Boston Cream Poke Cake
Boston Cream Poke Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines a soft yellow cake base with creamy vanilla pudding soaked into the cake’s holes, topped with a rich glossy chocolate frosting. This easy-to-make poke cake delivers the classic Boston Cream Pie experience with layers of custard-like texture, moist cake, and luscious chocolate, perfect for any occasion and customizable to fit dietary preferences.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free cake mix is used)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box Yellow Cake Mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 1 package Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix (3.4 oz)
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large Eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 cup Water
- 2 cups Milk (for pudding, adjust for dairy-free option)
Topping
- 1 container Chocolate Frosting (about 16 oz) – milk chocolate or dark chocolate variation
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Start by mixing your yellow cake mix with the required eggs, oil, and water according to the package directions for a moist and flavorful base. Pour the batter evenly into a greased baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 28-32 minutes or until golden and springy to the touch.
- Poke the Cake: Once the cake cools just enough to handle but still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the surface. These holes allow the pudding to penetrate fully, creating luscious creamy pockets throughout the cake.
- Add Vanilla Pudding: Whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with 2 cups of milk until thickened. Slowly pour or spoon the pudding mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into every hole for maximum flavor and moisture infusion.
- Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the pudding-soaked cake for at least two hours or until it sets perfectly, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to become wonderfully custardy.
- Frost with Chocolate: Spread a generous layer of rich chocolate frosting on top once the cake is fully set, smoothing it out for a glossy, irresistible finish that contrasts beautifully with the light pudding and cake layers.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and oil for a smooth cake batter and even rise.
- Don’t skip the poking step to let the pudding soak in deeply.
- Chill the cake thoroughly after pudding application to prevent drying out.
- Spread frosting on a cold cake for easier application and better texture.
- Use high-quality chocolate frosting for the best final flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Boston Cream Poke Cake, poke cake, vanilla pudding cake, chocolate frosting, easy dessert, moist cake, custard cake, poke cake recipe