Boston Cream Poke Cake
Boston Cream Poke Cake is a nostalgic and easy-to-make dessert that combines moist vanilla sponge cake with a rich instant vanilla pudding filling and a glossy chocolate topping. Using the poke technique, the pudding seeps into the cake creating a moist, flavorful treat that resembles classic Boston cream pie but requires minimal effort. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is versatile, delicious, and impressive without complex steps.
- 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 using gluten-free cake mix)
Cake Base
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (or gluten-free yellow cake mix for gluten-free)
- Ingredients required for cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water) as per package instructions
Filling
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
Topping
- Chocolate glaze or chocolate frosting (store-bought or homemade ganache)
- Optional: 2 tbsp butter (if making your own chocolate topping)
- Bake the cake: Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the package instructions and bake it in a rectangular or square pan until the cake is golden and springy to the touch.
- Poke holes: After the cake has cooled slightly (warm but not hot), use the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar tool to poke holes evenly spaced about an inch apart all over the surface of the cake to allow the pudding to soak in.
- Prepare the pudding: Whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Pour the pudding evenly over the cake, gently pressing it into the holes to maximize flavor absorption.
- Chill the cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours (overnight recommended for best results) to let the pudding set and seep deeply into the cake, creating a moist texture.
- Add the chocolate topping: Spread your chosen chocolate glaze or frosting evenly over the chilled cake surface for a smooth, shiny, and classic Boston Cream topping.
Notes
- Cool the cake before poking holes to avoid cracks but keep it slightly warm for easier hole creation.
- Ensure holes are evenly spaced for uniform pudding distribution.
- Use cold milk to mix the pudding for optimal setting and absorption.
- Chill the cake thoroughly to enhance flavor melding and texture.
- Use thick chocolate ganache or frosting to prevent topping from sliding when cutting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Boston Cream Poke Cake, poke cake, vanilla cake, instant pudding, chocolate glaze, easy dessert