Name: Boston Creme Pie Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 5 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Yellow Cake Mix + ingredients the box calls for (recommend replacing water with equal parts milk and adding 1 extra egg for moisture); 2 (3 oz.) packages vanilla pudding (low fat and sugar free is fine); 4 cups milk; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 3 tbsp butter; 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, broken into pieces; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Introduction

Boston Creme Pie Poke Cake is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining moist yellow cake with creamy vanilla pudding and a rich chocolate ganache. It’s easy to make and perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.

A clear glass rectangular dish contains two distinct layers of dessert. The bottom layer is thick, creamy, and pale yellow, with a smooth texture filling most of the dish. The top layer is a rich, glossy dark brown chocolate spread unevenly, showing some swirls and slight ridges across the surface. The dish is placed on a white marbled texture surface, with soft natural light highlighting the shiny chocolate on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 Yellow Cake Mix and ingredients the box calls for
2 (3 oz.) packages of vanilla pudding (low fat and sugar free is fine)
4 cups milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
3 tbsp. butter
4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (a brick broken into pieces works best)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the cake according to the package directions. For a moister, richer cake, replace the water called for with equal parts milk and add one extra egg.
Step 2: When the cake has about five minutes remaining in the oven, whisk together 4 cups of milk and both pudding packages until the pudding thickens but is not fully set.
Step 3: Once the cake is finished baking and still warm, use the back of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface. Pour the prepared pudding evenly over the cake. Refrigerate for about 2 hours until the pudding is set.
Step 4: To make the ganache, heat the butter and heavy cream in the microwave for about 2 minutes until scalded but not boiling. Stir in the chocolate pieces until melted and smooth. Whisk in vanilla and powdered sugar until lumps are gone. If the ganache is too thick, add a few drops of water to reach a pourable consistency.
Step 5: Pour the ganache over the chilled cake and return it to the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, use homemade cake batter instead of a box mix.
Substitute dark chocolate for semi-sweet chocolate in the ganache for a richer, more intense taste.
Try adding a splash of coffee or espresso powder to the ganache for a mocha twist.
Use a glass or metal baking dish to help the cake cool and set evenly.

Storage

Store the Boston Creme Pie Poke Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the pudding filling texture and ganache freshness. When ready to serve, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly, but avoid leaving it out too long to prevent spoilage.

How to Serve

The image shows a glass square dish filled with a layered dessert topped with a smooth, shiny layer of chocolate spread evenly across the top. The dessert appears to have multiple layers visible through the glass sides: a bottom crust layer in a light brown color, a thicker creamy beige layer in the middle, and the glossy dark brown chocolate layer on top. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, and the edges of the glass dish are clear with a slight blue tint. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding?

Yes, you can use homemade vanilla pudding, but make sure it is thick enough to fill the poke holes without being too runny. Chill it slightly before pouring over the cake.

What can I do if my ganache is too thick to pour?

If the ganache is too thick, add a few drops of warm water or cream while whisking until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Avoid adding too much liquid at once to prevent it from becoming too thin.