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Boston Cream Poke Cake
John

Boston Cream Poke Cake With Ganache

This Boston Cream Poke Cake features buttery yellow cake filled with French vanilla pudding and topped with silky chocolate ganache. A simplified version of classic Boston cream pie that's perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 3 hours
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Cake Layer
  • 1 box yellow butter cake mix plus ingredients listed on package
Pudding Layer
  • 2 boxes French vanilla instant pudding mix 3.4 oz each
  • 4 cups cold milk
Chocolate Ganache
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Wooden spoon or chopstick
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven according to cake mix package directions. Prepare and bake yellow cake mix in a greased 9x13 inch pan following package instructions.
  2. While cake is still warm, use the handle end of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the entire surface, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Poke all the way to the bottom of the pan.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until mixture begins to thicken. Let sit for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Pour pudding mixture evenly over the warm cake, using a spatula to spread it into all the holes. Refrigerate for 2 hours until pudding is set.
  5. For the ganache, heat heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until just simmering, about 90 seconds. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 1 minute without stirring.
  6. Whisk ganache until smooth and glossy. Let cool for 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened but still pourable.
  7. Pour ganache over the chilled pudding layer and spread evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Make Ahead: This cake can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
Shortcut: Use store-bought chocolate frosting instead of making ganache to save time.