding mix with cold milk until it thickens slightly. Pour it over the cake while still pourable.
  4. Spread the pudding gently into the holes. Tap the pan lightly to settle it. Chill for at least 1 hour.
  5. Heat the cream until hot but not boiling. Pour it over the chocolate and let sit for 1 minute. Stir until smooth.
  6. Pour the ganache over the chilled cake and spread evenly. Chill again until set.

From-Scratch Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe

For the Cake:

  • 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk

Mix dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Alternate adding dry mix and milk. Pour into greased pan and bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes.

For the Pudding:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Heat milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Temper egg yolks, then mix in. Stir until thick. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

For the Ganache:

  • 1 cup chopped chocolate or chips
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Heat cream, pour over chocolate, wait 1 minute, then stir until smooth.

Tips and Troubleshooting

The pudding didn’t soak into the holes
Pour it while soft. Thick pudding won’t sink.

Ganache is too runny or too thick
Cool it to thicken. Stir in warm cream to thin.

Cake feels soggy after chilling
Use whole milk. Chill uncovered for one hour.

Holes in the cake are too small
Use the handle of a wooden spoon.

Getting clean slices
Chill well. Use a clean knife between cuts.

Flavor Variations

  • Use white, butter, or chocolate cake mix.
  • Try banana cream or chocolate pudding.
  • Add a pinch of salt or vanilla to the ganache.
  • Top with whipped cream, berries, or crushed cookies.

A Quick Look at Poke Cake History

Poke cakes became popular in the 1970s. A major food brand introduced them to boost boxed cake sales. The method is simple: poke holes in a baked cake and fill it with something creamy.

Boston Cream Poke Cake is inspired by the original Boston Cream Pie, which dates back to the 1800s. Instead of layers, the filling soaks right into the cake.

FAQ

What is a poke cake?
A cake with holes poked in it and filled with pudding, syrup, or Jell-O.

What is a Boston cream poke cake?
A yellow cake filled with vanilla pudding and topped with chocolate ganache.

What kind of cake is used for Boston Cream Pie?
Usually sponge or yellow cake.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Boston Crhttps://www.who.int/fream Poke Cake brings all the flavor of a classic dessert with half the work. Whether you use the quick version or go fully from scratch, the result is always soft, creamy, and rich with chocolate.

Try the recipe and share how it turned out. Your tips can help someone else get it just right.

Happy baking.

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