Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe – Creamy, Chocolatey, and Unbelievably Easy 🍫🍰

What happens when you take a bakery-classic like Boston Cream Pie and make it way easier to pull off at home? You get this decadent Boston Cream Poke Cake—a dessert that’s as rich and creamy as the original but made with minimal fuss. With fluffy yellow cake, a velvety vanilla pudding filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache topping, this cake checks all the boxes for potlucks, parties, or just a weekend treat.

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Why I Love This Recipe

This poke cake is magic. It has all the iconic flavor of a Boston Cream Pie—custard, chocolate, and cake—but with half the effort. The pudding seeps into the cake creating a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the silky ganache on top takes it over the edge. Plus, it’s make-ahead friendly, which is a lifesaver for busy bakers.

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Ingredients

• 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)

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Swaps and Notes

• Cake Mix: Vanilla or butter cake mix also works.
• Pudding Mix: For a French twist, try French vanilla or even banana cream for something different.
• Ganache: Don’t have heavy cream? Use half-and-half, or even evaporated milk in a pinch.
• Toppings: Garnish with shaved chocolate, sprinkles, or fresh berries for an extra flourish.

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Instructions

1. Bake the Cake

• Prepare yellow cake mix according to box directions.
• Bake in a 9×13-inch pan and let cool for 10 minutes after baking.

2. Poke and Fill

• Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes across the surface of the cake.
• In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup milk, and the instant pudding mix until thickened.
• Pour the pudding over the cake, using a spatula to guide it into the holes.
• Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.

3. Make the Ganache

• In a saucepan, heat 1/2 cup heavy cream just until simmering.
• Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips and vanilla extract until melted and smooth.

4. Top the Cake

• Pour the ganache evenly over the chilled cake.
• Spread with a spatula for a smooth finish.

5. Chill and Serve

• Refrigerate the cake for another 30 minutes, or until the ganache sets.
• Optionally, dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

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Tips for Success

• Don’t skip the chilling time—the pudding needs time to set and soak into the cake.
• Use a metal or wooden spoon handle to create larger holes for maximum filling.
• Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring to avoid melting the pudding layer.
• Make ahead! This cake tastes even better the next day.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Make your dessert table shine with these perfect sweet pairings:

• 🍪 Pair with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs for an over-the-top chocolate explosion.
• 🍌 Add a cool, creamy side like Big Family Banana Pudding.
• 🍫 Want a no-bake backup dessert? Brownie Batter Dip is always a hit.
• 🥧 Keep the no-bake trend alive with No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie.
• 🥜 Chocolate-peanut butter lovers, try The Best Peanut Butter Brownies.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

• Fridge: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. The texture only improves!
• Freezer: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
• Make-Ahead: Great dessert to prep the day before—just wait to garnish until serving.

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More Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re on a dessert kick, here are more treats to keep you sweet:

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs – rich, gooey, and totally over the top.
• No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie – the definition of quick & creamy.
• Big Family Banana Pudding – crowd-pleasing and nostalgic.

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Final Thoughts

This Boston Cream Poke Cake takes everything you love about the original dessert—vanilla pudding, soft cake, and glossy ganache—and makes it simpler, faster, and honestly, a little more fun. It’s the kind of cake that gets recipe requests after just one bite.

If you give it a try, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me! And follow along for more easy, epic desserts just like this one. 🍫🍰

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