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Make this easy Boston Cream Poke Cake with a boxed cake mix! A foolproof one-pan dessert with creamy vanilla pudding and rich chocolate ganache. Perfect for parties!

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If you’re a fan of Boston cream pie but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Boston Cream Poke Cake is the perfect easy recipe for you! Made with a boxed cake mix, instant vanilla pudding, and a rich chocolate ganache, this dessert is incredibly simple yet indulgently delicious. It’s a one-pan dessert that’s perfect for beginner bakers, large gatherings, or when you need a sweet treat in a pinch.

Why You’ll Love This Boston Cream Poke Cake Recipe

• It uses a boxed cake mix to fast-track the prep work.
• No-fail recipe—the poke cake method ensures a moist, delicious combination of yellow cake, creamy vanilla pudding, and chocolate glaze. Perfect for even “non-bakers.”
• Perfect for parties, game nights, and potlucks.
• Beginner-friendly with simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cake Base:

• 1 (15.25-ounce) box of Yellow Cake Mix
• 1 cup Whole Milk
• ⅓ cup Vegetable Oil
• 3 large Eggs
• Cooking Spray (for greasing the pan)

Pudding Mixture:

• 1 (5.1-ounce) box Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
• 3 cups Whole Milk
• 4 ounces Cool Whip, thawed

Chocolate Topping:

• 1 ½ cups Heavy Cream
• 1 (12-ounce) bag Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

How to Make Boston Cream Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the boxed cake mix, whole milk, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
3. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and bake according to package instructions, about 30 minutes.
4. Let the cake cool for about 20 minutes at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for another 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pudding Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and 3 cups of whole milk.
2. Once the pudding starts to thicken, gently fold in the Cool Whip.

Step 3: Poke Holes and Fill with Pudding

1. Using the handle end of a wooden spoon or a straw, poke holes all over the top of the cake, about ½ to 1 inch apart.
2. Pour the pudding mixture over the cake, making sure it fills the holes and covers the whole thing.
3. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Glaze

1. In a double boiler or saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until smooth and fully melted.
3. Let the rich chocolate ganache cool for about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Finish and Chill

1. Pour the chocolate glaze over the top of the cake and spread it evenly with a spatula.
2. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 more hours before slicing and serving.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Boston Cream Poke Cake

• Use the handle of a wooden spoon to create large, even holes to allow the pudding to fully soak into the cake.
• Don’t skip the chill time! Letting the cake rest ensures the pudding sets properly and the flavors meld together.
• You can use canned chocolate frosting instead of homemade ganache for a shortcut. Simply microwave it in 10-second increments until pourable.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Experiment with flavors! Swap vanilla pudding for French vanilla pudding or try an Oreo poke cake variation.

More Yummy Chocolate Desserts You’ll Enjoy:

• The Best S’mores Dip Recipe (Cold Creamy Dessert)
• Quick No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
• Best Cosmic Brownie Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Poke Cake Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought frosting instead of making the chocolate glaze?

Yes! To use canned chocolate frosting, microwave it for 10 seconds at a time, stirring in between until it’s pourable. Then spread it over the cake as directed.

How do I store leftover Boston Cream Poke Cake?

Keep it covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. After that, it may become too moist.

Should I let the chocolate topping cool before adding it?

Yes, allow the chocolate ganache to cool slightly before pouring it over the cake to prevent melting the pudding layer.

Can I use vanilla extract in the pudding mixture?

You can add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor, but it’s unnecessary since the instant pudding already has vanilla flavoring.

Do I really need to chill the cake before serving?

Yes! The chill time helps the pudding set and gives the cake its signature Boston cream donut texture.

This Boston Cream Poke Cake recipe is the perfect easy recipe when you need a show-stopping dessert without a lot of effort. Whether you’re making it for a big game, a potluck, or a family gathering, this delicious combination of yellow cake, creamy vanilla pudding, and rich chocolate ganache will be a hit every time!

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