All Recipes
Boston Cream Poke Cake – Easy Chocolate Ganache & Vanilla Custard Layer Dessert
Boston Cream Poke Cake
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- Ingredients listed on box (eggs, oil, water)
Custard Filling
- 2 boxes (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 cups (960 ml) cold milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 1/2 cups (9 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 Tbsp butter (optional, for shine)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare cake per package directions. Bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Cool completely.
- Use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes across the cake surface.
- Whisk pudding mixes with cold milk for 2 minutes. Add heavy cream and vanilla; whisk until smooth.
- Pour pudding evenly over cake, spreading to fill holes. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- For ganache: Heat heavy cream until steaming. Pour over chocolate chips and rest 2–3 minutes, then whisk smooth. Stir in butter if desired.
- Spread ganache over chilled cake. Refrigerate 1 more hour until set. Slice, serve cold, and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Homemade cake option: Use your favorite from-scratch chocolate cake recipe for extra depth.
- Thicker filling: Reduce milk to 3 1/2 cups for a firmer custard texture.
- Flavor twist: Add 1 tsp espresso powder to cake mix for mocha flavor or use white cake for a “reverse” version.
- Storage: Keep covered and refrigerated up to 4 days. Best served chilled.
- Make-ahead: Can be made 24 hours before serving — the flavors meld beautifully overnight!
FAQ
Can I use homemade custard instead of pudding mix?
Yes! Use 2 cups of pastry cream (crème pâtissière) or homemade vanilla custard — it will taste even richer.
Can I freeze Boston Cream Cake?
It’s not ideal to freeze due to the custard, but you can freeze the unfrosted cake layer for up to 2 months and assemble fresh.
Why is my ganache too thick?
If it firms up too much, warm it gently over a double boiler or microwave in short bursts until spreadable.
SEO Keywords
Boston cream poke cake, chocolate pudding cake, easy ganache dessert, vanilla custard layer dessert, creamy Boston cake, pudding poke cake recipe.
