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Boston Cream Poke Cake slice with pudding and chocolate ganache

Boston Cream Poke Cake: The Ultimate Guide to This Timeless Dessert

  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Boston Cream Poke Cake is a heavenly dessert with moist yellow butter cake, creamy French vanilla pudding filling, and a rich chocolate frosting or ganache topping. Perfect for gatherings or as an indulgent treat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box yellow butter recipe cake mix & ingredients to prepare it
  • 2 small boxes French Vanilla instant pudding mix & ingredients to prepare it (use 1 box for less filling)
  • 1 tub pre-made chocolate frosting OR homemade chocolate ganache
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped bar (1/2 lb or 1 1/3 cups) – for more ganache, use 12 oz (1 1/2 cups)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (add 1/4 to 1/3 cup more if using 12 oz chocolate)

Instructions

  1. Bake the yellow butter cake as directed on the box using a 9×13 baking pan.
  2. While the cake is still warm, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes about 1 inch apart across the surface.
  3. Prepare the French Vanilla pudding according to package instructions.
  4. Pour half the pudding over the cake, pushing it gently into the holes, then spread the remaining pudding evenly over the surface.
  5. Refrigerate the cake for 1.5 to 2 hours to allow the pudding to set.
  6. If using pre-made frosting: Microwave the tub (lid and seal removed) in 10-15 second intervals, stirring each time until pourable. Spread over the pudding layer.
  7. If making ganache: Combine chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 2 minutes, stir, then heat an additional 1-2 minutes until melted. Whisk until smooth. Let cool 5-10 minutes before spreading over the set pudding layer.
  8. Refrigerate the frosted cake for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use homemade cake and pudding instead of boxed mixes.
  • Do not overheat the frosting or ganache to avoid separating or thinning.
  • For clean slices, chill the cake thoroughly before cutting.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • The cake can be frozen in individual slices for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Boston Cream Poke Cake, poke cake recipe, easy dessert, vanilla pudding cake, chocolate ganache cake