Skip to Content

Easy Boston Cream Pie Poke Cake Recipe

Easy Boston Cream Pie Poke Cake Recipe

Indulge in a decadent dessert that combines the classic flavors of Boston cream pie with the ease of a poke cake. Our Boston Cream Poke Cake is sure to become a crowd favorite.

boston poke cake

If you’re a fan of Boston Cream Pie, then you’re going to love this easy recipe for a delicious Boston Cream Poke Cake. This delicious dessert combines all the classic flavors of the iconic dessert into one easy-to-make cake. 

With its fluffy and moist yellow cake, creamy custard filling, and chocolate ganache topping, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. 

Similar to the taste of boston cream pie cupcakes or a boston cream donut, this easy cake for a one-pan dessert boasts the delightful flavors of boston cream in cake form.

Whether you’re looking to impress your guests at a dinner party, making a dessert for a special occasion like a birthday party or just want a sweet treat to enjoy with your family, this easy poke cake recipe will become one of your favorite recipes is perfect for any occasion. 

What is a Boston Cream Poke Cake?

A Boston Cream Poke Cake is a rich and creamy dessert that combines the flavors of Boston cream pie with the ease of a poke cake. An original Boston Cream Pie is a classic American dessert that consists of two layers of cake filled with vanilla pastry cream and topped with a chocolate glaze. Despite its name, it is actually a cake rather than a pie and has become a beloved classic, often found in bakeries and restaurants across the United States.

Our Easy Boston Cream Poke Cake starts with a boxed cake mix that is poked with holes using the handle of a wooden spoon and filled with a creamy vanilla pudding. The cake is then topped with a rich chocolate glaze, giving it that signature Boston cream pie flavor.

How to Make Boston Cream Poke Cake 

Ingredients

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.

Prepare cake mix according to package instructions and pour batter into prepared baking pan. 

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

While the cake is baking, prepare the vanilla pudding by whisking together the instant pudding mix and milk in a large bowl. 

Once combined, refrigerate until the cake is ready.

Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. 

Use a skewer or the handle end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.

vanilla cake mix

Poke the holes while the cake is still warm to help the cake absorb the pudding mixture more easily.

pudding mix

Pour pudding over the cake, making sure to fill the holes.

pudding over cake

In a small saucepan, heat the chocolate chips and heavy cream over low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.

Pour the chocolate mixture over the top of the pudding layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour, or until the pudding and chocolate are set.

chocolate covering cake

How to store leftover Boston cream pie poke cake

To store leftover Boston cream pie poke cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

boston poke cake

See Also: Snickers Chocolate Poke Cake | How to Turn a White Cake Mix into a Chocolate Cake | Poke Cake Recipes

boston poke cake

Tips for Making Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe

  • To make the perfect and delicious poke cake, use a box of yellow cake mix for a quick and easy dessert.
  • Instant pudding is a quick and easy way to add flavor and moisture to the cake. Make sure to use the correct amount of milk specified on the package to avoid a runny or lumpy texture. 
  • You can make your own vanilla pudding from scratch for an extra special touch. 
  • The holes should be poked in the cake while it’s still warm. This will help the cake absorb the pudding mixture more easily.
  • When pouring the pudding over the cake, make sure to get it into all of the holes so that every bite is filled with delicious creaminess. 
  • For the rich chocolate ganache, use a high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
  • You can substitute the ganache for a ready-made tub of chocolate frosting
  • You will want to keep this Boston Cream Poke Cake in the refrigerator in between serving.
boston poke cake
Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe

Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe

Yield: 12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Indulge in a decadent dessert that combines the classic flavors of Boston cream pie with the ease of a poke cake. Our Boston Cream Poke Cake is sure to become a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • Ingredients listed on cake mix (eggs, oil, water)
  • 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Prepare cake mix according to package instructions and pour batter into prepared baking pan. 

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

While the cake is baking, prepare the vanilla pudding by whisking together the instant pudding mix and milk in a large bowl. 

Once combined, refrigerate until the cake is ready.

Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. 

Use a skewer or the handle end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.

Poke the holes while the cake is still warm to help the cake absorb the pudding mixture more easily.

Pour pudding over the cake, making sure to fill the holes.

In a small saucepan, heat the chocolate chips and heavy cream over low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.

Pour the chocolate mixture over the top of the pudding layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour, or until the pudding and chocolate are set.

Notes

Tips for Making Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe

  • To make the perfect and delicious poke cake, use a box of yellow cake mix for a quick and easy dessert.
  • Instant pudding is a quick and easy way to add flavor and moisture to the cake. Make sure to use the correct amount of milk specified on the package to avoid a runny or lumpy texture. 
  • You can make your own vanilla pudding from scratch for an extra special touch. 
  • The holes should be poked in the cake while it's still warm. This will help the cake absorb the pudding mixture more easily.
  • When pouring the pudding over the cake, make sure to get it into all of the holes so that every bite is filled with delicious creaminess. 
  • For the rich chocolate ganache, use a high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
  • You can substitute the ganache for a ready-made tub of chocolate frosting. 
  • You will want to keep this Boston Cream Poke Cake in the refrigerator in between serving.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Sharing is caring!

Paula Karalis

Sunday 28th of July 2019

I just made this as a test run for a friend's birthday. It is delicious and not hard to make at all. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe, Reesa!

momma lew

Tuesday 30th of July 2019

Yay! So glad to hear!

Skip to Recipe