The moment you think of a slice of heavenly Boston Cream Pie Poke Cake, your taste buds dance like they’re at a disco party! Imagine moist vanilla cake layered with luscious cream filling and drizzled with rich chocolate ganache. Each slice is an invitation to a flavor fiesta that’ll have you shouting “more please!”
I remember the first time I made this delightful dessert; my kitchen smelled like a sweet bakery paradise. Friends gathered around the table like moths to a flame, their eyes wide with anticipation as I unveiled my masterpiece. This cake is not just food; it’s an experience that transforms ordinary moments into precious memories.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Boston Cream Pie Poke Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for bakers of all levels
- The rich flavors blend seamlessly together for a delicious treat that impresses everyone
- Its stunning appearance makes it a showstopper at parties or family gatherings
- Plus, you can customize the toppings for endless variations!
Sometimes I can still hear my nephew’s delighted squeals when he took his first bite of this cake; it’s a memory etched in sweetness forever.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Vanilla Cake Mix: Use your favorite brand; it sets the foundation for the delightful layers ahead.
- Eggs: Fresh eggs are essential; they help create that fluffy texture we all love in cakes.
- Milk: Whole milk adds richness; don’t skimp on this ingredient if you want ooey-gooey goodness!
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This will be our secret weapon for that creamy filling—trust me; it’s magic in a box.
- Heavy Cream: Whipping cream makes for smooth ganache; choose high-fat cream for the best results.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal to create the decadent ganache topping; feel free to go dark if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Powdered Sugar: A dash of sweetness in the whipped cream helps balance everything out beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Cake Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix together the vanilla cake mix with eggs and milk until well combined.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before moving on.
Poke Holes in the Cake: Once cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Aim for about one inch apart—this is crucial for soaking up that delicious pudding later!
Create Your Filling: In another bowl, whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Spread this creamy goodness evenly over the poked holes in your cooled cake.
Make That Ganache!: Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until steaming but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until melted and smooth. Pour this delightful ganache over your pudding-filled cake evenly.
Top It Off!: In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe whipped cream over the top of your ganache layer to create an elegant finish.
Now you have an irresistible Boston Cream Pie Poke Cake ready to impress at any family gathering or party! Enjoy every creamy bite as laughter fills the air around you while creating new memories with each slice shared!
You Must Know
- This delightful Boston cream pie poke cake combines rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, and moist cake for a heavenly dessert
- It’s simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion
- The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, eagerly awaiting a slice!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking a classic yellow cake, then let it cool before poking holes into it. Prepare the vanilla pudding and pour it over the cake, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the vanilla pudding for chocolate or lemon for a unique twist. You can also add whipped cream on top for extra decadence!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Boston cream pie poke cake in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, but trust me, it won’t last that long!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing results
- Don’t skip the chilling time after adding pudding; this helps enhance flavors
- Always poke holes evenly throughout the cake to ensure perfect filling distribution
Sometimes I surprise my family with this cake after dinner, and their joyful reactions are priceless! It’s become a tradition that always brings smiles and happy memories.
FAQ
What is a Boston cream pie poke cake?
A Boston cream pie poke cake is a moist yellow cake filled with vanilla pudding and topped with chocolate glaze.
Can I use boxed cake mix?
Absolutely! A boxed mix works perfectly and saves time without sacrificing flavor.
How do I make it more chocolatey?
Add cocoa powder to the yellow cake batter or use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla.

Boston Cream Pie Poke Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Boston Cream Pie Poke Cake is a moist, indulgent dessert that features layers of creamy vanilla pudding and rich chocolate ganache. A crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and milk; mix until smooth. Pour into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, poke holes in the cake about an inch apart using the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk in another bowl until thickened; spread over the holes in the cake.
- For ganache, heat heavy cream in a saucepan until steaming; stir in chocolate chips until melted and smooth. Pour over the pudding layer.
- Whip remaining heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form; spread over the ganache.
Notes
- Swap vanilla pudding for chocolate or lemon for unique flavor variations.
- Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg