Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a dreamy, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the best parts of cake, pudding, and chocolate glaze, look no further than Boston Cream Poke Cake. This delightfully easy twist on the classic Boston cream pie guarantees luscious layers in every bite: moist yellow cake, silky vanilla pudding soaked through every crevice, and a glossy chocolate ganache on top. It’s the perfect make-ahead treat for potlucks, birthdays, or any night you want an irresistible, old-fashioned favorite with a playful poke cake update.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Boston Cream Poke Cake pulls its weight—simple staples come together to make pure magic. You’ll find familiar favorites, each bringing just the right texture, flavor, or visual wow factor for this irresistible dessert.

• Yellow Cake Mix: The foolproof base that delivers fluffy layers and that classic comforting taste, as good as scratch-made with half the effort.
• Eggs: Vital for binding and richness, follow your box instructions for quantity.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps your cake moist and tender throughout.
• Water: Brings the cake mix together—measure carefully for light, spongy results.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Adds that creamy, custard-like center without fuss or bake time.
• Cold Milk: Whisks up with the pudding for a perfectly smooth, thick filling.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The base of a glossy, satisfying ganache with a deep chocolate note.
• Heavy Cream: Transforms melted chocolate into a rich, pourable glaze.
• Butter: Adds silkiness and helps the ganache set with a perfect sheen.
• Optional Sprinkles or Shaved Chocolate: Finish with festive flair or a bit of contrast.

How to Make Boston Cream Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Perfect Cake Base

Start by prepping your yellow cake according to the box instructions—usually combining eggs, oil, cake mix, and water until just smooth. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake as directed. You’ll want a golden top and a toothpick testing clean in the center. Let it cool for 15 minutes, the anticipation is almost as good as the dessert itself!

Step 2: Poke & Soak

Once the cake is just warm (not piping hot), grab the handle of a wooden spoon and poke rows of holes all across the top—close but not so close the cake falls apart. Be generous! You want lots of space for pudding to seep through for that classic Boston Cream Poke Cake texture.

Step 3: Mix and Pour the Pudding Layer

Whisk instant vanilla pudding with cold milk until it thickens, about 2 minutes. While it’s still pourable but not fully set, spread the pudding over your cake, using a spatula to nudge it into every single hole and edge. The cake should look gloriously messy—like a vanilla custard river flowing over golden hills! Refrigerate for at least an hour to help everything soak in and set.

Step 4: Create the Chocolate Ganache

Add chocolate chips and butter to a bowl. Heat heavy cream until almost simmering, then pour it over the chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Whisk until silky smooth and glossy, letting the warmth melt everything together. This rich ganache forms the signature top layer of Boston Cream Poke Cake and delivers a bold, decadent finish. Let cool for 5 minutes before pouring.

Step 5: Glaze and Chill

Pour the warm chocolate ganache over the set pudding layer, aiming for even coverage. Gently spread with a spatula if needed, then pop the cake back in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the ganache can firm up into an irresistible, glossy sheet. All that’s left to do is slice, serve, and wait for the “OMG” reviews!

How to Serve Boston Cream Poke Cake

Garnishes

This cake shines on its own, but for a little extra flair, sprinkle shaved chocolate, colorful jimmies, or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the ganache before serving. Classic maraschino cherries or halved strawberries also make a playful, eye-catching touch. Garnishes not only add wow factor—they offer pops of color that make this dessert feel extra festive.

Side Dishes

The richness of Boston Cream Poke Cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. For a lighter touch, try fresh berries or a crisp fruit salad on the side—the bright flavors cut through the decadent chocolate and custard layers perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, slice the cake into neat squares and layer them in clear trifle dishes for a party-ready dessert bar. You can also use round cookie cutters to create mini “puck” versions for a playful spin. For holidays or birthdays, arrange pieces on a platter with extra fruit or edible gold flakes for restaurant-worthy style. No matter how you slice it, Boston Cream Poke Cake makes a statement.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps surprisingly well thanks to its chilled, custardy layers. Cover your baking pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; the flavors actually deepen and meld the longer they sit.

Freezing

You can freeze Boston Cream Poke Cake for up to a month, although the texture is best fresh. Wrap individual slices securely in plastic, then foil, and tuck them in a zip-top freezer bag. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge—the ganache and pudding might soften slightly but the taste will still be sensational!

Reheating

This is one dessert that’s best served cold, straight from the refrigerator! If you prefer a slightly softer ganache, let your slice rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating. No need to actually heat it up; you want to keep those creamy layers chilled and intact.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake or pudding for Boston Cream Poke Cake?

Absolutely! While boxed cake and instant pudding keep things delightfully easy and reliable, you can substitute your favorite yellow cake or stovetop custard recipes for a from-scratch experience. Just be sure both components are fully cooled before assembly.

What’s the best way to make the holes in poke cake?

A thick wooden spoon handle works wonderfully, but a large straw or even a chopstick can also do the trick. Just make sure the holes go deep (not all the way through) and are evenly spaced over the cake so every square gets a river of pudding.

Can I make Boston Cream Poke Cake ahead of time?

Boston Cream Poke Cake is the perfect make-ahead dessert! Chill for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors and textures to develop—you’ll actually find it tastes even better the next day. Just keep it covered in the fridge until ready to serve.

How do I keep the ganache smooth and shiny?

Be sure your cream is hot but not boiling before pouring over the chocolate chips, and let it sit undisturbed for a minute before whisking. Stir until glossy, then use immediately for easy spreading. If it starts to thicken, gently rewarm for a few seconds in the microwave.

Can I add other flavors or toppings?

Of course! Explore by adding espresso powder to the chocolate, swapping in chocolate pudding for the vanilla, or scattering crushed toffee or nuts on top. Boston Cream Poke Cake is forgiving, so don’t be afraid to personalize it for holidays, birthdays, or whatever your sweet tooth dreams up.

Final Thoughts

This Boston Cream Poke Cake is happiness in a pan—endlessly creamy, deeply chocolatey, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Whether you’re celebrating or just indulging a craving, don’t be surprised when you’re asked for the recipe again and again. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of nostalgia, reinvented the easy, delicious way!