If you’re craving a dessert that brings the classic charm of a Boston cream pie into a simple, fuss-free cake, this Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe is your new best friend. It combines moist yellow cake with luscious vanilla pudding filling and a rich, creamy chocolate frosting, all layered in a way that every bite bursts with that iconic Boston cream flavor. Perfect for gatherings or when you just want a cozy treat at home, this recipe turns pantry staples into a show-stopping dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element in this Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe plays a vital role, from the foundation of the yellow cake’s tender crumb to the smooth vanilla pudding that infuses it with moisture and flavor, all topped off by the chocolate frosting that brings it to life. Using simple, familiar ingredients makes this recipe approachable without sacrificing any of that indulgent character.
- Yellow cake mix: The base of our cake, bringing moistness and a buttery vanilla flavor that everyone loves.
- Eggs, oil, and water: According to the cake mix box—these transform the dry cake mix into a luscious batter.
- Vanilla pudding mix (2 boxes): Creates the creamy filling that seeps into the cake’s holes, adding richness and that signature vanilla taste.
- Cold milk: Essential for preparing the pudding with the perfect creamy consistency.
- Chocolate frosting (16 oz tub): The crowning glory of this poke cake, providing a smooth, chocolatey finish that perfectly complements the vanilla pudding layer.
How to Make Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
Start by preheating your oven as the yellow cake mix box instructs, then prepare the batter according to those directions, including eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch pan and bake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cooling the cake completely is crucial before moving on, ensuring the pudding layer won’t melt into the warm cake.
Step 2: Poke Holes in the Cake
Once your cake has cooled, grab a straw or the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes evenly all over the cake’s surface. Aim to reach about two-thirds down into the cake to create channels for the pudding. This simple step is what makes the poke cake so special, allowing the vanilla pudding to soak right into the tender crumb.
Step 3: Prepare the Pudding
Follow the instructions on each vanilla pudding box, whisking the mixture with cold milk until smooth, slightly thickened, but still pourable. Freshly made pudding ensures a silky texture that soaks perfectly into the cake holes and keeps every bite moist.
Step 4: Add Pudding to Cake
Gently spoon the vanilla pudding over the cake, using a spatula to press it down and work it into the holes you created earlier. After filling the holes, spread any remaining pudding in an even layer over the top, creating a luscious vanilla blanket.
Step 5: Chill the Cake
Cover your cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though letting it chill overnight really allows the pudding to meld into the cake for maximum flavor and texture harmony.
Step 6: Frost the Cake
Warm the chocolate frosting in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds to make it smooth and spreadable. Pour it gently over the chilled pudding layer and use a spatula or knife to create a smooth, even chocolate topping. This rich layer is what transforms the poke cake into a Boston cream masterpiece.
Step 7: Set and Serve
Chill the finished cake again for at least 30 minutes to let the chocolate frosting set properly. Cut into squares, serve up generous slices, and savor the magic of this delightful Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe.
How to Serve Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While the cake stands beautifully on its own, adding a few simple garnishes can elevate it further. Fresh berries, especially raspberries or strawberries, add a bright pop of color and a slight tartness that complements the rich chocolate. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few chocolate shavings on top also gives an elegant touch and extra texture.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream to balance the cake’s richness. A hot cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte also makes an excellent companion, helping bring out the dessert’s warm flavors and offering a perfectly cozy experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve the Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe as individual mini portions by making it in cupcake tins, poking and filling each one individually, then topping with frosting. Alternatively, layering the cake broken into cubes in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and fresh fruit yields an impressive and gorgeous presentation that’s sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Boston Cream Poke Cake stays moist and delicious when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days for optimum freshness and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this poke cake by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve the pudding’s creamy texture and the chocolate frosting’s smoothness.
Reheating
This cake is best served chilled, so reheating is not recommended as it could alter the texture of the pudding and frosting. If you prefer a less cold dessert, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of box cake mix?
Absolutely! While the box mix keeps it simple and quick, using your favorite homemade yellow cake recipe will make this Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe even more special with fresh flavors and textures.
Is it possible to use instant pudding instead of cook-and-serve?
Yes, instant pudding works spectacularly here and makes preparation faster. Just be sure to use cold milk and whisk well to get that silky consistency perfect for soaking into the cake.
How thick should the holes be when poking the cake?
Use a straw about the diameter of a pencil or the handle of a wooden spoon. You want the holes large enough for the pudding to seep in but not so big that the cake breaks apart.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free version and check that all other ingredients, like pudding mix and frosting, are gluten-free as well. This way, everyone can enjoy the Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe.
What’s the best way to slice this poke cake?
Use a sharp, serrated knife and clean it between cuts to get neat, tidy squares that showcase the pudding layer. Chilling before slicing helps keep the layers intact and the frosting smooth.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe is like passing along a secret to sweet success—the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug from your favorite bakery but made right in your kitchen. Whether for a special occasion or a simple weeknight treat, this cake has the magic to turn ordinary moments into memorable ones. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the comforting, creamy delight that only a Boston cream poke cake can deliver.
Print
Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe transforms a simple yellow cake mix into a decadent dessert by poking holes into the baked cake and filling them with creamy vanilla pudding. Topped with a rich layer of smooth chocolate frosting, this cake mimics the classic Boston cream pie flavors in an easy, crowd-pleasing sheet cake form. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or any occasion that calls for a deliciously moist and chocolate-vanilla treat.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, water)
Pudding Filling
- 2 (3.4 oz) boxes vanilla pudding mix
- Ingredients listed on the pudding mix boxes (usually cold milk)
Topping
- 1 (16 oz) tub chocolate frosting
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven according to the yellow cake mix box instructions. Prepare the cake batter as directed on the box for a 9×13-inch pan, including all required ingredients. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake as directed. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
- Poke Holes in the Cake: After the cake has fully cooled, use a straw or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the entire surface of the cake. Make sure the holes reach about two-thirds of the way down into the cake to allow the pudding to seep in deeply.
- Prepare the Pudding: While the cake cools, prepare the vanilla pudding according to the instructions on the pudding mix boxes, typically by whisking the pudding mix with cold milk until smooth and slightly thickened but still pourable.
- Add Pudding to Cake: Spoon the prepared vanilla pudding evenly over the cake, making sure to fill all the holes. Gently press down with a spatula to encourage the pudding to soak into the holes. Spread any remaining pudding evenly over the top of the cake.
- Chill the Cake: Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to allow the pudding to soak into the cake thoroughly and set the flavors.
- Frost the Cake: Warm the chocolate frosting in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds until it becomes smooth and spreadable. Pour the frosting evenly over the chilled pudding layer and use a spatula or knife to spread it to all edges of the cake evenly.
- Set and Serve: Return the finished cake to the refrigerator and chill for at least another 30 minutes to allow the chocolate frosting to set. Once set, slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy this luscious Boston Cream Poke Cake!
Notes
- For best results, allow the cake to cool completely before poking holes and adding pudding to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
- Using a straw or wooden spoon handle to poke holes creates even distribution for the pudding filling throughout the cake.
- Chilling the cake overnight intensifies the flavors and yields a more cohesive texture.
- You can use homemade vanilla pudding if desired for a more natural flavor.
- Warming the frosting makes it easier to spread smoothly without tearing the cake surface.
